We recently connected with Jeffery Lawson and have shared our conversation below.
Jeffery, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Well, this is such a great question to start with and is one that is near and dear to my heart. As a combat veteran, I can tell you exactly when I knew I wanted to pursue my creative career in design. Let’s take a trip back to 2013 when I was deployed in Afghanistan and stationed at BAF, also known as Bagram Air Base. One early morning at 3 am we had been woken up by the sound of sirens alerting us to incoming missions for the base. This had become a regular thing during the deployment as enemy combatants would attack at night with mortars. The attack would only last about 20-30 minutes and we would be given the all-clear. Later that morning I woke up and grabbed my Nikon Camera that I had brought with me overseas. It just so happened that on this day I was given some spare time and was allowed to go around and take some photographs. I started by going around and photographing my fellow soldiers to document their time in camp. Then as the morning progressed I started to photograph everyday elements and even the environment. When at moments noticed I saw the sun peak over the mountains above the barbed wire. As I stood there, camera in hand, something within me stirred. The juxtaposition of the natural beauty against the harsh reality of the barbed wire created a visual poetry that spoke volumes. It was a moment frozen in time, a snapshot of contrasts that begged to be captured and shared. At that very moment, something in my head came to mind about the mountains and they became my metaphor for boundless possibilities, and the barbed wire symbolized the harsh nature of combat. I decided from there on out I would dedicate my time and energy to my creative pursuits and in the following weeks and months, in between missions and duties, I began to meticulously curate a portfolio that would encapsulate the essence of my newfound creative passion. Once the portfolio was complete I decided to take a bold leap and applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Within a few weeks after that, I got word that I was accepted and so, with an acceptance letter from SCAD in hand, I embarked on a journey that would shape the next chapter of my life. And as they say, the rest is history.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Howdy Folks!
For those new to my brand/story, allow me to introduce myself and give you a glimpse into the journey that led me to where I am today. My name is Jeffery Lawson and I am deeply passionate about motion graphics and printmaking. The origins of my venture can be traced back to my childhood, where watching movies like “The NeverEnding Story,” “The Goonies,” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” planted the seeds of inspiration and creativity in me. This passion is what led me to motion graphics and my desire to make a significant impact in my industry.
Throughout this journey, my goal has been clear: To tell beautiful stories through the use of various toolsets. As I grew into this industry, I have
come to know and understand who I am as an artist a little better and add more tools. Unique aspects of my approach include both my personal history and the versatile toolkits applied across various projects. As my grandfather wisely said, “If your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” It’s a truth we can’t overlook—tools aren’t just for jobs; they serve specific tasks. Knowing when to pick them up and when to set them aside is key.
For newcomers, be they followers or friends engaging with my work, it’s essential to grasp my fervor for all things vintage and hands-on. Having embarked on my graphic design journey in the early 2000s with a focus on manual techniques, I perceive this as a somewhat neglected art in our modern digital landscape. It’s a unique facet that distinguishes my approach to motion design and allows me to pay homage to the time-honored methods of the past.
In closing, I extend a sincere invitation to you to join me on this invigorating journey. Together, let’s not only explore the realms of motion and design but also delve into the shared tapestry of experiences that life unfolds. Your involvement is not just valued; it’s essential in weaving the fabric of our collective narrative. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and navigate the twists and turns of this fascinating journey with you.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the core of my pursuits is a deeply personal commitment tied to the sacrifices made by those in the pursuit of freedom. Each morning, I am reminded of the profound appreciation for those who paid the ultimate price on the battlefield. This awareness emphasizes the value of time and others’ sacrifices. In their honor, I am dedicated to embracing kindness, living fully, and actively supporting those around me. Additionally, the weight of friends lost to suicide reinforces the importance of compassion in our interactions.
Paying homage to fallen comrades and departed friends, I carry a solemn responsibility to remember their sacrifices. Forgetting risks diminishing the value of our freedoms. My daily actions become a heartfelt pledge to ensure their legacy lives on. By honoring their memory through acts of kindness and remembrance, I contribute to a world that upholds the principles they fought for.
I strive to repay the tremendous debt owed to them through daily commitments. This debt serves as a constant reminder of our responsibility to carry their legacy forward, forging a future that reflects the ideals they defended.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Educational:
Gunner School
Ben Marriott
School of Motion
Mograph Mentor
Professionals:
Amanda Russell
Cory Livengood
Mack Garrison
Eddy Nieto
Erin Sarofsky
Ossian Mendoza
Justin Cone
Ryan Summers
John Mcgowan
Robert Delaney
Studios:
Dash Studio
Cream Studio
Sarofsky
Inhouse DuoLingo
Hobbes
Boxfort Detroit
MadeByThings
Oddfellows
Eido
PixelPark
Books on Creativity:
Design for Motion – Austin Shaw
Animated Storytelling – Liz Blazer
Motion Design Toolkit – Austin Shaw + John Colette
The History of Motion Graphics – Michael Betancourt
Creative Podcasts:
Between the Keyframes – Austin Shaw + Erin Sarofsky
Signal the Noise – Filipe Carvalho
The CMD-Z Show – Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon
School of Motion Podcast – Various Hosts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jefferyl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyl.png/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyldesign/
- Other: Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/jefferyl Gumroad – https://jefferyldesign.gumroad.com/ Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/jefferyldesign/
Image Credits
Headshot Portrait by: Nicholas Roth