Personal Statement

I build creative systems that scale, and I build the people who run them.

My work centers on blending explosive creativity with polished execution, supported by systems that make bold ideas deliverable, repeatable, and profitable. Over nearly two decades in the screenprinted apparel industry, I’ve led teams, refined operations, and collaborated with global brands including Nike, Under Armour, Universal Music Group, Hurley, Capcom, Adidas, Quiksilver, Impact Wrestling, and D1 NCAA® Institutions.

As Art Director at JNJ Apparel, I don’t just lead design, I design the process. From scalable creative workflows to department standards and cross-functional alignment, I’ve architected creative systems that turn high-volume demand into high-quality output. At the same time, I invest deeply in mentorship and team development, helping designers grow into operationally minded creatives with a bias for quality, ownership, and execution.

My design philosophy starts with a question: What do we want people to feel, and what does the product need to do to get us there?

Whether I’m building private label lines, hot market NCAA® apparel, or artist merch for legends like KISS, Def Leppard, and Aerosmith, I bridge bold creative sparks with strategic intent—and often a dose of nostalgia. The goal: designs that resonate, connect, and convert.

Creativity doesn’t live in a vacuum. It lives in a system. And I build both.

Where I Have Been

JAYTEEAYE: Behind the Moniker

The Big Band Theory

Music has always been more than just sound to me — it’s design in motion. Even as a teenager, I wasn’t just listening to bands, I was looking at them: album covers, logos, posters, and merch. My school folders turned into a collage of rock and roll branding, and somewhere in that mosaic, a creative path started to emerge.

I picked up a guitar and started playing in bands, but quickly realized that every piece of media the band needed — flyers, artwork, shirt designs — would have to come from me. So I taught myself the tools, the software, and the language of design. That DIY spark became a lifelong pursuit.

Visual Evolution

After college, I dove headfirst into the creative industry and never looked back. I’ve worn many hats — from artist to art director — always pushing my work to evolve with changing trends, tools, and technologies. Some projects require tight brand control, others demand wide-open creative freedom. I thrive in both.

At the core, my role is the same: take a client’s vision and translate it into visuals that resonate, connect, and perform — for them and their audience. I don’t just design graphics. I build the system behind the message.

Professional Experience

JNJ APPAREL • TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

Art Director • 2023 - Present

Lead creative strategy and execution for one of the region’s most active custom apparel producers, overseeing a high-performing art team responsible for brand-accurate design across screenprint, private label, and client-driven merchandise. Engineered and implemented creative systems that scale, transforming manual workflows into automated, trackable processes that bridge Sales, Art, and Production with full operational visibility.

Defined and enforce department-wide standards for design presentation, production art prep, revision tracking, and error prevention—raising creative consistency while accelerating delivery timelines. Partner with company leadership to translate business goals into creative action plans, ensuring the art department drives strategic growth and operational alignment. Act as both a department head and system architect, turning creative output into a reliable, efficient engine that supports fast turnarounds, high volume, and minimal error.

Jayteeaye • OMNIPRESENT

Independent Art Director | Creative Consultant | Artist • 2006 - Present

Delivered high-impact apparel graphics and brand solutions for clients in the licensed music and professional wrestling industries, with work featured by KISS, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and TNA Wrestling, as well as talent across WWE, AEW, and TNA. Consulted directly with artists, athletes, and brand managers to develop artwork that balances creative authenticity with commercial impact, often serving as both lead designer and brand strategist. Known for a consistent ability to translate brand identity into high-impact apparel graphics, supported by a nearly two-decade track record in the screenprinted merchandise space. Managed all aspects of freelance production, including creative direction, revisions, file prep for print, and client communication, often serving as a plug-in creative department for high-demand clients.

Trusted by entertainment brands for fast, reliable turnaround on high-profile projects with tight deadlines and evolving brand requirements.

Madd Merch / P3 • Lexington, Kentucky / Orlando, Florida

Creative Director • 2019 - 2023

Led creative direction and production for high-profile festival clients including Lollapalooza, and the University of Kentucky (Athletics, Campus Departments, and Student Organizations), delivering brand-consistent designs across screenprinted and private label merchandise. Transformed a previously unstructured creative department, where all work was handled via email and lacked management, into a streamlined, scalable operation with clear processes, accountability, and cross-functional coordination.

Built and standardized the department’s creative systems from the ground up, including brand guideline enforcement, proofing flows, and art separation protocols to support high-volume output with precision. Developed detailed production documentation tailored for screen printing, enabling the team to execute at large-scale manufacturing standards and improving vendor consistency. Designed and implemented an end-to-end artwork and order management system in Monday.com, introducing automation, workload visibility, and real-time collaboration between Art, Sales, and Production. Acted as the operational lead for creative, ensuring all deliverables met both client branding and technical production requirements on tight deadlines. Reduced bottlenecks, increased on-time delivery, and improved cross-department efficiency by replacing fragmented email-based workflows with centralized systems.

BACKSTAGE MERCH • Lexington, Kentucky

Founder/CEO • 2018 - 2019

Founded and operated a high-volume, quality-driven screen printing company serving retail clients, collegiate affiliates, and licensed partners under NCAA® through the CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company). Oversaw all aspects of business operations including production, client acquisition, creative direction, licensing compliance, and workflow optimization. Scaled production to an average of 2,500 prints per shift, achieving one of the fastest turnarounds in the region without compromising print quality or brand standards. Built and led a production team focused on consistency, precision, and fulfillment speed for both custom orders and licensed retail goods. Established a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, fast delivery, and high client satisfaction in a competitive market.

Wildcat Wearhouse / Hire A Printer • Lexington, Kentucky

Art Director (WW) • 2015 - 2017

Directed the visual strategy and creative execution for all in-house apparel brands at Wildcat Wearhouse, ensuring alignment with brand identity and evolving retail trends. Led a team of designers in developing original artwork for screenprinted merchandise, balancing trend-forward design with commercial viability. Collaborated closely with the Buying Department to translate market research and sales insights into on-brand, in-demand design directions.

Served as the liaison between the Art and Production departments, identifying breakdowns in print separations, file prep, or workflow documentation—and driving solutions to resolve them. Reviewed, approved, and refined apparel designs across multiple lines, ensuring brand consistency, design quality, and production accuracy. Instituted departmental improvements in workflow efficiency, accuracy checks, and training, leading to measurable gains in on-time delivery and reduced design revisions. Developed timelines, resourcing strategies, and informal budget planning for seasonal collections and major projects. Provided mentorship and creative coaching to design staff, raising the caliber of design execution across the department.

Creative DIRECTOR (HAP) • 2017 - 2018

Directed all creative operations for Wildcat Wearhouse's sister company, Hire A Printer, with a focus on NCAA® licensed merchandise, retail collections, and custom client projects. Expanded existing creative frameworks and processes to support a client-facing model, including approval systems, presentation standards, and streamlined design-to-production workflows. Developed and implemented presentation standards for design concepts and proofing, ensuring consistency and professionalism in customer-facing approvals.

Created guidelines and procedures for production artists, aligning design prep with prepress and screen production requirements to reduce separation reburns and improve press-readiness. Partnered closely with the Sales team to support client-requested design projects and internal development initiatives, translating market needs into compelling retail-ready visuals. Ensured brand compliance with CLC and Fermata licensing while maintaining creative originality across all apparel lines and event-based drops.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR (HAP) • 2017 - 2018

Oversaw all company-wide operations, including production, sales, purchasing, HR, payroll, inventory, and asset control, supporting product for our parent company's 23 retail locations across Kentucky and a national client base. Introduced direct-to-screen automation in the screen room, enhancing speed, accuracy, and overall production efficiency. Built a precision-focused production team by cross-training staff across roles and creating a collaborative structure with no weak points in execution.

Implemented a robust ink management system to improve consistency, control costs, and reduce waste. Designed and constructed new physical infrastructure to support improved asset protection and inventory flow, aligning the environment with operational upgrades. Collaborated with executive leadership to align production capabilities with licensing requirements, market timing (e.g. Final Four®, College Football Playoffs®, Kentucky Derby®), and retail demand.

Delta Apparel • Concord, North Carolina

Art DevelopMENT LEAD & SEPARATION ARTIST • 2012 - 2015

Developed screenprinted artwork and prepress separations for high-volume, licensed apparel programs serving international sportswear brands. Managed art development, sampling, and production approvals for clients including Under Armour, Legendary Whitetails, and Margaritaville. Collaborated with internal teams to align design execution with brand standards, garment specs, and production capabilities. Built a strong foundation in file prep, print process accuracy, and customer account management in a fast-paced, high-output environment.

Zoom! Apparel & Printing • Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Senior Graphic Designer • 2011 - 2012

First Senior Designer hired to lead the internal creative department, establishing core design-to-production processes for screenprint, embroidery, and promotional product workflows. Created visual concepts, layouts, typography, and brand assets across apparel, vehicle graphics, signage, print collateral, and web design. Built communication protocols between sales, design, and production teams to ensure accurate handoff of specs and approvals—laying the foundation for long-term scalability. Acted as the creative lead on all incoming jobs, balancing branding needs with production capabilities and tight turnaround timelines. Collaborated directly with press operators and embroidery staff to troubleshoot design challenges and ensure consistent output across media.

TSI Sportswear • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Separation Artist • 2010 - 2011

Provided technical support and file preparation for screenprinted, embroidered, and appliquéd apparel, specializing in collegiate, trend, wildlife, and national event designs. Worked alongside in-house designers to separate and optimize client artwork for various print and embellishment techniques. Ensured production files met technical specifications for consistency, color accuracy, and application across diverse garment types. Gained foundational experience in the technical demands of multi-method apparel production, contributing to fast-paced, high-volume fulfillment workflows.

Delta Apparel • Concord, North Carolina

Graphic Designer / Separation Artist • 2006 - 2010

Supported screenprint production for international sportswear brands, handling art separations, ink selection, print techniques, and graphic placement based on garment specifications. Gained foundational experience in technical garment decoration and production workflows, setting the stage for a long-term career in apparel graphics and creative operations. Collaborated with print and design teams to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and brand alignment in all finished goods.