Music taste
Music is one of my greatest inspirations and not a day doesn't go by that there isn't something playing in the background. So, what's on my iPod right now?

I Heard It Through the Grapevine (The Randy Watson Experience Sympathy For the Grapes Mix) by Gladys Knight & The Pips, All Nite (Don't Stop) by Janet Jackson, Whatever Lola Wants (Gotan Project Remix) by Sarah Vaughn, Jazz Music by DePhazz, I Want To Know What Love Is (Piper Club Mix) by Wynonna Judd, Simply Being Loved (Somnabulist) by BT, Light My Fire (Kenny Dope Remix) by Shirley Bassey, Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder, Say Hallelujah by Tracy Chapman, Push (iTunes Original Version) by Sarah McLachlan, and "Wonderwall" by Ryan Adams. Oh, and thank you to my friend Josh in Morro Bay, CA for introducting me to Chopin.
Favorite drink
I have learned to enjoy the finer qualities of espresso. I love experimenting with different drink recipes with my home espresso machine. Making the perfect cappuccino is definitely an art.

I also love to make a killer Mocha Martini. (2 shots mocha, 2 shots espresso, 1 shot (or 2) of Vodka, a cup of Milk, poor on the rocks, shake, and serve. Top with a little whip cream and cinnamon on top for a little flare.)
Favorite quote
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it"
– Goethe
Recommended Books
The Savvy Designers Guide to Success by Jeff Fisher

Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz

The Funny Thing Is... by Ellen Degeneres

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
 
 
 
 

Jason Holland:
designer


Location: Seattle, Washington

www.rjasonh.com
rjasonh.blogspot.com

 
 
 
 
Interview
 

How did you become a designer/artist?

I have been accused of being an idealistic dreamer. I got into design because I realized that I had to follow my heart and never sacrifice or compromise my beliefs. Anytime I compromised, things would backfire.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I'm living the life of the struggling artist trying to find his way in the world. My business has been slow to grow, but day by day I'm learning the lessons it takes to make it a success. I am enjoying the opportunity to redesign the site for my first client, Babies On-The-Go Rentals, Inc. In my art, I'm studying african, mayan, and egyptian art and trying to find new and colorful expressionistic character. I come from a family of determined and creative people with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

What are your plans for the future?

My goal is to finally realize my own success as an entrepreneur. I'm sure I'll probably hit more road bumps along the way, but I am determined to succeed.

What American artist inspires you most?

Walt Disney. As the pioneer in full-length feature film animation, Walt Disney captivated the world with his revolutionary ideas in a time when nobody believed he could do it. With determination and perseverance, he brought animation to the silver screen and took storytelling to a whole new level. If I'm ever feeling like I need a boost of creative energy, I just put in one of Disney's movies.

What unlocks your creativity?

Creativity can be raw and inspiring and I am always inspired by people who push the creative limits in their chosen profession, regardless of whether others said they could succeed or not. My own creativity is driven by a longing to find inner strength and happiness. Sometimes that means living through the pain and struggles of life. Regardless of whatever the ups and downs are, living by the lessons they can teach seems to find its way into my work, design, and art. Knowing that I'm telling an authentic story is an igniting spark for creativity.

 
 
All images have been used with permission. All images are copyrighted and strictly for educational and viewing purposes.
 
 
 
  Web Site
Babies On-The-Go Rentals, Inc.
(www.rent4baby.com)

This was my first client when I started designing web sites independently. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to redesign the site, seven years later. Its exciting to see the evolution of my work in this project.
 
 
 

Cafe Amore
32" x 32"
Pastels on canvas

The benefit of living idealistically is that it becomes very transparent in your art. In an ideal world, this would be the view I would smile to see everywhere.
 
 
 


Web Site
Mark Hollenstein
(www.markhollenstein.com)

Mark is a remarkable healer and the design of his site had to reflect the inner strength of his work. The design for the site was inspired by simplicity and Fung Shua pinciples.

 
 
 
Morro Bay Rock
24" x 20"
Pasels on canvas

Morro Bay, California is like a second home. Its where my grandparents live and great grandparents lived. It has always been a place of retreat and rejuvenation.  This piece is a depiction of its most popular landmark, "the rock" in the bay.
 
 
 

Web Site
Willows Inn Bed & Breakfast
(www.willowssf.com)

Willows Inn is a charming and unsuspecting B&B in the heart of the Castro in San Francisco. The design for the site had to reflect the personable hospitality and charm of the inn. Everybody that goes there is so surprised that there is this little haven in the heart of the bustling city. 

 
 
 

Web Site
Jason Gray
(www.jasongray.com)

 
 
 
 
 
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