Some Like it straight up black. Some like it clear. Some like it cut up into pieces and others need designs covering every inch. Everybody needs it. Griptape.
Since the dawn of skateboarding time, griptape has been used not only for its intended purpose, but also used as an expression of one's self to the world. It is a convenient way to show off your meticulous knife skills, amazing sharpie creations, or your steady handed spray can abilities. It can even be a way to show your fellow skaters that you mean business and your skating demands the utmost respect and no tom foolery is allowed here. Tricks only, straight up black grip.. you might just go through boards so fast that grip art seems tedious and a waste of time or you could lack the artistic vision to design your grip.
However you decide to apply your grip doesn't necessarily exactly reflect you as a person... if you let the guy at your favorite local shop grip up your board, that is totally fine! More time 
for skating!! I personally have gone in waves, sometimes creating a design with my grip, other times sitting and painting and tagging on my grip, and most often I will just set up straight up black grip.
I have seen allot of really cool things done with grip tape, from brick patterns cut out before application to full nose to tail psychedelic color designs, but everyone one of those pieces of grip was attached to the most important thing... a skateboard! However you choose to apply that grip, just make sure you go skate it to the best of your ability!!
