* I say "usually", as I am currently without access to a good Xerox machine for making my key plate films, so for the last 3 or 4 months I have been scanning my pencil drawings into Photoshop and having them output as a film by the service bureau next door to my shop. So I can't technically claim to be computer-free right now.
Q: On the subject of the creative process, how do you work out your ideas? Much of your finished work seems to have a fresh, sketchy look to it. Do you keep a sketchbook or written journal of ideas?
Jay: No, I take forever to fill sketchbooks. I don't normally just draw for drawing's sake. I guess I get that itch scratched by pretty much all of the projects I work on, as I feel like they're all my personal work. I just go "Oh, okay, next is a Melvins print." I listen to the Melvins, and hope that something comes to me quickly.
Q: Has the recession affected the gig poster market? Screen printed gig posters seem like a great way for music fans and art lovers to get original limited edition artwork at an affordable price and I've got to say, as nice as the pieces look in the book reproductions, nothing beats seeing the richness and grain of hand pulled screen prints.
Jay: As a small business owner with employees, I have the same economic concerns as everyone who isn't a banker-pirate, oil baron, or overpaid conservative talkshow pundit. However, due to the fact that our business model is accidentally based on the idea of getting lots and lots of little paychecks instead of a couple of big paychecks, we're continuing to do slightly better every year.
Q: As a new and first time dad, do you find your perspective has changed in terms of balancing home and work and when will you give your daughter her first lesson in screen printing?