CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER THE O GROUP, NEW YORK NY
Team leader. Luxury branding expert. Creative director. Design advocate. Jason turns big thinking into tangible assets through every phase of The O Group’s branding, campaign and project work. A graduate of Penn State, he’s a car lover, foodie and snowboarding enthusiast. An admirer of Mid-Century Modern architecture, he resides in a 1959 “never-ending work-in-progress” with his wife and son in New Jersey. Jason has overseen and personally developed creative direction for a multitude of high-end clients including Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami, Artistic Tile, Belvedere Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, Chef Michael White’s Ai Fiori and Vaucluse Restaurants, Donald J. Pliner, Glenmorangie Scotch Whiskey, Godiva Chocolatier, the Guggenheim Museum, Hennessy Cognac, Lacoste USA, Moët & Chandon, Piaget, Rémy Martin Cognac, Robert Marc Eyewear, Salvatore Ferragamo, The Pierre Hotel, VOSS Water and more.
WHERE OR HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN WORK?
I really try to bring together Category, Culture and Consumer to influence and inspire my work. I love to create dynamic tension between disparate ideas and contextual elements to drive big design ideas forward. I love the energy and power of New York City and I see things everyday that relate directly to the projects I work on.
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born, raised and continue to reside in suburban New Jersey less than an hour from NYC. For as long as I can remember, I knew I’d work in Manhattan, so it’s been a part of me and my life for (what feels like) ever. Again, the contrast of my city workdays with my suburban lifestyle is a great source of inspiration and information. The 40-minute train ride into work everyday is some of the most productive time I spend all week.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Black
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
I can do anything with Futura
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
I don’t really watch episodic TV but I think Seinfeld is one of the most creative pop-culture properties ever.
FAVORITE BOOKS?
Zag! by Marty Neumier, Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
FAVORITE MOVIES?
Star Wars
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Bob Marley, Phish, Beastie Boys
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram
FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Adam Malamut, Pablo Picasso
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
I care too much
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
I wish I was quicker with numbers
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Figure out what you want to do and do it. Don’t wait.
IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Chef? Snowboard instructor? Both?
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
If you always try your hardest, you never have anything to regret.
