Meet Jeffery Lawson | Art Director, Illustrator, Senior Designer and Proud Veteran

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeffery Lawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeffery, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Hey there! Thanks for having me today—I’m excited to share what inspires and motivates me. As you read through this article, you’ll encounter friends, mentors, heroes, and experiences that have shaped
who I am. I hope this helps you get to know me a bit better.

Before we dive in, I want to mention that the next section is inspired by my friend and pastor, Matt Smith.
As a human being, I’ve often questioned not just my creativity but also my identity and purpose. This next
section profoundly shook the very foundation of who I am and also inspired both the intro to this article
and the way I’ve shared my story.
Let’s start by exploring the question…
Recently, I had the pleasure of hearing Matt deliver a sermon titled “TESTIFY,” which has become a
guiding principle for me. This phrase embodies the idea that we are experts on what God has done for us,
and we need to continue to bear witness to it.
To understand why this is important, let’s delve deeper.
First, we must remember that sharing our story “Builds Confidence.” Being ready and willing to frequently
tell your story is essential because you need to hear it yourself. Often, we find ourselves in seasons of
uncertainty, facing disappointment and doubt, and reaching for doors that always seem to be locked. And
in those moments, when we wonder what God is doing in our lives, we need to remind ourselves of the
things He has done. The reason to tell your story is so that others can be informed and you can be
inspired.
Second, it “Offers Comfort” to those who hear your story. By sharing the difficult and painful parts, you
provide solace to others who might be going through similar situations. Whether it’s losing a job, a loved
one, or dealing with depression, your story can be a beacon of hope, showing that they are not alone and
that they can reach the other side.
Third, it “Generates Curiosity” about the God that’s tethered to your story and how, regardless of the
challenges you faced, you somehow had a sense of peace in moments that never made sense. It is your
testimony that the Lord leverages to create curiosity in others about the One who has radically changed
who you are.
Finally, it “Gives Credit” to the Lord for who you are. It acknowledges His role in shaping your life and
story, recognizing His influence and the impact He’s had.
Together, these elements highlight the power of testifying to your journey. They lead others to ask why
you have hope and inspire them to seek the same hope in their own lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Certainly! Let’s explore how I arrived at where I am today and uncover some lesser-known aspects of my journey. We’ll dive into key moments and highlight the experiences that have significantly shaped my perspective on the world today.

Phase 1: Growing up wasn’t easy. I faced numerous challenges that would shape my path. Here are a few examples: After my parents separated, we moved in with my grandma into government housing, where we couldn’t always afford the newest or best things. As one of the smaller kids, I was frequently picked on, especially because of the clothes I wore. Early on, I discovered that I had multiple learning and writing disabilities. I was often angry and frustrated with the world, but I learned to channel those emotions as I moved forward.

Phase 2: For a long time, I was a rebellious spirit well into my twenties. The idea of joining the military seemed utterly absurd to me. If you had told me as a youth that I would enlist, I would have laughed it off. However, I come from a military background—my grandpa served in WWII and earned a Bronze Star for rescuing his entire squad by pulling them from one foxhole to another. Hearing stories of how he rarely spoke about his experiences to anyone else, except me, sparked a sense of duty and respect that eventually became the catalyst for my decision to join the army.

Phase 3: This strong family history and sense of duty propelled me into military service. During my time in the army, I faced challenges and gained experiences that not only shaped my character but also influenced my artistic journey. Specific moments, such as my deployments to Iraq in 2011 and Afghanistan in 2013, provided me with unique perspectives amidst the chaos of war. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the fragility of human life and instilled in me a profound commitment to honoring the fallen by living a life of purpose.

Phase 4: Fueled by a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to leave the military after six years to pursue a new career in design. After departing Fort Hood, Texas, on a Friday afternoon, I drove straight to North Carolina and then on to Savannah. I unpacked and was in a classroom by Monday morning—a transition that hit me like a ton of bricks. The first few years were challenging as I adjusted to civilian life, explored my new identity, and faced the lingering effects of combat, including depression and anxiety, all while managing my learning disabilities. Despite these hurdles, I found a thriving path in experimental motion design and mentoring. My passion for education and learning, inspired by professors like Dominique Elliott and Michael Betancourt during college,steered me toward this new direction and a renewed sense of purpose in the form of mentoring and art directing

Phase 5: Fast forward five years, and all these phases and experiences have become the essence of who I am today. The trials of my past have fused with my creative pursuits, shaping my current path. Each phase has contributed to my growth and direction, and today, I channel these experiences into my work, striving to create meaningful and impactful designs. My journey has not only defined my career but also reinforced my commitment to mentoring and guiding others, ensuring that the lessons I’ve learned are shared and valued in my creative and professional endeavors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a self-proclaimed nerd and motion geek, I’d naturally plan a trip brimming with the coolest and geekiest spots. Here’s my itinerary:

Day 1: Video Games and Hollywood

Breakfast at Eggslut: Kick off the day with mouthwatering egg sandwiches.
Noon: Tour the studio of some of my favorite designers and animators at We Are Royale.
Evening at Universal Studios Hollywood: Dive into movie-themed rides and enjoy the Studio Tour.
Day 2: More Gaming and Movie Magic

Morning at Barcade: Savor drinks and play classic arcade games.
Noon: Visit one of my favorite motion studios, Bien.
Dinner and Evening at The New Beverly Cinema: End the day with a classic or cult film at Quentin Tarantino’s iconic theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Since we’re discussing motivation and resilience, there’s no better person who deserves more credit than one of the most inspirational individuals I’ve had the privilege to meet in my career. During my military service, I had the pleasure of serving with Staff Sergeant Brandon Thompson, widely regarded as one of the best leaders I’ve ever encountered. In the army, they say ‘leaders lead from the back instead of the front,’ and he certainly exemplified that in more ways than one. His leadership style often inspired those around him to take initiative without needing to be told. Among the many lessons I learned from him, none was more impactful than his dedication to caring for those around him. While it’s been about 10 years since I left active duty, the idea of caring for people and fostering their growth remains the most important professional trait I hold dear.

Website: https://www.jefferyl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyl.png/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyldesign/

Other: https://vimeo.com/jefferyl
https://www.jefferyl.com/paintbox

Image Credits
Headshot Portrait by: Nicholas Roth

Photo 3: Grunt Style – Joseph Cannon

Photo 4: Gabriel Alvarez