Just another day slowly losing my mind on Zoom.

So arty, so moody, so stand-against-a-brick-wally.

It can be easy to get shortsighted on the current feature and distracted by a deluge of inputs. I try to keep a holistic view on the user journey and the business needs, to be a voice that illustrates how things connect, and drive elegant solutions that are a win/win.

When I’m excited about a design idea, I want to share that feeling. By giving partners an early view at new concepts, it shows that I value their input and brings a spark of energy to our shared goals.

By treating work with intention, but not taking myself too seriously, I set the tone that it’s ok to be yourself and let your personality shine. Let’s figure out the way forward together, and enjoy the ride. 

With a BFA in Graphic Design, I bring solid design fundamentals to the interactive space. With a trained eye for hierarchy, composition, type and color, I help keep the visuals clean and tight. 

Consistency creates trust in an experience, and a design system creates that consistency. Executing in reusable components and patterns is a UX win for the end user, as well as implementation unlock for our Eng partners.

Copy is the most powerful UI element on a screen—and should be treated with the same level of craft and intent as the rest of the design. I bring my copywriting skills to the party, even better is a content designer specialist to partner with to pack every word with purpose.

Creativity requires vulnerability to risk sharing a new idea. It is a top priority to create a space where it’s safe to be vulnerable. I do this by sharing my own early sketches, seeking out feedback, asking for critique, keeping the mood light. When you feel safe to share freely, that is fertile ground for creativity to thrive.

All the little details matter. The scale of the type, the white space margins, the corner radius, the transition duration and easing settings, the focus state, the gesture and haptic feedback…, a big vision is paid off in the small details.

What matters is what’s shipped. I play whatever role is required to make things real. Get it going, get it live, get it done.

When you know what’s expected of you, performing to that level is more attainable, and it's easier to gain momentum. I often ask what is the next milestone in the project? What do we need to get there? Then I follow through on that assistance.

When we are comfortable with each other, collaboration comes easier. I make sure the team is connecting in meaningful ways throughout the week. Casual times for us to appreciate each other’s personality. Being inclusive of quieter peers. Caring for each other as individuals first leads to a more honest and supportive team.

I believe good design becomes great design when it elicits an emotional reaction. Going beyond frictionless utility and anticipating a need or desire, and delivering delight in a way that only your brand can is the goal.

Product is hard. The answers aren't always intuitive. I value data and research partners to inform design direction. By asking probing questions and keeping a holistic view, together we can uncover those true insight gems.

I like to work fast. I bring my collaborators into my iterative process, showing early work in progress ideas for input. Through casual conversations, the ebb and flow of feedback is condensed to get designs in a place we all feel excited about.

My approach to feedback is to be a designer's champion and help their vision be successful, rather than force my own way. Through conversation, I understand what their intent is, then offer specific thoughts on how to sharpen this intent. Having a clear path forward and continued excitement in the project is the goal.

3 time founding Head of Design.
27 total designers hired.
37 total designers managed.
Giddyup!

I believe a product is a reflection of the culture that creates it. If you are having fun with what you're making and the people you're making it with, that will translate to the end user. But fun is not fake, it has to come from an honest care, respect, and enjoyment of others. I try to model this and help out when the vibes are off. Fun wins.

I partner directly with founders to translate docs, decks, and dreams into functional prototypes. I turn PM strategy bullet points into designs that cause smiles. I'm a trusted confidant with other designers to help mold their work. I'm energized by new ideas and wide open possibilities.

Some kind words from talented folks.

Caroline Olsson O'Toole:
"Jason places a high value on our design team health in a way I’ve never experienced (and could now not live without) with support, collaboration, and empathy at the forefront. He strikes a fantastic balance between proactive critique and open-ended guidance when reviewing work, which has been instrumental in my personal development as a designer."

Nate Baker:
"You’d be hard pressed to find another design leader with equal parts strategic thinking, craft, collaboration, and mentorship. Jason is a rare breed who leans into challenging decisions, delivers thoughtful critique, and always finds a way to lighten the mood. His mentorship and leadership came at a critical juncture in my professional development, and helped me grow by leaps and bounds."

Ayano Elson:
"Jason is both a creative, interdisciplinary designer and a problem-solving practical thinker. We’ve always had a productive and collaborative relationship that makes pushing products forward as painless and positive as possible. Most importantly to me, Jason is a trusted listener who appreciates honest feedback. He has what it takes to lead and inspire a team."

It all starts with listening. Listening to customer needs. Listening to stakeholder goals. Listening to teammate experiences and ideas. Real solutions can only come from deep understanding, so I listen.

Where is the biggest opportunity? Most bang for buck? What is going to make an impression and have someone coming back for more? That is where you will find me. Join me. Let's make something meaningful together.