Sheppard AFB illustrator wins first place in Air Force Media Contest for graphics animation

  • Published
  • By Aliza Reisberg
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Will Jaster, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs illustrator at Sheppard Air Force Base, has won first place in the Air Force Media Contest in the category of Graphics Animation.

Jaster, a native of Michigan, has always had an interest in art and animation.

“I’ve always done art since I was a little kid,” Jaster said. “Ever since I was a kid, I was drawing or working in my grandfather’s wood shop or doing some kind of art.”

Jaster completed his Associate’s degree at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh before taking a job at a small animation company, working on projects such as accident reconstruction animations. In 2006, he began working for the U.S. Army in Detroit as a graphic designer.

While working for the Army, Jaster enrolled at Rasmussen College to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in digital design and animation.

In December 2014, Jaster, his wife, Cody and their three children moved across the country to support his new career as an illustrator for Sheppard Air Force Base. Here, he’s involved in a variety of projects ranging from training to more creative endeavors for Public Affairs.

Jaster works in the Digital Design Lab, a section of PA that provides expert 2D and 3D imagery and animations in support of training and the PA mission.

“As an illustrator, I help support training for the base, but I also try to help projects that may come up for Public Affairs,” Jaster said. “I try to see how I can take my talent and use it to make a difference.”

The project that earned this prestigious Air Force award was created for explosive ordnance training purposes.

“Will’s contributions here have a positive impact on our mission to train and inspire Airmen,” said George Woodward, Director of Public Affairs at Sheppard. “Winning this award at the Air Force level is a huge honor and I’m proud to have Will on our Public Affairs team.”