The Beginning of a Journey

Photo portrait of person with green hair and round glasses, smiling.
Photo of Jasper

Welcome to Jottings by Jasper! I’m Jasper, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Emerging Media and Digital Art, with the addition of a few business-focused certifications along the way. My passion tends to lie in merging creativity and strategy. Whether creating 3D models, designing compelling characters and creatures, or diving deep into marketing, I’m on an exciting path combining art and business.

In my creative journey, I’ve always found ways to combine my artistic abilities with my desire to learn how things work behind the scenes. With a background in 3D-modeling and illustration, I’ve honed skills that allow me to create visually compelling designs, which I aspire to do professionally in the game design industry. However, as an artist and designer, I recognize the importance of being able to navigate the business world to secure opportunities and ensure my work is seen and valued.

As someone who is disabled and queer, I often approach both my art and my career with an inclusive, empathetic mindset. Being part of these communities has given me a unique perspective on how representation in media, especially in games, can make a real impact. I want to be part of a new wave of creators who challenge traditional designs and create characters that resonate with people of all kinds. To me, design is not just about aesthetics; design is about ensuring that these designs speak to the human experience, no matter how fantastical or practical the subject is.
Alongside my degree and certifications, I work in social media marketing and engagement and hold a position at the Student Recreation Center. Managing social media, content creation, and engagement strategies has been an incredible way to sharpen my skills in digital marketing. I’ve learned the ins and outs of audience interaction, brand identity, and how to craft messages that truly resonate with clients. These experiences have given me a solid foundation for my marketing goals and broader ambitions in the creative industries.

Digital drawing of a person with clown makeup on, frowning.
“Clowning Around: A Self Portrait” by Jasper, Done in Procreate

As I near finally completing my degree and certifications, my goal is clear: I aim to break into the game design field before I turn 22. I’m driven by a desire to combine my passion for art, my experience in marketing, and my drive to help tell stories that resonate. My work is not just about creating cool characters; my work is about creating art that speaks to people and understanding how to share that art with the world. My long-term vision includes not just designing for games but also helping to lead projects that balance creativity with market engagement.
This blog is a space for me to explore various aspects of the industries that fuel my interests. I’ll be diving into topics related to marketing, eCommerce, design, and the powerful influence of advertising, among other things. Each of these areas ties back to my larger goal of becoming a flexible game designer with a business-oriented mindset. By combining creativity with strategic thinking, I hope to learn not just how to make compelling designs but also how to make them stand out in a competitive industry.

A 3D render of a pink and yellow machine
“A Simple Machine” by Jasper, Done in Cinema4D

When I’m not immersed in academics or work, you’ll probably find me unwinding in my room, either diving into a video game or reading something new about sloths. Sloths have been my absolute favorite animal for as long as I can remember. There’s something incredibly comforting about their slow, deliberate way of moving through the world. As someone who often feels anxious and is constantly thinking about what’s next, I’ve come to admire their chill presence. They remind me to slow things down, breathe, and appreciate the moment. And sometimes, appreciating the moment means getting lost in a game and exploring an entirely different world at my own pace. After all, I wanted to start designing games and characters because of the freedom I found in playing through them. And if it weren’t for these moment of relaxation, burn-out would eat me alive.

That balance between creativity, stratgey, and a mental “cool down” plays a big role in how I approach both art and marketing. In this blog, you can expect to find reflections on everything from design outlooks to how advertising influences our everyday interactions with digital art and media. As someone who is attempting to balance the artistic side of creation with the business side, I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights as I continue on this exciting journey. Whether you’re someone with a passion for game design and marketing or just a curious soul looking for something new, I hope you’ll join me in exploring these subjects.

Thanks for reading, and I’m excited to share more with you as my journey unfolds!