Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Snell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Embarking on a dynamic design journey spanning over two decades, I’ve channeled my creative passion into crafting compelling brand experiences for global giants like Amazon, ESPN, and Netflix. My arsenal includes design, illustration, motion, and music, all woven together to tell stories that resonate and inspire. Beyond personal success, my mission has evolved to empower young talents, ensuring they seize their own design opportunities.
Beginning in Cincinnati’s agency scene with Grey and Landor, I eventually founded We Have Become Vikings (WHBV) in the vibrant heart of Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati. Here, alongside a talented team, we not only built a thriving design studio but also a community hub with a storefront and screen printing services that celebrated the culture and communities of the Cincinnati creatives. The adventure truly took flight with unexpected journeys like a year-long stint in Seattle, collaborating on Amazon’s Fire Phone.
This experience fueled my desire to merge creativity with impact, driving me to facilitate creative problem-solving and foster inspiring work within our communities working with Artworks, Cincinnati Bengals and King Records.
Family life beckoned, prompting a pivot and the sale of WHBV, just before the pandemic reshaped our world. Navigating parenthood during those tumultuous times, I harnessed my determination to forge a new path with SnellBeast — a home-based haven for design, animation, and illustration. Amidst this reinvention, an exhilarating opportunity arose: spearheading the visual narrative for NBC/Peacock’s “Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story,” marking my foray into television and feature film.
Today, fueled by a passion to cultivate creativity and amplify stories that resonate, I continue to blend artistry with advocacy, aiming to elevate brands and inspire future generations of designers to dream big and craft even bigger.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The last decade of my design journey has been a testament to resilience and growth. Through navigating agency ownership, selling my business, weathering a global pandemic, and embracing parenthood during unprecedented times, each challenge has shaped me into a stronger creative force. Now, as I embark on a new chapter with a solo venture, I’m fueled by the lessons learned and inspired to create meaningful work that reflects my passion and determination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For over two decades, my passion has been crafting in design, animation, and illustration. From global brands like ESPN and Taco Bell to local gems like my neighborhood coffee shop, I thrive on bringing visions to life. There’s nothing more fulfilling than collaborating with others, helping them nurture their passions and ideas into vibrant creative realities. Recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for drawing, which has been gaining traction alongside my expertise in creative direction and animation, creating a unique blend of artistic innovation.
A career highlight for me was the opportunity to Art Direct the official documentary for Run DMC on NBC/Peacock. This project not only expanded my skills but also opened doors to more ambitious ventures in feature-length films. From initial sketches to final animations, I pride myself on seamlessly blending design, illustration, and animation with expert direction. This holistic approach, from concept to execution, allows me to stand out in the global creative landscape. Everything takes time, but, I keep trying to punch in and punch up!
What were you like growing up?
I hail from Dayton, Ohio, steeped in a blue-collar upbringing that shaped my sister’s and my upbringing. The late 80s to early 90s was our golden era, filled with Transformers, Legos, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Star Wars and the music of Run DMC, NWA, Tribe Called Quest, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Guided By Voices. Nintendo, MTV and SportsCenter were our go-to for entertainment.
I enjoyed drawing, playing sports, and collecting baseball, football, and basketball cards. I vividly remember sketching my favorite athletes from Beckett Magazines and adorning my room with Drew Struzan’s posters. It was a magical time, just before the internet revolutionized everything. Instead of tablets, we waited our turn to crush Super Mario Bros and Tecmo Super Bowl.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.snellbeast.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonsnell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasondavidsnell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsnell/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JasonDSnell
- Youtube: youtube.com/@snellbeast_jasonsnell
- Other: https://vimeo.com/jasonsnell
Image Credits
All imagery by Jason Snell
