Artist Spotlight: Jesse Moody
For the negative criticism social media receives, this 22-year-old NASCAR designer has found some of his best work and connections stemming from the very same place.
As a relatively new face breaking into the NASCAR design space, the work of JM Graphics has quickly turned heads with his lineup of collaborative efforts including TRICON Garage, Anthony Alfredo and RAM’s return to NASCAR.
1️⃣ How did you get your start designing?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing, but I really got my start while playing video games. In particular the Forza series, which has a really in-depth paint booth.
2️⃣ Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love scrolling on eBay and Etsy looking at vintage racing shirts. In particular, old dirt shirts have such a cool look that I draw a lot of inspiration from.
Other creatives in the industry are another huge place I look, in particular Ryan Williams and the folks at LUE Creative who I think are some of the best in the world at what they do.
3️⃣ What project of yours personally are you most proud of and why?
It’s hard to pick, but probably my Wilde paint scheme. This project was not only my first [NASCAR] O’Reilly Series paint scheme, but also the culmination of years of working with Anthony [Alfredo] and him trying to help me get a paint scheme on track. Finally achieving what I was working towards for so long with the person who really gave me my first shot is really meaningful to me. Not to mention it looks awesome!
4️⃣ What’s your ‘trademark’ style that helps you stand out from other designers?
Halftones. If you see a shirt with a million halftone gradients on it, there’s a pretty good chance it’s mine. And I want you to know it’s a halftone, so the dots are big and visible!
NASCAR shirts and halftones go hand in hand. (Photo Credits: Jesse Moody)
5️⃣ What was the moment or project where you started to realize that becoming a motorsports designer on a more consistent basis was a possibility?
When I got the call to work do work for Niece Motorsports in 2023.
It started out as shirt designs, but quickly turned into shirts, hero cards, graphic templates, logos, you name it. Having the chance to work on so many things for a team like that was really an eye=opening moment where I realized I was capable of doing this as a real job.
6️⃣ You had the chance to design multiple win shirts for multiple teams. What does a timeline look like from the drop of the checkered flag, and how do you handle the pressure to deliver in a timely fashion?
Depending on the situation, I may start the day of the win, or two days before. Typically a one-day turnaround is what I aim for, so it can definitely get hectic. When it comes to championship designs, those typically get started well ahead of time so they’re ready when the race is over. Unfortunately, that means I’ve got a few in the vault that won’t get to see the light of day.
7️⃣ You were responsible for working on a highly-anticipated apparel project with RAM’s introduction back to NASCAR with Kaulig Racing. How were you able to obtain that opportunity and what was it like to be the one to craft a piece of the return?
That opportunity came to me like most do, just a simple message. Cruisin Sports reached out and wanted to know if I’d be interested. My style was the right fit for what direction they wanted and it worked out great!
That whole project is still crazy to me. Seeing so many people wearing the shirts, and particularly getting to design a shirt for Tony Stewart, was unreal because I grew up as a huge fan of his.
Helping to usher in the return of a beloved manufacturer with a call for merchandise? That's one heckuva portfolio piece. (Design Credit: Jesse Moody)
8️⃣ Social media, especially in the NASCAR designer space, has connected many others and helped establish new opportunities. In your case, how has social media helped you in your career?
Social media has been hugely important to me. My first two real clients who jump-started my entire design career were Anthony Alfredo and Landon Huffman. They both found me through graphics I had just made and posted for fun. Without using social media to get my name and work out there, I don’t think I’d be anywhere close to where I am today.
The power of social media gave way to multiple opportunities, with the possibility of more on the way in the future. (Design Credit: Jesse Moody)
9️⃣ For someone who appears to have done all there is to do in the NASCAR space, is there anything left on your ‘designer bucket list’ that you want to achieve?
I’d love to design a winning car. Just about every paint scheme I get to work on ends up crashed, damaged or with wheels falling off. Hopefully one of these days the luck will turn and the ultimate goal is to have one in Victory Lane.
With connections like these, designing a race-winning car could be just within reach for Jesse. (Design Credit: Jesse Moody)
🔟 Share a design tip for people just getting started.
Shoot your shot. You never know what opportunities can come from a simple message and just getting your name out there.
(Design Credit: Jesse Moody)
