Hello! I'm Jaxx. He/Him
I am a Fine Artist & Graphic Designer, born and raised in occupied Kumeyaay territory (San Diego, CA). I relocated to Lenape territory (eastern PA) November 2024.
I love designing jerseys, building brands, and working with my hands. I seek vibrance and authenticity in all aspects of my life! I fully believe Art is an manifestation of the Human soul and the greatest art evokes.
How I Started
I'm often asked how long I've been an Artist or when I knew I wanted to be one. The short answer? I had just watched The Princess Diaries in the theater, on my sixth birthday. Helen Thermopolis – the mom – was a successful full-time Artist, a rock climbing enthusiast, and involved parent who lived in a converted firehouse! It was my first time encountering an example of a life I wanted – a life unencumbered by cubicles, centered around self-expression, full of variety, and rich with community.
I grew up doodling on bumpy school bus rides and guarding my sketchbook like a diary, quietly dreaming of the day I could create the reality I envisioned for myself. I'm still not there, but I'm on my way!
When the World Stopped
I graduated and entered the job market at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 10/10 would not recommend. Finding work in my industry was nearly impossible, leaving me with abundant time to ponder. Quarantine was a mixed bag of experiences. On one hand, reconnection to Self accompanied the solitude. On the other, I lost crucial final months with my grandfather. I didn't know this when it happened, but losing him right when I was finally accepting who I am made time slow to a stop.
Each passing day carries memories of my Papa. He never had the opportunity to know me as Jaxx, but he continues to inspire me to continue striving and smiling, no matter the speed of progress. Eh – perhaps I could smile more along the way.
Tortoise > Hare
I am a proponent of the phrase "progress is not linear". Post-quarantine, I designed my first jersey for my hometown IGR team – San Diego Armada – and began tabling at community events. After retiring from womxn's+ rugby, I landed a season contract as Graphic Designer for San Diego Legion Rugby (now California Legion), San Diego's first MLR team. My time at Legion gifted me a rare opportunity to marry two passions – rugby and design. Opportunity came knocking once more a couple years later, when I was asked to design the 3rd annual all-Trans match jerseys for NORAM Boston! Since, I have had the wonderful opportunity to continue designing jerseys for IGR teams across the country and lead the branding initiative and UX web design for Rucktacular, an annual multi-national Gay & Inclusive rugby tournament hosted across the West Coast.
I did not expect my rugby background to inform my creative voice so intimately. Rugby gave me the chance to realize a quiet childhood dream of designing dynamic athletic apparel, and seeing friends proudly dawn my designs. Slow and steady!
Big Picture
We are witnessing a major cultural metamorphosis of what it means to be an Athlete. Today's athletes want their athletic organizations to reflect them and their team's culture, not the bottom line. Athletes do not need corporate sponsors or a platform to inspire change.
My other passions include coaching and supporting inclusive athletics, spending time with loved ones, hiking, weightlifting, gardening, and baking!
I am in pursuance of a childhood dream to show my artwork in galleries around the world and open doors for other Queer & Trans athletes. I strive to become more embodied each day as I use my gifts in service of healing, understanding, and building lasting inclusive change. My go-to playlist for when I'm creating. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I (Jaxx) DO NOT consent to my creations, words, or likeness being fed to Generative AI applications. I reserve the right to refuse or terminate service(s), at my discretion. Circumstances that may lead to termination of services include (but are not limited to) threats, verbal or physical abuse/harassment (including repeated misgendering), feeding my work to AI and failure to pay. Payments are non-refundable.