From skate graphics and punk posters to cult album covers and Montréal’s vibrant music scene, Arnopeople’s visual universe is built from a wild mix of influences. Edgy, psychedelic and unapologetically Rock ’n’ Roll, his work brings together skateboarding, music, pop culture and a (not so small) dose of chaos.
For JACKALOPE Montreal 2026, Arnopeople was tasked with creating an artwork that captures the energy of the festival, and this year, putting the vert front and center. The result is a colorful, packed scene set at Montreal’s Old Port, where animal characters soak up the summer, the raccoon rider throw down on the ramp, and the whole crew seems to be having a pretty good time.
We caught up with Arnopeople to talk about his creative universe, the influences behind his work, skateboarding, Montreal, and the story hiding inside the JACKALOPE Montréal 2026 artwork.
Arno, how would you describe your universe?
My graphic approach comes mainly from music, iconic album covers, skateboarding, punk, and 70s and 80s pop culture. I like mixing all of that together to create a kind of visual “gloubiboulga”: impactful visuals with an edgy, psychedelic and Rock ’n’ Roll spirit.
I’m heavily inspired by artists like Charles Burns, Jim Phillips, Raymond Pettibon and Bonnie MacLean, who I consider my mentors.
What was your reaction when JACKALOPE approached you?
I was very stoked to create this visual for an event like JACKALOPE!
For this edition, the vert had to be front and center. I wanted to capture the charged atmosphere, the collective madness, and the friendly, laid-back energy you feel when everyone comes together around a ramp, all in our beautiful city of Montréal, at the Old Port.
What inspired the artwork?
My animal characters come to hang out and admire some seriously talented riders while taking a swim in the St. Lawrence. Basically: chill summer vibe.
I also like creating visuals that have different levels of discovery. The main image hits you first, then there’s a second read where you can find little references and jokes hidden in the background.
I want people’s eyes to have something to discover every time they look at it.
How has skateboarding influenced your creative journey?
Skateboarding and music are actually the two things that made me want to study graphic design. I wanted to design skateboards and album covers, and since I’ve always loved drawing, it was the perfect way to connect those two worlds.
Those subjects constantly inspired my work while I was studying. And then… that’s where I lost control and got sucked into the vortex. Haha!
c. Arnopeople - Antiz Skateboards Pro Models
What do you hope people feel when they see the artwork?
I’d love for people to get lost in the visual and feel that friendly, slightly destructive energy you find at JACKALOPE.
Most of all, I hope the poster makes them want to come down, scream, cheer, and see the incredible riders with their own eyes.
What do you love about working within alternative cultures?
I love it because I come from there. I grew up in it.
Being curious, discovering new artists, admiring all the talent around us, and finding my own place within it is what ultimately made me want to pursue a creative career.
There’s something special about a culture where diversity can be just as beautiful as it is wild.
c. Arnopeople - Selected Works
What’s next for you?
There are plenty of projects coming up. I also have a clothing brand called GOOD CHILL — Angry clothing for chill people, built around felines, skulls and skateboarding.
I also make music with my dark surf/garage band BONEWAVES, as well as through my solo psychedelic pop project SUNNY MONEY.
Go check all of that out on his website : arnopeopledesign.com
Describe the JACKALOPE Montréal 2026 artwork in three words.
SKATE, DESTROY & ENJOY!!!
