Extended Artist Bio: Jason Tracewell

With a last name like "Tracewell", it comes as little surprise that Jason is a designer at heart, having drawn up everything from billboards to websites to (of course) t-shirts. As big of a gamer as he is a gearhead, Jason still finds time to doodle designs like "No Sir", "Jacked", and "Revvit" in between motorcycle rides and Rock Band sessions.

Jason put down the sketchpad to answer a few questions:

How did your interest in cars start?

My interest in cars started when I was a kid, playing with Hot Wheels and riding my Big Wheel! I knew from an early age that cars were awesome and their symbolistic freedom was alluring.

How does your interest show itself?

I regularly go for drives and/or rides, just to clear my head. I also love to watch shows like Top Gear and go Go-Karting!

What's at the top of your automotive bucket list?

To drive a supercar of some sort. Definitely a manual if one was available (sadly there aren't many left), but other than that I am not picky, I just want to drive one!

What's in your driveway, and what makes them special?

My wife and I joke that we have a fleet. We have:

• 2013 Mustang GT Convertible - a few tasteful mods (ie: CAI, exhaust, etc.)
• 2012 Ninja 650 - mostly stock.
• 2012 Mini Countryman - all stock, but still fun!
• 2005 Ranger - all stock, just for hauling stuff.
• 2004 Vespa - all stock and is the wifes!

  

What was your first car? Do you have any sort of brand loyalty?

My first car was a powder blue Mercury Zepher wagon... with no heater core and a headliner that was in desperate need of repair. It was my dad's work vehicle that I ended up with when I got my license. It may not have been much, but it got me to school and back! But, my following car was a '68 Mustang handed down to me from my parents. It wasn't in great shape, but I loved that car and ever since I have been a HUGE Mustang fan!

What is your dream car?

That's a hard question. There are so many that I would love to own! But since I am a Mustang guy, I would have to say a 1967 Shelby GT500.

What do you do besides designing awesome shirts?

Designing awesome everything else! I work on everything from billboards (static and electronic) to websites to newspaper/magazine ads to videos and more. I just love to design!

Most of my work is for a car dealership in Northern California, though my latest design for my current personal website was done earlier this year. I also created and maintain websites for a car club in California and their annual car show. I just finished revamping the car show site, but am still in the middle of revamping the car club site...

What are some of your non-car hobbies?

I am a nerd as well as a car guy, so I collect lots of Legos, Funko Pops & Transformers and love to play video games when I have a chance! I am a HUGE Rock Band fan and am pretty good on the drums (I play expert on everything except the really fast stuff). I am a HUGE Mortal Kombat and Killer Instinct fan as well, and have been playing both since the originals were in the arcade! I also enjoy cosplay, and often dress up as Jack Sparrow for ComiCon, Disneyland, Ren Faire, etc.

What have the funds from blipshift helped you accomplish?

So far, I have been able to fix up my bike from a crash I had last year. I did the work myself, but plastic pieces ain't cheap! I also bought some new axle backs for my Mustang.

What are you influenced by as a designer?

I get influence from everything and everywhere! Inspiration usually hits at the most random times, but I love being places where I can take in my surroundings which help the ideas flow.

There's also often stuff from other creators on Teefury or Shirt.Woot that make me think "why didn't I think of that"! There's tons of clever artists out there who also work pretty fast as well, so if you have an idea and don't bust it out quick, you'll be too late!

What's your favorite blipshift shirt?

I love all mine of course, but my favorite that I didn't design would be "Revolutionary".

Any advice for fellow artists? How did you find the process overall?

My advice is to design/draw what you love! The process overall can be a bit crazy, but if you're doing what you love, it definitely helps.

Thanks for your time Jason! You can check out his other geek-tacular designs on his website. Apex Everything!