When he was 21, along with his younger brother, Jonathan, Jared began contracting as a Telecommunications Engineer. They traveled throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, and the Caribbean, drawing blueprints of communications systems to re-engineer existing and proposed infrastructures. In between traveling Jared began to study business, while continuing to practice art.
In the summer of 2002 he gave up working as an engineer to fully focus on what he loves. He moved back to Lynchburg and began making a living as, "a starving artist." Once Jared gave people the opportunity to view his work, he was welcomed with opportunities that continued to build upon themselves.
Jared, a self-taught artist, was chosen at the age of 26, as one of four apprentices to work and study with renowned artist, Nall Hollis, in the south of France. He spent the summer of 2004 as an apprentice. However, Nall was so impressed with Jared he stayed on as Nall’s personal assistant for six months.
Nall, originally from the United States, Alabama to be exact, moved to Paris to study at École des Beaux-Arts (The School of Fine Arts). While living in Paris, Nall also studied with the infamous Spanish artist, Salvador Dali.
Jared spent his summer studying new and old artistic techniques, twelfth century architecture, culture, language, and the works of many great European Masters. With a beautiful, tranquil view of the Mediterranean from his studio window, Jared built frames for Nall, implementing existing skills, while learning new woodworking, painting, and mosaic techniques. Jared also spent time hanging Museum quality shows, performing public relations duties, and entertaining royalty. Jared left France with a new perspective, which has become apparent in his work. “During my summer in France, I had an awakening,” said Jared. “I realized the piece of this world that I inhabit and understand is very tiny and there is so much more than a lifetime to experience." When Jared wasn't working with Nall he was traveling Europe, visiting Nice, Florence, Paris, Venice, Monaco and many other culturally rich cities. He continued to soak up the culture on his own time everywhere he went. He believes one of his most enlightening experiences was spending time in people’s homes eating, talking and learning their way of life.
After graduating from Motlow in 2006, Pragel began commuting from Tennessee to Alaska, working for Williams Communications, an engineering firm in Austin, Texas. He continues to work for Williams Communications traveling extensively, and taking advantage of all life’s experiences, which become visible in the paintings he creates today.
Jared's favorite artists are: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Salvador Dali, Tony Romano, Nall Hollis, Pierre` Prageo and Timmy.