Selected Projects

ObjectsStructuresDigital DesignPrintMixed MediaExperiments

Handmade Sushi/Cheese Serving Board

Small Acacia Bowl

A small bowl in acacia, turned on the lathe. 5 in x 2.5 in

Reversible Geometric Wood Art Panel

My original plan was to cut the wooden frame lines on the Glowforge and create a frame for stained glass. I realized that I could re-use the cutout shapes and create something a bit more versatile. By using the cutouts on the reverse side of a wooden panel, I was able to create a reversible and multi-directional piece that can be presented as the owner sees fit. This example is a prototype made with 1/8 inch plywood. This is the simplest of color schemes, utilizing the contrast of black (painted with India Ink) and natural woodgrain. I am keen to explore other wood types and colors going forward. Material: Birch Plywood; Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 inch

Forest Book Nook

First experiment with these mini environment dioramas. Made this one for mom this past Christmas since she loves the outdoors. The box was cut on the Glowforge. After assembly, i tried out various placements of printed files and physical objects, along with a mirror to give the illusion of depth. Pretty happy with it and hope to do more of these in the future.

Rustic Minimal Birdhouse

One of my dad's bluebird houses was falling apart so i decided to have a go at creating a new one for him. The sides and bottom are made from a single piece of cedar fence panel. The top is removable and is made from a solid piece of oak with a lathe-turned pine nob. I used milk paint for the front and beeswax to seal it. I did a bit of research to make sure i created a space ideal for the birds that would inhabit it, most likely bluebirds and wrens. Height: 10 in, Outer width: 6.5 in, Inner floorspace: 5x5 in Fun project, and i am looking forward to exploring more intricate birdhouse designs in the future.

Lathe-turned Cherry Bowl

I've only been experimenting with the lathe for a short time, but I am hooked. So therapeutic! This was one of the first bowls I felt really good about. Still not perfect but it was a blast to turn. Made from a solid cherry blank, 7 inch diameter, 3.5 inch height.

Vintage European Style Lacewood Pen

This was my first pen turned on the lathe. Learned a lot in the process and was happy overall with how it turned out. Lacewood is not expensive wood but has some amazing grain and texture. The pen kit is "European Style", from Woodcraft. I varied the shape a bit as an experiment.

'Carlisle' Chair Concept and Prototype (WIP)

I'm fascinated by chair design. What makes a chair timeless? This was an exercise to explore structure, function, and style considerations. The chair is named in honor of the street my wife and I bought our first house on. The house was built in 1920 and we did a major renovation, modernising it, but also keeping much of the original character (I'll post that as another project one day).

structures + spaces

Concept Presentation and Sketches for Garden Apartment

These sketches and the final presentation were created for a Basics of Interior Space Design course, completed in December 2022, through The New School, Parsons School of Design. Drawing with charcoal pencils and drafting tools took me way back to high school drafting class! Eternal thanks to my teacher back then, Don Keil, for the amazing mentorship and instruction. These aren’t perfect but a fun exercise for sure!

Stairway Slat Screen

We recently moved into a 1970's Contemporary home and wanted to keep much of the original character while adding some stylized elements. The stairway had an awkward handrail so we decided to replace it with this wood slat screen. The frame is made from walnut hardwood and the slats are actually cedar. I designed it so that if there was ever an issue with a single slat it could be replaced without dismantling the whole screen. It was a fun project and I learned a lot in the process

Event Experience Concept - Large, Modular Journey Display

Organic Form Sustainable Skyscraper Concept

Restaurant/Event Pavilion Concept

Geometric Wall Design

digital design
(uX, uI)

Digital Menu Board Exploration

Popmenu

2022

Guest Journey, Storytelling and Service Presentation

Popmenu

2022

Social Ad Management Concept 2019

Popmenu

2019

MNB Website Update

Monday Night Brewing

2019

Restaurant Admin UI Redesign 2018

Popmenu

2018

Mid-Market CRM

CINC

2017

Internal Appointment Management Platform Concept

CINC

2016

OpenHouses iPad App

CINC

2015

Houses.net Home Search Site and App

CINC

2014

Agent/Broker CRM and Consumer Experience

CINC

2012

Selected Web UI Projects (Australia)

Mintleaf Studio

2011

Classical Concert Series Poster Concepts

Utilizing my System-32 grid process, I wanted to experiment with creating a 24x36 inch minimalist poster concept for a classical music series. Started off with a couple of examples but plan to add more as I go. The markings in the content area mimic rhythmic elements of the works described and are a nice contrast the the geometric structure.

"Futuristic City" Kids' Illustrations

Chopin Poster Concept

Letterform Experiment 01

The aim was to create a full alphabet from basic shapes: square, rectangle, circle, union of square and quarter-circle, union of half-square and half circle

Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute

A tribute to the queen of gospel, and the First Lady of rock n roll. She was turning out sizzling electric guitar solos way before the dudes that often get credit for the sound. Pure badass.

Marketing UI Illustrations

Popmenu is a fast-growing, venture-backed SaaS company dedicated to continually developing technology solutions to support independent restaurant owners. These illustrations were a simplified visualization of key features of our platform and marked the general direction we were heading with further updates and interface changes.

Scenes from Nowhere (incomplete iso and low poly experiments)

Assorted Logos, Marks and Icons

Over the course of my career, I've had the opportunity to create a few brand marks, logos, and icons for a wide variety of clients—from independent artists to larger organizations. It's always been an honor, and while I don't consider this my primary skill, I'm fairly happy with how some of them turned out. The examples below are just a few of the explorations I've done over the years. Some of these were final version and others were alternates that I personally preferred.

System-32 Grid Development Process

Since my early days working for a newspaper, I've been obsessed with grids, proportion, and trying to find a magic formula for solving layout challenges quickly. The past twenty years have been full of experimentation, deconstruction, failure, and revision. While I will never say I've settled on the perfect approach (is there one?), I have learned much in the process. The works of two designers—Josef Müller-Brockmann and Le Corbusier—have been great sources of insight and inspiration, which I continue to study and learn from. I'm no authority on the works of either, and certainly don't consider my discoveries novel. Ultimately, I'm just a tinkerer, and I'm always happy to engage in work and exploration that will save me a ton of time in the future!

Simple Proportion Poster Series

Investor Overview

A social impact investment in redevelopment of an historic property in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn neighborhood, in partnership with Good Places. Format: 8.5 x 11 in — Print and PDF

Techlab PNG Brand Mark

Random Geometric Art - 3x3

Favorite Musicians Poster Series

Bauhaus Poster Concept

mixed media

"Form/Feeling: A Nod to the Bauhaus", 2023

“That Place You’ve Never Forgotten” : 2023

“Order / Chaos” : 2023

Abstract Minis : Series 2 : “Georgia Clay” : 2023

Abstract Minis : Series 1 : “Elements” : 2023

experiments

Letterform Experiment 01

The aim was to create a full alphabet from basic shapes: square, rectangle, circle, union of square and quarter-circle, union of half-square and half circle

Motif and Variations (Circles)

CMYK Line Experiment

Triangle Pattern Experiment

Nested Triangle Pattern Exploration - Color and Shape

Color Wheel Exploration and Layout

Color and Contour Illustration Experiment

System-32 Grid Development Process

Since my early days working for a newspaper, I've been obsessed with grids, proportion, and trying to find a magic formula for solving layout challenges quickly. The past twenty years have been full of experimentation, deconstruction, failure, and revision. While I will never say I've settled on the perfect approach (is there one?), I have learned much in the process. The works of two designers—Josef Müller-Brockmann and Le Corbusier—have been great sources of insight and inspiration, which I continue to study and learn from. I'm no authority on the works of either, and certainly don't consider my discoveries novel. Ultimately, I'm just a tinkerer, and I'm always happy to engage in work and exploration that will save me a ton of time in the future!

Simple Fractal Tree

Screen Ratios and Musical Intervals

© 2020-2025 - Jasen A Swafford