Jason is a graduate of Florida A&M University and holds a B.S. degree in Graphic Design. While attending FAMU, he participated in the New York Times intern program and gained valuable experience as an Editorial Artist creating features layouts, illustrations, and information graphics.

Upon graduation, the Orlando Sentinel recruited Jason to join the Editorial Graphics team. In Editorial, he designed feature pages, created maps and charts, and produced both traditional and digital illustrations for the newspaper. He later transferred to the Marketing Department and was promoted to Marketing Art Director - a position he currently holds. Jason's responsibilities include creating brochures, sales kits, billboards, point-of-purchase displays, and ad campaigns that promote the Sentinel and its business extensions. He also discusses initial ideas with management, and presents concepts and final creative to clients.

"It's like being an athlete," Jason says. "You may be gifted, but without practice you won't be able to compete. I'm not just talking technical skills - I'm talking people skills, presentation skills, and overall professionalism." Jason hones those skills by staying ahead of new software trends and by taking inspiration from real life experiences. It's something he recommends for anyone interested in an art career. "Go to art festivals, visit museums, go to cultural events, read magazines or just go to the movies," he says. "You can draw inspiration from anywhere."

He also recommends that students who are interested in an art career take classes in sociology and psychology. "Being an Art Director is more than making pretty pictures," he says. "You have to be prepared to speak to a targeted audience. In order to do that, you need to know who they are and what motivates them." Jason also insists that being a graphic artist requires a solid foundation in art and art history. "Anyone can enter this field with a good knowledge of graphics software. But without traditional art skills, it's all smoke and mirrors," he says. "A good artist always begins by sketching out an initial idea. The computer is just the tool used to execute the idea."

Jason recommends students seeking to enter the graphic design profession "keep a portfolio of everything they've done and carry a sketchbook or digital camera to record random thoughts, ideas and images that can be used later. Seeking out a mentor is also a great way to gain valuable knowledge."