Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Master.
Hi Jay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s been a windy road. I grew up in Boulder, Co. and when I first started college I wanted to be a stockbroker. I went down that path for a few years before I realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do.
My sister and I decided to take a big step and move to Honolulu, HI to get residency and go to college. I began community college there going for my general credits to be able to transfer to the University of Hawaii. I took a digital art class and I knew immediately that was my path. From that point, I worked towards get my AA in Graphic Design and 3D.
After getting my AA degree, I started working for Konami as an interface designer and a voice-over coordinator. It was a great experience working on video games that taught me a lot about production work and how teams collaborate across disciplines. A few years in I realized that I didn’t want to work in video games for the long run, so I moved on and went to UH and got my BA in graphic design, but also double majored in Marketing. This combination suited my goals towards working in ad agencies and design firms.
After graduating, I worked for multiple ad/design firms as well as several in-house jobs.
All of these choices led me to where I am now. I have been working in-house for a company based in Hawaii, ALTRES and running my freelance business on the side.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a challenging path. When I was young, I had different goals that didn’t really align with who actually was as a person. Art had always been my passion, but I hadn’t thought about actually pursuing a career in it. I had to work very hard (and still do) to hone my skills.
Many of the agencies I worked for were very fast-paced, and the communication with the clients in relation to my duties were not always clear. But you learn to maneuver your way. Bruce Lee has a saying that I always remind myself of, “Be like water.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a graphic designer, that specializes in branding. I’ve always loved making logos and applying them to help businesses achieve their goals. One of the positives is that I genuinely feel great in helping people achieve their goals and dreams.
I don’t have one particular project that stands apart from the rest of them, but every project that makes into the wild is a success in one way or another.
I feel I have a knack for simplicity. That comes from my process and how I’m able to communicate with my clients.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. There are a few takeaways that stand out.
The biggest one is to be flexible. We don’t know what is going to be in front of us tomorrow, so there is no use in resisting things that are out of our control. We just have to adapt and work our way around the obstacles. In every crisis, there are opportunities. Those opportunities aren’t just financially related. They can be personal goals, changes in lifestyle, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaymasterdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/live_design_co/
Image Credits
All images belong to Jay Master Design.
