Q: Who is Zombie James?
A: I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. According to my mother I started drawing at the age of 2. I attended Catholic school for 16 years and during this period I became very unpopular with many men and women of the cloth (one priest actually called me a motherf*cker!). I developed a passion for illustration in high school and continued to study fine art and design at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. After my Notre Dame experience I was accepted into the Academy of Entertainment & Technology in Santa Monica where I studied animation.
At age 22 I decided that I wasn't quite ready to dive head first into animation so after I completed an internship at Nickelodeon I found my way into the dotcom industry developing interactive content for corporate websites. I worked as a production artist for an infamous company known as Digital Entertainment Network (DEN) which tanked when the dotcom bubble finally imploded. I took a break from design in 2000 and studied automotive repair and upholstery techniques at West Valley Occupational Center. Working on cars has always interested me so I spent 2 years getting my hands dirty, ie. sanding lots of Bondo and perfecting my french seam.
In 2003 I started a screen printing business which led to an opportunity to work in the sign industry. I spent 3 years designing and installing signage for various businesses in the Los Angeles area. I officially left the sign industry in 2006 but I still accept requests for custom signage.
Q: What does Zombie James do for a living now?
A: I currently work in the themed entertainment industry building sets for television shows, stage shows, trade shows and special events. I have contributed to hundreds of projects including Big Brother, WipeOut, Superstars of Dance, the Golden Globes, MTV VMA's, Image Awards, MAC Cosmetics, Disney, etc. I work closely with creative directors, set designers, carpenters, steel workers and scenic painters to produce all the scenery that is required to construct the sets. I really enjoy my position and there is rarely ever a dull moment in our department!
Q: How did James become a zombie?
A: My transformation was a cumulative result of many consecutive late nights working on various projects, years of self deprivation and a steady diet of protein bars & energy drinks. Apparently my body could not endure this kind of sustained punishment and I ultimately suffered catastrophic organ failure. How I became reanimated is another story...
Q: Is Zombie James related to anyone famous?
A: Yes! My grandfather, Gil McDougald, played for the New York Yankees during the 1950's. He was awarded Rookie of the Year and was the first rookie ever to hit a grand slam during the World Series. My grandfather won five championship rings with the Yankees.
Q: What does Zombie James crave?
A: Besides the obvious addiction to human brains I enjoy watching and playing hockey (Go Cocks!), driving supercharged trucks, consuming thai food, making custom brass knuckles, sketching & doodling, furniture design, tattoos & pinup art. Tool is still my all time favorite band. I can never seem to get enough See's candies...especially the ones with nuts. Sleeping is also one of my favorite activities b/c I have really bizarre dreams thanks to my overactive imagination :)
[ZOMBIE PROJECTS 2009]
5.4L Ford Lighting conversion ("L swap") on my 2000 F-150. Shooting for 450rwhp @ 14 lbs of boost...very UNnaturally aspirated!
Custom "Fighting Cocks" trailer hitch covers. Hand made from aerospace grade T-6061 aluminum with powdercoat finish. This is the prototype:
"Fighting Cocks" Apparel! New t-shirt designs in progress to celebrate a new season of Fighting Cocks hockey. Go Cocks!
My HD is officially up for sale...if you want a fast truck hit me up