I’ve been in and out of airbrushing since I was young but decided I wanted to take it seriously around 4 years ago. I made contact with a few artists who were already in the game, a few turned me down. Then there was Mr. Joe Hernandez… He took me under his wing to teach me, or what he says, how to be confident about my craft. I took on any project that fell into my hands just for the experience and to know in my heart that I was there and I did that.
The Inland Empire has opened its doors and allowed me to run a unique custom car shop. When we opened in 2020, I didn’t think the community was prepared for an artist like me. I’ve heard car guys tell me, I’ve seen you paint and build cars and it’s inspiring. I brought my old car out of the dirt, out of the garage, and got it running. Hearing that makes me feel like I’m doing something right. I’ve talked to so many car guys and women and we all have the same heart for something so beautiful… We love the air blowing through our windows, the smell of gas fumes, the sounds your car makes while bouncing over a speed bump or hitting a dip. The way the tires feel cruising down the 60 freeway at 2 AM, just listening to the wind… You and your car. It’s awesome to be in a community like this one. A true LOWRIDER COMMUNITY.
I’m originally from Los Angeles so the move to the IE wasn’t easy for me, but I adapted and made it home. I enjoy the skies and mountains out here. You really don’t get that in the city where I’m from.
A key part of each project I come across is hearing each car owner tell me what they see in their heads so I can bring it to life. I push for my artwork to be seen as more than painting a car because I connect with my client’s vision and emotions as we see our progress.
– JESSE JAY. LOS GUYS KUSTOMS.
