From Pixels to Pile: Jonathan Marsland’s Creative Crossover

Jonathan Marsland (left) with digital illustrations that he transforms into rugs and wallcoverings;
Afro Chik wallcovering (right)

Jonathan Marsland is more than merely a creative director by day. He has design in his DNA! And he channels that artistic energy into projects in his free time as well. For five years, he’s been transforming digital illustrations into tactile rugs and wallcoverings. This passion project has become his new business called Just Air Design Group—named after his kids, Justin and Arie—and it blends family, art, and everyday inspiration.

Jonathan’s pieces have already popped up in residential and retail spaces, so it’s fitting that he’s eying hospitality opportunities. After all, he oversees Hospitality Design magazine, BDNY, and HD Expo at his day job at Emerald Expositions. Here, Jonathan shares his process, his design philosophy, and what’s to come next.

Waves illustration (left) translated into Waves rug (right)

What prompted you to expand from digital illustrations to physical products like rugs and wallcoverings?

Curiosity drove me to see my art beyond the screen. During COVID, I began rug tufting. Turning a digital illustration into a hand-tufted piece showed how texture brings a flat image to life. That moment opened a new chapter. I focus on movement, scale, and tactility, reimagining composition to make artwork breathe in a space.

What’s your process for creating rugs?

My favorite rugs start as spontaneous digital sketches—abstract bursts evolving into tactile narratives through hand-tufting, merging fine art with craftsmanship. I use natural fibers, layered pile heights, and subtle imperfections that reveal the human hand.

Heritage wallcovering used on the wall (left) and adapted as a furniture covering (right)

Any notable retail projects?

I designed a custom rug for a sneaker boutique, fusing streetwear energy with luxury craftsmanship. With bold lines and layered textures, it doubled as a statement wall feature, bridging art, lifestyle, and environment.

Tell us about your wallcoverings.

Wallcoverings challenge me to think architecturally, expanding artwork into immersive environments. My collections feature nature, rhythm, and storytelling—organic lines and bold silhouettes that evoke emotion, transforming how a room feels.

Are you working on upholstery textiles as well?

The upholstery was an experiment for a client, and they loved how it turned out. This is something I would definitely like to explore more and expand upon as I do more creative work. On one of the chairs, I incorporated a rug on the seat, which was very different and challenging.

What’s next for Just Air Design?

I’m exploring mixed-media rugs with mirrors and wood, and wallcoverings wrapping furniture or architectural details, creating cohesive environments where art becomes structure.

—Murrye Bernard

Basketweave wallcovering (left); Cactus wallcovering (right)