Joshua Brumm Creates Longboards to “Soften the World” with Beauty

by Abigail Wisniewski

Among participating in the A Capella Choir, Concordia Improvables and the “Murder by the Book” cast, freshman and Seward native Joshua Brumm runs his own business selling homemade longboards.

Brumm and a friend got the idea to build their own longboards after being unsatisfied with boards that they had purchased. They learned the building process by watching videos on YouTube, bought the necessary equipment and began constructing longboards that best fit their needs.

Brumm now builds and sells the boards on his own. In addition to making longboards for friends, he has sold several on Etsy.com. He enjoys being able to personalize designs for people.

“The good thing about local business is [that] I can show you the layout and see if you like it or not,” Brumm said.

He recently created three insect-themed boards and is now working on designs for a pineapple-themed longboard.

In addition to designing a unique board for each buyer, Brumm makes his boards durable so they can go over bumps without “eating it.”

Brumm takes pride in ensuring quality products for those who purchase from him. Since he is so close to his home in Seward, he is able to ensure the use of quality equipment.

For Brumm, building longboards serves as a stress reliever and an occasional break from school.

“I love making them,” he said. “That’s all that matters.”

As a dual graphic design and art education major, Brumm’s projects are not limited to longboards. He also builds wooden furniture pieces and welds metal art.

Some of his projects include a tree made of chains, metal flowers and a windmill made from a bike tire. He occasionally collaborates with his father to construct bigger pieces.

Recently, Brumm displayed a variety of his work at an art show in Lincoln where he was able to sell some of his artwork and gain exposure.

Brumm’s motivation to create, however, goes beyond turning a profit.

“I love being able to create things and put them out into the world,” said Brumm. “The world is too hard; it needs more beauty. Helping put that beauty out there makes me happy.”

Several of Brumm’s projects can be viewed on his Blue Lamp Art page on Facebook.