Meet Jason Snell | Design, Illustration, Motion & Art Direction

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

Hi Jason, what matters most to you?
Working with really good people is the foundation of everything I do in business. As I get older, more seasoned, that is my number 1 principle the matters the most, working with good people.

Talent and skill are essential, but it’s the integrity, collaboration, and shared values that truly drive success. Surrounding myself with individuals who are not only exceptional at what they do but also genuinely good people ensures a positive and productive work environment. This fosters trust, creativity, and a sense of purpose in every project, making the journey as rewarding as the outcome.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When a buddy is visiting Cincinnati, there are some killer spots we’re going to hit. I always love grabbing a coffee down at Urbana Downtown Cincinnati, good vibes and great coffee — then walk across the street to Fountain Square maybe hit Smale Park and then head up to Northside to Shake-It Records. One of the best record shops in the world, the Blase Brothers are the best. Grab a drink and a burrito at the Comet, and maybe some karaoke at Northside Tavern with Sexy Time Karaoke.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Joe Vele, an Emmy-nominated Director, Producer, Editor and “Do-It-All” hustle in the film industry. Joe is an amazing human who pushed for me to jump on board and Art Direct the “Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story,” official documentary on Peacock, NBC. He’s been very instrumental in helping me break into the film industry – trustworthy, razor-sharp and can get it done. Nothing but mad respect for Joe.

Website: https://www.snellbeast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonsnell/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonDSnell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasondavidsnell

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@snellbeast_jasonsnell

Other: https://www.behance.net/jasonsnell