‘A major bucket list item is to create a graphic for Christopher Hiett on Powell Peralta!’
CRAB SCAMBLY
USA
October 2025
What is your name and where do you live?
I’m Crab Scrambly, and I hail from the deepest, darkest bowels of Southern California.
What inspired you to draw skateboard graphics?
From the first time I wandered into a skate shop and caught a glimpse of the work of artists like Jim Phillips, VCJ, Pushead, John Lucero, Gonz and Neil Blender, I knew that skateboard art was something special that stood apart from everything else. These eclectic images spoke to all the misfits of society that slipped through the cracks. I’ve been trying to capture that same magic ever since in my own illustrations.
‘CJ would also allow Jeff to drive his Porsche really fast, which probably wasn’t the best idea at the time.’
Proudest moment?
I feel extremely lucky and honored to have visited Jeff Grosso’s house to discuss the Donkey graphic that I created for him while he was still riding for Black Label. His enthusiasm was infectious!
How did land this gig with Jeff Grosso?
My friend CJ thought that Grosso and I would collaborate well together, so he asked me to draw something to show him. I always loved the Donkey from his Toy Box model, so I did a rough sketch inspired by that. Grosso loved it and asked me to meet up and discuss it! CJ would also allow Jeff to drive his Porsche really fast, which probably wasn’t the best idea at the time.
Embarrassing or funny moments along the way?
There was that one funny time with Jim Gray… Wait… Every moment with Jim Gray is entertaining and funny!
‘These eclectic images spoke to all the misfits of society that slipped through the cracks.’
You mainly work with ink and acrylic paint. What are the main challenges with these techniques?
Well… These days I mainly use ink, and the main challenge is that if you make a mistake there’s no going back, so you just have to make it work.
What are some of other skateboard inspired artists you follow?
I’d like to give a shout-out to some of my friends that keep me inspired such as Steve Caballero, Mark Desalvo, Aric Dohm, Paul Kobriger, Bobby draws skulls, Mark Kowalchuk, Matty Ice and the Blue Tile Crew… Sorry if I left anyone out!
Which board company do you like most in terms of their graphics?
I can’t pick just one! I’d have to say that some of my all-time favorites are the classics like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, Zorlac, Schmitt Stix and Vision. A few others that are on always on my radar are Black Label, H- Street, Krooked, Hill Skateboards, Creature and Heated Wheel. Yeah… I’m a skateboard art Nerd!
What else is on your wish list?
A major bucket list item is to create a graphic for Christopher Hiett on Powell Peralta! So, if you guys are reading this… hint, hint.
I am sure Steve can help with that. Does Chris have his own pro board?
I only see him skating with decks from the 80ies. While Chris doesn’t officially have his own pro board yet, he is currently testing a prototype that he helped to design. The shape is KILLER!
If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
An interview with Neil Gaiman would complete the circle of my life… His literature really transports you to fantastical places full of wonder, and sometimes you need that escape.