Our Story
About 514
Honoring an artist's legacy through wearable art that carries meaning.
514 Design Co. honors the artistic legacy of Chuck Lay through wearable art that carries meaning. Every piece starts with Chuck's original hand-drawn artwork—designs created by a master craftsman who believed art should speak to everyone while carrying depth for those who seek it.
The Artist
Meet Chuck Lay
Chuck Lay was a follower of Christ, a husband and a father whos passion was crafting visual stories that connected with people—regardless of where they were in their faith journey.
His approach was simple but profound: create art that speaks to everyone. No insider language. No barriers. Just designs that caught your eye, made you think, and maybe—if you looked closer—revealed something deeper.
Chuck believed great design didn't need to announce itself. It could be a conversation starter on the street, a personal reminder to the wearer, or both at once. That philosophy lives in every piece we create.
Where It All Started
Every design you see began in the notebooks of one remarkable artist
514 Design Co. was born from love, loss, and a determination to keep creativity alive. This brand exists because of Charles (Chuck) Daniel Lay—a gifted artist, devoted husband and father, and one of the most selfless people you'd ever meet.
Chuck had a unique way of making everyone he knew feel seen and loved. He was quick to laugh, persistently hopeful, and—according to everyone who knew him—gave the best hugs. On February 1, 2025, at just 40 years old, Chuck met his Savior face to face after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
He is survived by his wife Stephanie and their four children: Emma, Marshall, Hank, and Maggie. Together with friends and family, they came together with a mission—to share Chuck's artwork with the world and honor the way he lived his life.
Chuck believed art could speak to anyone, regardless of background or belief. He didn't want to create "Christian merch" in the traditional sense—he wanted to make designs that could be worn by all people, that could spark conversations, and that could be a light in the world in the most genuine, unforced way.
That philosophy is the heartbeat of this brand. His art was meant to be accessible, beautiful, and meaningful—open to interpretation, personal connection, and universal appeal.
The Artist Behind the Art
A lifelong artist, Chuck graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2008, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. It was there he honed his craft and developed his distinctive style as a graphic designer, illustrator, and hand letterer.
Chuck explored and grew his creativity throughout his career, using his gifts and skills to bring honor to God. He most recently served as the Creative Director at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, where he created murals, graphics, and designs that inspired the community.
Chuck's approach to art was distinctly his own—hand-drawn typography, bold compositions, and thoughtful messaging. He worked in notebooks, on walls, on canvas. Each piece carried intention. Nothing was rushed or mass-produced.
Beyond his professional work, Chuck volunteered at his church, explored new taco spots (he was a true foodie), listened to music, and spent quality time with his family—whether at home or at the beach.
514 Design Co?
The name comes from the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus tells his followers they are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." For Chuck, this wasn't just scripture—it was a way of life.
"You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
— Matthew 5:13-16
Salt preserves, flavors, and enhances. Light illuminates, guides, and reveals beauty. Chuck lived this out daily—adding flavor to life, shining light in dark places, and making the world around him better simply by being in it. His deep love for Jesus was evident and is a lasting legacy to all who had the joy of knowing him.
We carry this forward not by preaching, but by creating art that reflects hope, intention, and meaning. Whether you share Chuck's faith or simply appreciate his art, you're welcome here. The designs speak for themselves.
Who He Was
Chuck was a loving husband and father, loyal son and brother, good friend, talented artist, foodie, and beloved child of God. Those who knew him describe him as friendly and loving to everyone, joyful, incredibly kind, calm, peaceful, and easy-going. He was a good listener and wonderful friend. He was genuine. He was fun. His laugh was hearty and infectious.
Throughout his illness, Chuck and Stephanie expressed many times that they felt the Lord's closeness and experienced the supernatural peace that comes from walking closely with Him. A passage of Scripture that was especially meaningful to them during that time was Lamentations 3:22-23:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
— Lamentations 3:22-23
Chuck touched the lives of many and left behind a legacy of love, joy, and creativity. He will be missed by many, but his family has peace in knowing they will see him again.
Our Mission
Keeping art alive, building community, giving back
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Honor the Artist
Every design comes from Chuck's original artwork. We're committed to preserving his creative vision and sharing it with the world.
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Build Community
We're creating more than a brand—we're building a community of people who value art, intention, and connection.
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Support the Family
Proceeds support Stephanie and their four children—Emma (19), Marshall (14), Hank (12), and Maggie (3)—as they navigate life without Chuck and honor his legacy.
What We're Building
This is a family-founded brand, and we're doing this together. Stephanie and the kids are involved in every step—choosing designs, making decisions, and keeping Chuck's spirit alive in everything we do.
We're not a massive corporation. We're a small team with a big mission: to create quality apparel that carries meaning. To keep Chuck's art in the world. To spark conversations. To remind people that what they wear can matter—if they want it to.
We're selective about what we release because we want to honor the integrity of Chuck's work. Limited drops, thoughtful curation, quality over quantity. That's how Chuck approached his art, and that's how we approach this brand.
Every hoodie, every tee, every sticker—it's all part of Chuck's legacy. And when you wear it, you're part of that story too.
Join Us
Be part of keeping Chuck's art alive and supporting a family-founded brand with purpose.
514 Design Co.
Style with Substance
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