an artist.
a graphic designer at Oakley.
a surfer and snowboarder.
using my Willamette research skills.

Using research skills he learned at Willamette, Jason Kenitzer creates stories that guide design themes of products at Oakley.

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IAM

Turning Sports into Art

Jason Kenitzer ’00 translated his Willamette education into a job creating graphics for Oakley.

What can you do with an art degree? Jason Kenitzer '00 pondered this question at Willamette after choosing the major because art was his true passion.

After he graduated, he discovered a perfect career for his artistic talents and his interest in surfing and snowboarding: graphic design for sports companies.

Today Kenitzer is a senior graphic designer for Oakley, creating graphics for the company's apparel and eyewear lines. He works with the CEO and creative director to produce a "story" that will guide the design theme of each season's apparel.

"Some of our stories have looked at pivotal art movements, some have focused on important military history and one story focused on the idea behind revolution," he says. "The amount of research that goes into creating and developing new stories is extensive. The research I did for my classes at Willamette helped me to understand the discipline it takes to dig into an idea.

"I use the skills I gained at Willamette to design and create art at a completely different level while thinking critically about the stories our team develops, how they apply to modern times and how they apply to apparel. My liberal arts education has really benefited me on my career path."

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IAM

Turning Sports into Art

Jason Kenitzer ’00 translated his Willamette education into a job creating graphics for Oakley.