Parker Jacobs: Mormon Artist
Parker LeGrand Jacobs is a musician and graphic artist. His ska band, GOGO13, which he formed in his garage with his brother Tyler, is the inspiration behind his brother Christian’s creation of The Aquabats. In the early years, Parker was also the artist behind the costumes, stage design, and merchandise for The Aquabats. Sometimes he donned a costume and played one of the villains or the professor character for music videos and stage shows.
When The Aquabats hit their slump (1999–2004), Jacobs went to work for Paul Frank Industries and stayed for seven years, ultimately becoming Senior Design Director. His training prepared him for his work with Yo Gabba Gabba. Parker continues to work with his brother Christian as art director for Yo Gabba Gabba, a preschool children’s show that has been nominated for several Daytime Emmys and is widely popular. Jacobs received three nominations for art direction and costume design. He was a creative consultant for both seasons of The Aquabats! Super Show!
Jacobs was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1975. Like his siblings (including sister Rachel Jacobs, he acted as a child, appearing in a starring role on the sitcom The Cavanaughs from 1986 to 1989, five episodes of The Wonder Years, several commercials, and various episodes of other shows, such as Charles in Charge and The Jeffersons. Jacobs had vision problems as a child and found drawing a creative outlet. In addition to his work for his brother, Jacobs continues playing with his band and after 18 years released an album in 2012. He is also creating his own TV show property, "Goon Holler." He launched it in 2012 as a book called The Goon Holler Guidebook (with Christian Jacobs and Jon Berrett. In 2014 he published the first of four books called Welcome to Goon Holler. Parker regularly posts drawings on his blog.
Jacobs is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His middle name is in honor of his great-grandfather, LeGrand Richards, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He served a full-time mission to West Virginia. Jacobs lives in Orange County and has two daughters and four stepsons.
