> B I O
JAY is a nigh-inexhaustible fount of creative spirit based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a freelance graphic/web designer, a designer for the stage, and a composer who works within the rock, alternative, pop, and musical theatre genres.
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PERSONAL PROFILE
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jay has designed print and web materials for a variety of clients, with aesthetics ranging from corporate to arts and entertainment. His creative background originated in the theatre in 2001, designing posters and web graphics for The S.O.B. Theatre Company. In 2005, he joined the Marketing Department at East West Players, where he composed print ads, promotional graphics, theatre programs, and started the company off in social media. 2005 also saw him laying out posters and CD packaging for Glass Kitten Productions, a promotion company that booked bands in various Southern California venues. In 2007, he began work as Graphics Analyst at University of California, Irvine, where he worked for 5 years. At UC Irvine, he laid out flyers, booklets, award submissions, convention materials, slideshows, etc. He also performed all of the department's photomanipulations, creating and updating architectural mock-ups and renderings per the department's needs.
As a freelance graphic designer, he has worked with clients such as the D&D Adventurers League (game design), RG Group (architectural/project management), Red 5 Social (marketing), Company of Strangers (theatre), Bob Knows Best (band), and Lethal Case (product design).
THEATRE WORK
Boasting an extensive theatre background, Jay is no stranger to the stage, having worked with numerous theatre companies nationwide since 1997 (some of which include Shakespeare & Company, the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, Theater League, Sacred Fools, and his very own S.O.B. Theatre Company). He has filled various roles as actor, scenic designer, properties artisan, sound designer, stage manager, producer, and musician. In 2011, he composed music for a rock musical version of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" for Messiah College (Grantham, PA). The following year saw him acting as musical director and guitarist for "Spider Baby the Musical!" at the 10th Avenue Theater (San Diego, CA). 2012 also saw his return to scenic design, designing the set for Company of Strangers' world premier production of "7, 8IGHT, 9" (Los Angeles, CA). 2013 proved a big theatre year for Jay, the highlights of which were playing guitar for Color & LIght Theatre Ensemble's hit Hollywood Fringe production of "The Pokémusical" (Hollywood, CA), then designing the set for El Teatro Campesino's world premier of Luis Valdez' "Valley of the Heart" (San Juan Bautista, CA).
MUSIC AND MORE
As a musician, Jay has worked in numerous outlets. With his band, The MOODS, he has played a variety of illustrious Los Angeles venues: the Viper Room, the Key Club, the House of Blues, and many others. He also played guitar with the Jennifer Project and the One-and-Dones (a 90's one-hit-wonder cover band). In 2011, he had the privilege of playing a set with his personal hero, Stevie Jackson of Belle & Sebastian. Jay has a love for Fender Telecasters and an enthusiastic interest in guitars in general. He has written four full-length albums, and is the recipient of the Rock City News Outstanding Songwriter of 2007 award.
Jay has two wonderful sons: Sebastian Fox and Percival Sky. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, video games, and playing/GMing tabletop games (particularly Dungeons & Dragons and FATE Accelerated Edition).
Jay has designed print and web materials for a variety of clients, with aesthetics ranging from corporate to arts and entertainment. His creative background originated in the theatre in 2001, designing posters and web graphics for The S.O.B. Theatre Company. In 2005, he joined the Marketing Department at East West Players, where he composed print ads, promotional graphics, theatre programs, and started the company off in social media. 2005 also saw him laying out posters and CD packaging for Glass Kitten Productions, a promotion company that booked bands in various Southern California venues. In 2007, he began work as Graphics Analyst at University of California, Irvine, where he worked for 5 years. At UC Irvine, he laid out flyers, booklets, award submissions, convention materials, slideshows, etc. He also performed all of the department's photomanipulations, creating and updating architectural mock-ups and renderings per the department's needs.
As a freelance graphic designer, he has worked with clients such as the D&D Adventurers League (game design), RG Group (architectural/project management), Red 5 Social (marketing), Company of Strangers (theatre), Bob Knows Best (band), and Lethal Case (product design).
THEATRE WORK
Boasting an extensive theatre background, Jay is no stranger to the stage, having worked with numerous theatre companies nationwide since 1997 (some of which include Shakespeare & Company, the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, Theater League, Sacred Fools, and his very own S.O.B. Theatre Company). He has filled various roles as actor, scenic designer, properties artisan, sound designer, stage manager, producer, and musician. In 2011, he composed music for a rock musical version of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" for Messiah College (Grantham, PA). The following year saw him acting as musical director and guitarist for "Spider Baby the Musical!" at the 10th Avenue Theater (San Diego, CA). 2012 also saw his return to scenic design, designing the set for Company of Strangers' world premier production of "7, 8IGHT, 9" (Los Angeles, CA). 2013 proved a big theatre year for Jay, the highlights of which were playing guitar for Color & LIght Theatre Ensemble's hit Hollywood Fringe production of "The Pokémusical" (Hollywood, CA), then designing the set for El Teatro Campesino's world premier of Luis Valdez' "Valley of the Heart" (San Juan Bautista, CA).
MUSIC AND MORE
As a musician, Jay has worked in numerous outlets. With his band, The MOODS, he has played a variety of illustrious Los Angeles venues: the Viper Room, the Key Club, the House of Blues, and many others. He also played guitar with the Jennifer Project and the One-and-Dones (a 90's one-hit-wonder cover band). In 2011, he had the privilege of playing a set with his personal hero, Stevie Jackson of Belle & Sebastian. Jay has a love for Fender Telecasters and an enthusiastic interest in guitars in general. He has written four full-length albums, and is the recipient of the Rock City News Outstanding Songwriter of 2007 award.
Jay has two wonderful sons: Sebastian Fox and Percival Sky. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, video games, and playing/GMing tabletop games (particularly Dungeons & Dragons and FATE Accelerated Edition).
All work represented in this website are the property of Jay Africa and may not be used without his explicit permission. For licensing and usage, please contact him.
