Meet Jason Martinez, Founder of JM Design Co
Where Vintage Style Meets 21st Century Talent

For as long as he can remember, Jason Martinez appreciated art. "I was born with a love for simplicity and elegance." A native of Salinas, Jason brings his unique blend of vintage elegance and contemporary simplicity to his work today as owner of JM Design Company.

Jason's talents distinguished him from the crowd even as a young boy. In elementary school, he sold his drawings to classmates and teachers for a quarter. The young artist was intrigued by the pop culture figures of cartoon and advertising that marked the Americana landscape; Morton Salt, Bazooka Joe, Coca-Cola made a lasting impression, forming the basis for Jason's art and style.
Jason points to two of Salinas' historical marquees as central to the influences that shaped him as a young boy. "I still am inspired by the images that surrounded me when I was growing up, like the Fox Theater and even the Greyhound Bus Station sign here. The old-fashioned ads fascinated me."

At the age of 13, Jason was noticed by instructors and classmates for his artistic abilities, and was enrolled in the Fine. Arts. Magnet. Education (FAME) in San Diego, California. After four years there, Jason's parents decided to move back home after he finished junior high school, so he would be reunited with his friends from childhood.

Upon being voted "Most Unique" by his Senior Class and receiving his diploma from North Monterey County High School, he went directly to Hartnell College for a career that could showcase his talents. While completing his Certificate of Achievement in Multimedia Technology, he interned for the biggest local companies to get experience in the field.

He was accepted for two internships and couldn't decide which one to do first, so he did both. While still attending Hartnell College, he was offered paid positions at both companies. He worked along side Carl Twisselman. As a creative ad designer during the day for The Salinas Californian and a production assistant for NBC Television at night. Jason saw the world news twenty-four hours a day. Jason's job was to make it look good.

After working for such companies as NBC Television, The Salinas Californian and McGrawHill Publishing, Jason decided to attend Brooks College to get a few more skills and then step out into the world of design on his own.

In 2004, he graduated from Brooks College in Sunnyvale, California with an Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design. There his artistry was more deeply refined through the influences of Wassily Kandinsky and the artists of the Bauhaus Movement.

And then in the summer of 2004, JM Design Company was born in Jason's hometown of Salinas, California.

Jason Martinez does all he can to support emerging artists in the area. He offers internships and motivational speeches to young people throughout Monterey County.

Jason is happily married to his wife of eight years Mariana.

"Traditional style matters to me, and I am very influenced by the artists who came before me. Their collective vision is still felt by us all." Jason has a strong connection to history, knowing that what is created today can potentially last lifetimes. He is dedicated to creating logos and images for businesses that will endure the test of time.

If you want to understand me.. Then view my work. -
Charlie Chaplin

If you can dream it... you can become it...if you can imagine it...you can achieve it.
W.A. Ward

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