One thing longtime NASCAR fans and new fans alike have in common, if I were to guess, is that they notice the paint scheme of the cars. The wrap on each racecar is important for a number of reasons. It displays the driver number and team partners. It draws attention to the car first, driver second. Some are busier with lots of texture, others have a cleaner look and others have a retro feel to them. A cool car scheme may not actually make you go faster, but it can make you “look fast doin’ it” according to Dillon Crow, owner of Lowline Livery Design.
It was in February of 2020 when Lowline Livery Design was born. Crow, a graphic designer by trade, was looking for a way to merge both work and play, “a way to put design in motion.” A lifelong motorsports fan, Crow spent countless hours of his childhood sketching race cars and designing paint schemes in NASCAR Racing 2003 Season, a PC game whose paint booth Crow said, “occupied more of my time than laps on track.” Out of his natural talent, formal schooling and interest in motorsports came a small business venture that soon would open his world and change the trajectory of his life.
In the early beginnings of Lowline Livery Design, Crow was creating like crazy and showcasing his work on his social media, which led to making connections all over the map with others in the motorsports world. One of those new connections and now longtime friend was Joe Crowdes, fellow motorsports enthusiast and graphic designer. Still in the infancy of Lowline, Crowdes had heard a local Mooresville motorsport merchandising outfit was in search of a new designer, and he threw Crow’s hat in the ring. Crow says, “This is the part where I’m eternally grateful to Jason Bowles, founder of Swell Ink. He took a chance from 1,600 miles away, leading my family and I to Race City in October 2021 after working remotely from Denver, Colorado for 10 months.”
Crow has been consistently and tastefully building his business for the last five years, staying true to his brand while continuing to grow in skill and knowledge, cultivating personal and professional relationships within the motorsports community along the way. He has had the opportunity to create several paint schemes among other projects, but one of Crow’s most recent projects moved to the top of his favorites list. Good friend and owner of Alpha Vision Media, Shawn Brennan, contacted Crow to create a livery design for an Alpha Vision Media NASCAR truck that would race in Martinsville, VA in October of 2024. Brennan’s only direction to Crow was to “make something cool.” Crow said, “I was allowed creative freedom to explore the brand’s flexibility and design something truly special for them.” Needless to say, I think all involved had a great weekend showing off their brand, skills and talents.
When Crow began Lowline Livery Design, it was one day at a time and see what comes. When asked what has come out of this business venture for him so far and if there have been any surprises, he answered “This venture deepens my childlike enthusiasm for racing. There’s nothing cooler than seeing your artwork at 190mph. As far as surprises go, I believe we have a big one in store for 2025.”
What started out as a childhood dream, Lowline Livery Design made a reality. Crow shares, “Blending your passion with your God-given talents sure can produce some satisfying results. You may even make your former self proud.” Not everyone has the ability to do what Crow has done. He took a chance on himself, and turns out, that was the right decision. As far as where Crow hopes Lowline will be five years from now, he says, “Hard to believe this venture will be 10 years old by then. I just hope to keep seeing my artwork at speed, regardless of the series.”
Of course I had to ask Crow who his biggest support has been along the way because we all know how important it is to have folks around you who believe in you and encourage you, right? Crow said, “My wife has been the driving force who pushes me forward in this venture. She encourages me to keep my head down and dig deep, in search of the next opportunity.” If you haven’t figured it out by now, it’s me. I’m the wife.
The absolute truth is, I’m inspired by my husband and his drive to pursue his dreams! He is ultra talented, a friend to many, hard-working, humble and not to mention, the best husband and dad to his one-year-old son. Fuller and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lowline Livery Design! Check out his work on his Instagram @lowlineliverydesign or check out his website for more information: lowlinelivery.com.
