I'm currently specializing in the fields of logo design, branding & identity, print design, video production, short films, packaging design, illustration, conceptual art, and web design.
In August 1996, I moved from Salinas, CA in Monterey County to Fresno, CA to begin full time education in Theology and Ethics at Fresno Pacific University. Although I've been passionate about the arts my entire life - I thought I really wanted to be a pastor. During that time I worked at People's Church in Fresno as the College Ministry Graphics and Video intern. I learned Adobe Premiere, when it first came out, on my own in a little makeshift closet off the main office. I spent more time on that computer than I did with my girlfriend (now my wife) - sorry babe.
I got noticed pretty quickly by the owner of Temple Productions doing video work. I produced videos for Non-Profit fund raising campaigns like Hope Now for Youth, Inter Varsity, Campus Crusade for Christ, commercials for political candidates, memorials, and some live broadcast video. I was always complemented on my eye for graphics and my ability to tell good stories.
In 2002, I began an internship with NorthPointe Community Church; where my "ministry" skills weren't exactly desirable, but my graphic design skills were catching the eyes of my peers and employers. Within a year I earned a spot on their staff producing graphics, video, and web content.
After my three years with NPCC, I was recruited by the California Southern Baptist Convention, the denominational headquarters for all California Southern Baptist churches, to work as their Media Production Specialist. For two years I produced all video content, and some web and graphic content for their many conferences, conventions, retreats, and fund-raising campaigns. The most exciting part was that I created the position, studio, and the work-flow from scratch; and had a certain amount of creative liscense!
It's been an honor these years to work alongside such talented people, and a privilege to have the opportunity to work in two of California's most creative non-profit institutions.
From there, I had to move into working for myself and decided to put everything into being a solo-preneur as a freelance Graphic Designer in Fresno.
I continue to pursue professional employment, while also taking on new freelance clients.
MY BACKGROUND
As I previously stated, I hold near (3 classes shy) a bachelors degree in Theology and Ethics with a Contemporary Christian Ministry Minor from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA. Although I'm 37 years old, and I’ve had multitudes of experience, I first started my freelance design at the age of 14, making a hand-drawn design for t-shirts and hoodies for the local surfers – since then I've worked off and on as a hired artist…
Today my life revolves around design, and yet I'm surrounded by it every day. My mind, heart, and my soul thrive in/around great art.
I am:
Simply Passionate (I totally love what I do)
Enthusiastically Clear (I want to learn constantly, and always strive for the best)
Gracefully Smart (I think critically, in "details" and "big pictures")
Beautifully Focused (I have the right attitude and a solid work ethic)
I enjoy every form of creative expression, and I dabble in them all: Music, Songwriting, Writing, Sports, Cooking, Painting, Photography, Drawing, Sculpture... I also love to travel and have had the pleasure of exploring almost the whole of North America and several other global nations so far.
When I’m not in my antique wooden chair with a wide screen in my face, you'll find me with my boys, or out out on the town with my beautiful wife Lori. I prefer the beach, traveling, listening to live music, drinking white wine or dirty martinis, smoking an occasional fine cigar, reading a book or design mag, drawing or writing something in my black journal, or working at Barnes & Noble Starbucks (more for fun than for money).
MY BLOG
My blog was launched in August 2008 as my portfolio, and more recently as a graphic design blog. The blog focuses on all areas of design and creativity, ranging from but not limited to; graphic design, video production, web design, advertising, branding, typography, illustration, designers, resources, my work, photography, color, marketing, social media, writing, music, culinary arts, and more. All focusing on the essence of design!
MY LOGO
My logo was created in 2008 as part of my new freelance identity. After reading Tom Peters book on design, I really resonated with his four values of great design: simplicity, clarity, grace, and beauty. I wanted to incorporate these ideas into my logo identity somehow. I finally chose the pinwheel concept; each fan-blade and color representing one of the attributes of great design. It really fits me because pinwheels are fun, full of life and color, examples of ingenious design themselves, and moved by some invisible force (the wind)... I always strive to be known for what my logo identity stands for.
MY BUSINESS
I'm a graphic designer interested in serving unique people like yourself and open to doing businesses across the globe.
Based in central California, I strive to give my clients superior and cost efficient solutions in this vastly competitive market. I specialize in areas such as logo design, corporate identity design, video production, branding, illustration, web design, print design (ie. letterhead, business cards, postcards, posters, CD covers, labels, packaging, book covers, etc.) and also delve into many other areas such as photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
I believe that quality and authenticity cannot be compromised in today's world, and this is clearly seen in my work, giving my clients the satisfaction they deserve. Don’t just take my word for it, read some of my client’s testimonials.
CLIENTS & TESTIMONIALS
My customers have come from many different industries and backgrounds and working with them has developed my experience in countless ways. Previous clients include retail giants, small business ventures, product developers, print shops, churches of every size, individuals, entrepreneurs, design firms, and more.
My word is good, but if you're skeptical like me - see and hear it for yourself in my portfolio and testimonials pages.
EDUCATION
As I mentioned, I have coursework towards a Bachelors in Theology & Ethics, Minor Contemporary Christian Ministry from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA.
I also have some community college coursework in Art Design, Illustrator, Business, and Web Design.
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
It's never why I do this, but I honestly relish the attention.
* ‘Most Soulful’ – November 2010 Post No Bills (G.F.T.D.1)
GIVING
I often lend a helping hand to those less fortunate, here is a sample of my philanthropic efforts over the past few years.
* Raised $203 for the Blood Water Mission performing at a live concert fundraiser.
* Volunteered to perform for the Downtown Community Arts Collective fundraiser.
* 1992 performing drama and music in southern Britain
* 2000 volunteering to produce video for concerts in Australia
* 2001 performing free concerts in Albania and Bosnia & Herzegovina (Kosovo)
* 2008 building a school for recovering drug addicts in Russia
EXHIBITIONS
Although most of my work is business related and custom designed to clients unique imaginations, I do some personal studio art design work as well. This allows me to grow as an artist and let some of the inspirational air pressure into the neighborhood. These have been displayed at these places:
* Chance James Studio – Fresno, California (Nov 5 to Nov 27 2010)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
I’m always open to passing on my knowledge and experiences. Even though I've done this on my blog so far, I'm open, willing, and available to doing live lectures for students & professionals alike.
* Want me to speak at your next event? Get in touch with me... I'm affordable.
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me for anything at all: a question, a comment, a suggestion, a critique, or a friendly hello (yes, even hate mail).
