Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Dempsey
Hi Jason, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative person. I would draw and write a lot as a kid. As I got older, I started to translate my creativity into things like hand-painted t-shirts, which, in high school, became somewhat of a side business. In college I started to pay attention to more digital influences…I started looking at artists who were doing some amazing things in compositing. I wanted to do it! I didn’t have money for the fancy software so I started, very humbly, in Microsoft Paint…splicing different images together to make something new. I kept studying the artists I admired online and tried to imitate them. I eventually got my hands on Adobe Photoshop and it was on from there. I immersed myself in design tutorial blogs and videos, following them step by step. I began to teach myself not only how to navigate the software, but about design in general. Over time, I started to take on little freelance projects like mixtape covers and party flyers which kind of jump-started me into designing more professionally. Eventually, many years later, I would get hired as a photo retoucher at SPANX—my first real “agency” experience. I learned everything I could from my mentors/supervisors and eventually ended up at a marketing agency working on client accounts including McDonald’s, Susan G. Koman, Caresource, and Zoo Atlanta. It was onward and upward from there. I worked at a few other agencies since then and have worked with larger clients like AT&T, Coca-Cola, Southern Company and Cricket. Over the years, my freelance work shifted from general design to visual identities where I gladly worked on projects for Teadrops, BLK&BOLD Coffee, Danessa Myricks, Alex Elle, and Treasure Tress.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I’ve had to learn how to set pricing, invoice, manage projects and client expectations, and juggle time for work, my family and myself. I don’t think the learning ever stops—there is no end, just an evolution.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I see myself as a Brand Designer. Although I’ve worked on lots of campaigns and in different areas of advertising, branding and visual identities bring me the most passion and happiness. I think my informal training has given me somewhat of an edge in drive and in execution of lots of things that I create for people.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve honestly never had a proper, formal mentor. But there are a handful of people I’ve encountered in my career who kind of took me under their wing and showed me the ropes, taught me new skills and perspectives on things that I will always remember.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jsndmpsy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jsndmpsy
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jsndmpsy
