Jimbo Philips is no stranger to action sports, and neither is action sports to Jimbo. He and his dad, yup it runs in the family, have been making icons of the gear we ride in for over half a century. Their distinctively So Cal MAD inspired artworks as memorable as the first time you landed a flip. Remember the Screaming Hand design? That was Jimbo’s dad. And the puking eye deck graphic? Well, that’s Jimbo’s. 

I have been skating since I was 5 years old, and I have been drawing since I can remember.

And now, back by popular demand, fans of TSG can get their hands on exclusive Ts and helmets, made pretty with Jimbo’s art. 

Check out this four-hit interview with Jimbo and get to grips with his latest art collab for TSG…

Your graphics are so synonymous with board riding that it begs the question: Is art imitating life? Or vice versa? I mean, is your work influenced or an influence on the culture and attitude of action sports?

I have been skating since I was 5 years old, and I have been drawing since I can remember. So, skateboarding and art are a part of who I am, but I am always inspired but what I see happening around me. I am also always stoked to express my stoke and passion through the art I create, and in turn inspire other skaters and artists to create their own version of art, music and board sports.  You could say it’s a symbiotic relationship.

You’ve created so many artworks that have made icons of so much shred specific gear, including the T and helmet, you’ve just pimped for TSG. What is your creative process for making artwork for these diverse surfaces and forms? And does the sport in which it is going to be worn also influence the work?  

My process always starts with an idea.  I will see an image in my head and then I will translate it to paper with a pencil sketch. Once I have a sketch I like, I redraw the image with ink on paper. Then I put it in the computer and add colour for the printing process.

Whatever your creating, it should be fitting for the surface you’re creating it for, but there are different people who like different things, so there is a very broad range of what you can create. Art is in the eye of the beholder!

The graphic T is a staple of any shredder’s wardrobe, whatever their discipline. What do you think makes an iconic T for action sports? And what should a T be – Statement, billboard or symbol of belonging to the clan? 

I don’t think I own a blank t-shirt! A shirt can be an expression of the person wearing it. It can make a bold statement. Or have a cool image that you relate to. Maybe a band you love or a brand your stoked on.  I have always loved bold t-shirt graphics, with eye catching colours and a rad graphic that will make a stranger say, “hey, cool shirt!!”

And finally, if there was a soundtrack that accompanied your graphics for TSG what would be the opening and closing tunes and why? 

My ideal music cycle when creating artwork is some reggae in the morning, like The Gladiators. Then some heavy rock like Black Sabbath. After lunch I’ll put on some fast punk rock like Pennywise or Progandhi. Then for the night shift I’ll throw in some heavy metal like Mastodon or Cattle Decapitation. And to wind down I’ll end with some acoustic jams like Alice in Chains unplugged.