'Art has been my thing for as long as I can remember': ZSC graphic designer Jesh Folden
ZANESVILLE – He’s an artist and he found his place.
“Growing up as the middle child with two sisters, my childhood was a wild mix of fun and creativity,” recalled Jesh Folden. “I practically lived on my BMX bike and skateboard, cruising the streets and pulling off tricks like a pro. And when the sun went down, you bet we were blasting '80s jams and shooting hoops with friends. And don’t even get me started on the Nintendo – those classic games like Castlevania and Super Mario Brothers were our obsession. But amidst all the action, I always found time for my true love – art. Whether I was doodling designs or painting up a storm, I knew one day I’d make it my career.”
Today, Folden is the senior graphic designer and print services manager at Zane State College.
“I juggle a lot of tasks to make sure our visual identity and communication materials are top notch,” he explained. “That means everything from creating diverse designs and marketing collateral to capturing professional photography and designing branding elements," said Folden, who also manages the in-house print shop and oversee the distribution of our marketing communications.
Folden, 47, grew up in Zanesville, graduated from Zanesville High School in 1995, then earned a degree in advertising and graphic design from The Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) in 1999.
“Art has been my thing for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I started drawing as a kid, just loving the feeling of putting pencil to paper and letting my imagination run wild. My grandpa was the first to notice I had something special, always pushing me to chase my dream of being an artist. He called it a gift, telling me to embrace my creativity and do what I love. And you know what? He was right. Being creative isn’t just a side gig for me – it’s who I am. It’s like this voice inside me that’s always saying, ‘Hey, go make something cool.’
“So back in May ‘99,” he continued, “I started my graphic design journey at Sarel Ltd., a subsidiary of Offinger Management, right here in Zanesville. Working under the mentorship of Walt and Sarel Offinger, I soaked up all sorts of wisdom about working hard, paying attention to the details. Since then, I’ve ventured into various fields – advertising agencies, lighting companies, and healthcare organizations, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
“Throughout the years,” he added, “I’ve freelanced, teaming up with all sorts of local and not-so-local businesses. In addition, I operate my own business called Dirty White Tees (DWT). I have a genuine passion for apparel design, with a particular focus on T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. DWT is rooted in my collection of beloved tattered tees, and I’m committed to creating meaningful wearable art. My designs are original and inspired by the things I hold near and dear to me.'
Dr. Chad Brown is president of Zane State College.
“I don’t think Jesh has ever met a stranger,” assessed Dr. Brown. “When you meet Jesh, you just can’t help but like him. He has that kind of energy you just want in your organization. And when you combine that with his design skills, sales, marketing and merchandising experience, you get an employee who is an outstanding contributor.”
“Working at Zane State College isn’t just a job for me,” Folden responded. “It’s a calling born from my deep passion for what I do. My grandfather’s words about doing what you love have always stuck with me and here they’ve really come alive. The vibrant community of colleagues and students at Zane State has turned that passion into reality. Ultimately, it’s the students who drive my dedication. Without their presence and growth, my work wouldn’t hold the same purpose and meaning.”
Zane State College is located at 1555 Newark Road. For more information, call 740-588-5000 or log on www.zanestate.edu.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at trnews@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Jesh Folden is a senior graphic designer at Zane State College
