Catching Up With Jay Howell
We caught up with Cali Creator Jay Howell at this year’s Aftershock Festival and asked him our burning questions.
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER SEEN AT A MUSIC FESTIVAL?
Oh my god, dude. I don’t even know if I’m going to answer that question. Holy crap.
WHAT ART PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Bob’s Burgers, baby. Little Tina. Little Tina — that’s my girl. I’m most proud of that out of anything.
WHAT BAND ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE?
The band I’m most excited to see at Aftershock Sacramento 2026: absolutely Insane Clown Posse, period. Only.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSIC FESTIVAL RITUALS?
Turkey and cheese sandwich, and no beer till 3 p.m.
DESCRIBE AFTERSHOCK IN 3 WORDS
Under the freeway.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO CREATE ART?
The best time to start doing something was two years ago. The second best time is right now. Okay, so get on that. If you’re not doing it right now — well, come on, just do it. Who cares? The world is insane.
HOW MANY MARKERS DO YOU GO THROUGH IN ONE YEAR?
Shit, I know I went through, um, probably 35 today, so that’s a lot. Definitely many Sharpies.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’LL NEVER STOP DRAWING?
Something I’ll never stop drawing: dogs. I just like their spirit. I like them more than people, so always dogs. Never stop drawing them, ever.
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I like the freaks, I like the weirdos, I like anyone who’s doing stuff on their own. I like the zines and the comics. I love the self-publishers. I love the independent artists. That’s my inspiration — absolutely people coming out of left field and impressing me. That’s my inspiration, always.
DESCRIBE YOUR ART IN THREE WORDS
The best art.
WHAT’S THE MOST PUNK THING ABOUT YOU?
The most punk thing about me: I’m DIY forever. I’m all about that stuff. Come on, I’m totally punk.
IF YOU COULD ONLY LISTEN TO ONE BAND OR MUSICIAN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
One band I will listen to the rest of my life is a German band called Can. C-A-N. They’re my favorite band in the world. I listen to them constantly. They’re total freaks, and I love them.
WHAT DOES YOUR MUSIC FESTIVAL RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
None. I just keep going. I don’t ever stop for a second. Maybe one travel day that I can recover, and then I’ll hit it again immediately.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN AN ART PIECE IS FINISHED?
Careful planning and great taste, really, on my part.