The work of local artist Jason Baumgardner is taking on a new dimension.
Already recognized for creating murals at various area businesses, including a vast chalk wall depicting different Lake County locales that decorates a corridor in the Great Lakes Mall, the Lyndhurst man has now launched a signature mascot.
He describes Spacehead, a faceless, robot-like character as “universal” and one that can “fit in to so many situations.”
Spacehead is featured at Mickey’s Ice Cream Shop in downtown Willoughby and at other local businesses embellished with Baumgardner’s artwork.
Future plans include working on a clothing line incorporating the versatile image he’s been drawing for years.
Generating art in the community is not a new venture for Baumgardner. He initiated the former Headspace establishment in Mentor where many local artists were provided with the opportunity to display and sell their wares.
After its closure he took some time to spend with his new daughter and also work on commissioned assignments.
“My artwork has flourished…I average about 40 to 50 projects a year and have a great following and constant references, all without really posting on social media,” he said.
Fortunately he can accomplish projects fairly quickly. He maintains that even larger pieces measuring more than 60-feet-wide can be finished in about two weeks, attributing his swift pace to good planning and an ability to work out projects in his head.
“Once an idea is in place it’s like it is almost done already to me,” he said. “I just go through the motions, yet I am always trying to bring energy to my work.”
From a commercial aspect he focuses on making customers happy, bringing value to their businesses or homes and creating art that they are proud to display.
“Logos and loud murals are the main part of my work, but I also do digital logos and files for T-shirts. I also do interior design work…wallpaper recreation, accent walls, faux finishes…” he said.
But his inspired work is not without challenges.
The height of the piece, working conditions and other situations sometimes require him to come up with creative solutions. However, since he’s painted on so many different surfaces he claims that surprises related to that particular element are less likely.
In certain situations specific designs may present concerns.
“A common issue is that customers want to fit too much into the piece,” Baumgardner said. “I have a formal design education and that part has to take over sometimes and I’m good at explaining why we shouldn’t do something. But overall, I always find common ground so we are both happy with the results.”
Because of a busy work schedule and plans to expand his business, he hopes to take on an apprentice in the near future.
Overall Baumgardner’s pleased with the direction his career is headed and says he’s blessed and happy to be able to carry on with his work.
“It’s a happiness that can’t be explained but yet requires discipline in order to continue to do it,” he said.