Jeffrey D. Guinn was born and raised in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, in the Harrisonburg, Virginia area. His childhood was spent in a neighborhood called Cross Keys, where he enjoyed exploring the outdoors, playing sports with his brother in the side yard, building forts, skateboarding, and getting into mischief. His grandfather described him as “ornery.”

Jeff (still Jeffrey to his Mother) attended Spotswood High School where he was a member of the Cross Country, Wrestling, Track, and Academic Competition teams, and was involved in many clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Upon graduation, he enrolled in James Madison University’s School of Art and Art History. During his undergraduate career at JMU, Jeff was involved with Young Life, and fronted the band Aggrocrag. He also participated in several art shows and helped to uphold the legacy of the infamous Toolbox house. He hosted a radio show on the student-run WXJM radio station and worked with the annual Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference (MACRoCk).

After receiving a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History, Jeff moved to Virginia Beach, where he married his college sweetheart, Emily Lively. They currently live near the Chesapeake Bay and Jeff works as a designer for the clothing line Blac Label Premium. He also does freelance design work for bands and businesses, and produces original fine art pieces. In his free time he enjoys traveling to the mountains, spending time with friends, attending musical performances, getting tattooed, collecting Johnny Cash paraphernalia, watching movies, and relaxing with Emily (of course).