Getting Started

"I was a freelance sculptor for four years before I was hired full-time by Birthday Express in 2000. I got my start sculpting on a whim when I was 21, making dolls…I can't believe I just told you that."

Fun Facts

"My drink of choice is a Grande 6-Pump Vanilla Latte. I have a Pepé Le Pew & Penelope coffee table in my house. A few of my favorite movies include Toy Story, Secondhand Lions and The Incredibles. I married my high school sweetheart at the ripe old age of 19. A picture of Walt Disney hangs over my desk at work."

My Quirks

"I love cold, rainy weather, but I don't like to be cold or wet. I had stuffing for the first time a couple years ago. I used to avoid it, because I didn't like the idea of mushy bread. Now I understand, and love stuffing."

Inspiration

Jon feels that inspiration can come anytime, anywhere.

"I always try to be attentive to the moments when something sparks an idea."

Most of the time I have to artificially create those moments by doing research about my particular theme, but without fail, the best ideas are the ones that hit me when I least expect it. I try to encourage those moments as much as possible, though. I am an artist blog junkie and surround myself with toys, books and coffee. When I'm not at work, you can usually find me hunched over a sketchbook or lump of clay at home, in the endless pursuit to improve my drawing and sculpting abilities."