Meet Jason Youngdale of Clash of Steel in North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Youngdale.

Jason, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Michigan native that came to Arizona in 1994 by way of the USAF. An Air Force veteran and ASU graduate (class of 2001), I am passionate about the visual arts. I am a Quality Software Engineer by day, and a Visual Artist at night. I enjoy drawing, painting, woodworking, casting in pewter, perler bead art, and working digitally. I have been in many art shows over the years in downtown Phoenix. I also dabble in guitar and uke but have a long way to go to be good at those.

I am also very into gaming of all sorts (board games, card games, RPGs, video games, etc.). As founder/owner of MaricopaCon, I enjoy the yearly get together of 250 gamer friends over a fun weekend in August. I have attended well over 60 fandom conventions in Arizona and California over the last 20+ years. I also love going to Saguaro Man.

Science fiction and Fantasy are my favorite genres for movies, tv shows, and games. For art, my interests lie in Surrealism, Impressionism, and Expressionism.

The art and convention scene in Arizona is awesome and I honored to be a part of it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am blessed in many ways, but much of my life in AZ has been a struggle. I encourage everyone to continue to pursue their dreams and ideal career. Death of family members and friends over the years have taken their toll, but I enjoy the time I have while I am still here on Earth.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Clash of Steel – what should we know?
I vend at art shows and other conventions selling my art with my lovely lady who is also an artist.

My company Clash of Steel is mainly for the gaming side of my life. Through that, I sell my games I have created and hand-cast pewter miniatures.

MaricopaCon will be in its 7th year in 2019 and is Arizona’s first kickstarted game convention.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My success is based mainly on my military experience and college education. The Air Force taught me discipline and tenacity. ASU taught me business and art skills. My recent certifications round me out as an engineer and project manager. Online videos taught me a guitar and pewter casting.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clashofsteel.us
• Email: clashofsteel@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahysuun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clashofsteel/?ref=bookmarks
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jahysuun

Image Credit:
Jason Youngdale, Leslie Kay, Brandon Marshall

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.