Discover Nautical & Aviation Illustrated Designs
Welcome to Alow & Aloft!
I’m thrilled to introduce Alow & Aloft, an illustration and design company that springs from the heart of my work as a photographer. My name is Jeremy Wood, and as the owner and artist, I’m excited to share my hand-drawn maritime and aviation illustrations! This has been a long, circuitous, even serendipitous journey, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to share my artwork with fellow air and sea enthusiasts!
Washington coast lighthouse and keeper’s quarters at sunrise - 2023
What’s in a Name: The Story Behind the Designs
To say that I have a diverse professional background and extracurricular interests is an understatement.
Right out of high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I served for six years as a Nuclear Propulsion Machinist’s Mate aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. I had started SCUBA diving while training in South Carolina, and in case that wasn’t enough saltwater time, after getting stationed on my ship in San Diego, my wife and I lived aboard our 34-foot sailboat when I was not on the aircraft carrier.
After my enlistment, I used my military education benefits to explore my interests. I enrolled at Palomar College, where I earned a certificate in fine woodworking. During this time, I had the opportunity to work alongside various professionals in San Diego, building classical guitars with luthier, Peter Oberg, restoring violins, and even starting my own small business making custom wooden rolling pins. I also served for a few years as the 1st Mate on a 65-foot classic wooden sailing yawl, deepening my connection to maritime culture.
While immersing myself in woodworking, I found myself missing my first love, aviation. So, I pivoted once again and utilized my remaining GI Bill benefits to earn my Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from San Diego Miramar College, and my FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. With my new certification, I began working on helicopters at Palomar Airport in north San Diego County before transitioning to business jets and flight school aircraft.
Ready for a change of pace, my wife and I loaded up our belongings and moved to Juneau, Alaska, sight unseen! I started work immediately with Alaska Seaplanes—a dream come true, working on classic Beaver floatplanes! Today, you can find me in southcentral Alaska working for the state, maintaining the Division of Forestry firefighting airplanes (yes, another Beaver!).
So, how does all this tie together? If you’ve stuck with me this far, you’ve likely noticed the common threads weaving through each chapter of my life: art, the sea, and the sky. This connection inspired the creation of Alow & Aloft. My passion for both aviation and maritime adventure is reflected in my illustrations. In my collections, you'll discover classic sailing vessels and imagery—what I like to call the “alow”—alongside warbirds, bush planes, and other historic aircraft—“aloft.” Rather than choose a favorite, I decided to celebrate them both!
The Artistic Style of Alow & Aloft
My artwork features hand-drawn pen-and-ink creations with simple, clean lines that evoke a sense of timelessness and craftsmanship. The focus is on wooden ships and symbols from maritime history, alongside aviation illustrations that pay homage to classic airplanes from the 1930s and beyond.
What Makes "Alow & Aloft" Different?
Old-School Style
My deep love and knowledge of maritime history come through in my detailed ship illustrations, reflecting a passion for iconic nautical drawings. I then carry this style into my aviation drawings, which are also enriched by my knowledge and experience of aircraft technology and design.
Beautiful Artwork for Practical Items
I believe that art should be both beautiful and functional (i.e., somewhere it can be constantly enjoyed). My designs grace everyday items, such as mugs, water bottles, and phone cases. Why settle for sipping coffee from a plain mug when you can enjoy it from one adorned with a Mark V diving helmet?
Join the Journey with Alow & Aloft
I invite you to explore the Alow & Aloft collection! If you’re a fellow aviation or nautical enthusiast who appreciates the rich history and artistry of these realms, I encourage you to bring a piece of Alow & Aloft into your home or to wear it proudly! With functional, artful products, there’s something for everyone.
Visit my online store to browse the Alow & Aloft offerings, and be sure to follow me on social media for updates on new designs and releases. Share with your fellow adventure lovers, and let’s embark on this journey together!
