Hello, I'm James, a designer
based in Atlanta, GA.
More about me
Hello, I'm James,
a designer based
in Atlanta, GA.
More about me
About me
I’m James—a designer, cancer survivor, new father, and husband. Design is everything to me. It’s a sensory experience, from the feel of well-crafted packaging to the excitement of exploring an innovative digital product. Design is holistic. Everything around us has been crafted by us or for us, and with that comes a deep responsibility to shape experiences thoughtfully and to design with purpose, for good.
I am passionate about design education, believing that students often bring the purest, most uninhibited ideas. Teaching design keeps me grounded and inspires me to embrace the possibilities of free thinking without constraint. This passion extends to my work with the Museum of Design Atlanta, where I serve on the Board of Directors. Here, I’m part of an initiative to reimagine what it might look like if a museum looked forward instead of back, exploring how design can be a force for change.
Photography is another deeply personal passion of mine. With each photograph, my goal is to capture the essence of an experience, whether a landscape or a portrait, so that viewers feel they’re experiencing a moment through my eyes.
Outside of my creative work, I treasure time with my family—my wife, Sarah Rose, and our daughter, Anneliese. Together, we’re involved in our community, serving as small group leaders at Buckhead Church and striving to make a positive impact.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. I hope you enjoy exploring my work and website!
Experience
'24 - Present
Board of Directors | MODA
Key achievements: • Philanthropic Leadership: Led a successful philanthropic initiative, securing funding to support the museum’s mission and further its impact. • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow board members to develop strategic plans that align with MODA’s long-term goals and vision.
'24
Director of Digital Experince | Simpson Scarborough
Key achievements: • Digital Transformation: Spearheaded successful website redesigns for multiple clients, resulting in improved user engagement and brand performance. • Digital Campaigns: Led the launch of innovative digital campaigns that boosted conversion rates and brand awareness. • Design Systems: Implemented atomic design systems, streamlining development processes and ensuring consistency across digital properties.
'22 - Present
Education Chair | AIGA Atlanta
Key achievements: • Fundraising: Leading a successful fundraising effort that raised over $5,000 to support student-focused events. • Strategic Event Development: Developing and executing four strategic events for design students across the southeastern U.S., fostering their growth and transition into the professional world. • Student Industry Exposure: Organizing and facilitating a student trip to New York City for the AIGA National Conference, providing students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
'22 - '24
Board of Directors | Advertising for Change
Key contributions: • Fellowship Program Support: Helped with a fellowship program in partnership with the HBCU 2020 initiative, providing valuable opportunities for underrepresented students. • Digital Feedback Tools Development: Developed digital surveying tools to enhance program participant feedback and engagement. • Rebranding Initiative Leadership: Led a comprehensive rebranding initiative through a student-led course at Miami Ad School of Atlanta.
'22 - '24
Assocate Design Director | Goods & Services
Key achievements: • Client Acquisition & Revenue Growth: Secured a major new client for the agency, generating a significant revenue impact of over $742k in 2023 through targeted strategic relationships and adept client management. • Project Leadership: Spearheaded the conceptual development and successful execution of seven major projects within a 12-month period, demonstrating strong project management and creative direction capabilities. • Team Development & Culture: Fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, leading to the professional growth of four direct reports during the duration of my role. My leadership enhanced team cohesion and creativity, driving overall design excellence.
'21 - '23
Design Instructor | Furman University
As an Adjunct Instructor at Furman University, I led graduate-level courses specializing in brand experience and strategy. I designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that equipped students with advanced strategic design principles and practical applications. My approach ensured that students were adept at creating impactful brand experiences in real-world scenarios.
'20 - Present
Design Instructor | Miami Ad School
In my role as a Design Instructor at Miami Ad School, I have had the privilege of leading 24 diverse design courses over the past four years, covering key areas such as Design Thinking and Brand Experience. My focus has been on not only delivering high-quality education but also on actively guiding students towards successful career placements. Notably, I have facilitated the professional growth of several students, with three securing prominent positions in the industry under my mentorship. This role has honed my skills in nurturing talent and shaping future design leaders, demonstrating my commitment to both education and the broader design community.
'21 - '22
Design Lead | Goods & Services
Key Achievements: • Design System Innovation: Contributed to the development of JPMorgan Asset Management’s first-ever Design System, setting a new benchmark for design consistency and operational efficiency across digital platforms. • Enhanced Client Performance: Instrumental in elevating JP Morgan Digital's performance, resulting in significant improvements in online engagement and customer satisfaction. • Strategic Collaboration: Collaborated closely with the VP of Global Digital Strategy to direct the creation of over 30 digital campaign pages for JP Morgan Asset Management, significantly boosting our digital presence and expanding audience reach. • Internship Program Development: Established and launched Goods & Services inaugural internship program, which fostered a culture of learning and supported professional development for emerging design talent.
'19 - '21
Lead Designer | Public School Studio
As Lead Designer at Public School/Czarnowski, I was responsible for overseeing design direction, production processes, and client relationships for two major accounts. My role extended to supporting new business development, managing RFPs, and coordinating print production efforts. I also pioneered the company’s inaugural internship program and effectively managed relationships with various contractors, enhancing overall project execution and team integration.
'16 - '19
Designer | Contract
As a Freelance Designer, I managed a range of projects for entrepreneurs, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, crafting bespoke user experiences that addressed specific client needs.
'17 - Present
Cancer Fighter & Survivor
Overcame Ewing Sarcoma in 2017, enduring six chemotherapy rounds, 30 radiation treatments, and 40 plus days of extensive hospitalization. This profound experience has shaped my resilience and perspective. I am proud to say I have been cancer-free for almost seven years. This experience and survivorship has forever changed my life personally and professionally. Cancer survivors are some of the most resilient people I have met. I am so proud to be a part of this community.
'15 - Present
Contributing Photographer | Getty Images
I specialize in capturing compelling landscape, still life, and architectural photography. My work contributes to Getty Images diverse and dynamic visual library, supporting a wide range of creative and editorial projects.
'12 - '17
Commercial Photographer & Assistant
Specialized in portraiture and still life photography. Assisted on various SAG-affiliated movie and television productions, enhancing production quality and creativity.
'24 - Present
Board of Directors | MODA
Key achievements: • Philanthropic Leadership: Led a successful philanthropic initiative, securing funding to support the museum’s mission and further its impact. • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow board members to develop strategic plans that align with MODA’s long-term goals and vision.
'24
Director of Digital Experince | Simpson Scarborough
Key achievements: • Digital Transformation: Spearheaded successful website redesigns for multiple clients, resulting in improved user engagement and brand performance. • Digital Campaigns: Led the launch of innovative digital campaigns that boosted conversion rates and brand awareness. • Design Systems: Implemented atomic design systems, streamlining development processes and ensuring consistency across digital properties.
'22 - Present
Education Chair | AIGA Atlanta
Key achievements: • Fundraising: Leading a successful fundraising effort that raised over $5,000 to support student-focused events. • Strategic Event Development: Developing and executing four strategic events for design students across the southeastern U.S., fostering their growth and transition into the professional world. • Student Industry Exposure: Organizing and facilitating a student trip to New York City for the AIGA National Conference, providing students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
'22 - '24
Board of Directors | Advertising for Change
Key contributions: • Fellowship Program Support: Helped with a fellowship program in partnership with the HBCU 2020 initiative, providing valuable opportunities for underrepresented students. • Digital Feedback Tools Development: Developed digital surveying tools to enhance program participant feedback and engagement. • Rebranding Initiative Leadership: Led a comprehensive rebranding initiative through a student-led course at Miami Ad School of Atlanta.
'22 - '24
Assocate Design Director | Goods & Services
Key achievements: • Client Acquisition & Revenue Growth: Secured a major new client for the agency, generating a significant revenue impact of over $742k in 2023 through targeted strategic relationships and adept client management. • Project Leadership: Spearheaded the conceptual development and successful execution of seven major projects within a 12-month period, demonstrating strong project management and creative direction capabilities. • Team Development & Culture: Fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, leading to the professional growth of four direct reports during the duration of my role. My leadership enhanced team cohesion and creativity, driving overall design excellence.
'21 - '23
Design Instructor | Furman University
As an Adjunct Instructor at Furman University, I led graduate-level courses specializing in brand experience and strategy. I designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that equipped students with advanced strategic design principles and practical applications. My approach ensured that students were adept at creating impactful brand experiences in real-world scenarios.
'20 - Present
Design Instructor | Miami Ad School
In my role as a Design Instructor at Miami Ad School, I have had the privilege of leading 24 diverse design courses over the past four years, covering key areas such as Design Thinking and Brand Experience. My focus has been on not only delivering high-quality education but also on actively guiding students towards successful career placements. Notably, I have facilitated the professional growth of several students, with three securing prominent positions in the industry under my mentorship. This role has honed my skills in nurturing talent and shaping future design leaders, demonstrating my commitment to both education and the broader design community.
'21 - '22
Design Lead | Goods & Services
Key Achievements: • Design System Innovation: Contributed to the development of JPMorgan Asset Management’s first-ever Design System, setting a new benchmark for design consistency and operational efficiency across digital platforms. • Enhanced Client Performance: Instrumental in elevating JP Morgan Digital's performance, resulting in significant improvements in online engagement and customer satisfaction. • Strategic Collaboration: Collaborated closely with the VP of Global Digital Strategy to direct the creation of over 30 digital campaign pages for JP Morgan Asset Management, significantly boosting our digital presence and expanding audience reach. • Internship Program Development: Established and launched Goods & Services inaugural internship program, which fostered a culture of learning and supported professional development for emerging design talent.
'19 - '21
Lead Designer | Public School Studio
As Lead Designer at Public School/Czarnowski, I was responsible for overseeing design direction, production processes, and client relationships for two major accounts. My role extended to supporting new business development, managing RFPs, and coordinating print production efforts. I also pioneered the company’s inaugural internship program and effectively managed relationships with various contractors, enhancing overall project execution and team integration.
'16 - '19
Designer | Contract
As a Freelance Designer, I managed a range of projects for entrepreneurs, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, crafting bespoke user experiences that addressed specific client needs.
'17 - Present
Cancer Fighter & Survivor
Overcame Ewing Sarcoma in 2017, enduring six chemotherapy rounds, 30 radiation treatments, and 40 plus days of extensive hospitalization. This profound experience has shaped my resilience and perspective. I am proud to say I have been cancer-free for almost seven years. This experience and survivorship has forever changed my life personally and professionally. Cancer survivors are some of the most resilient people I have met. I am so proud to be a part of this community.
'15 - Present
Contributing Photographer | Getty Images
I specialize in capturing compelling landscape, still life, and architectural photography. My work contributes to Getty Images diverse and dynamic visual library, supporting a wide range of creative and editorial projects.
'12 - '17
Commercial Photographer & Assistant
Specialized in portraiture and still life photography. Assisted on various SAG-affiliated movie and television productions, enhancing production quality and creativity.
'24 - Present
Board of Directors | MODA
Key achievements: • Philanthropic Leadership: Led a successful philanthropic initiative, securing funding to support the museum’s mission and further its impact. • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow board members to develop strategic plans that align with MODA’s long-term goals and vision.
'24
Director of Digital Experince | Simpson Scarborough
Key achievements: • Digital Transformation: Spearheaded successful website redesigns for multiple clients, resulting in improved user engagement and brand performance. • Digital Campaigns: Led the launch of innovative digital campaigns that boosted conversion rates and brand awareness. • Design Systems: Implemented atomic design systems, streamlining development processes and ensuring consistency across digital properties.
'22 - Present
Education Chair | AIGA Atlanta
Key achievements: • Fundraising: Leading a successful fundraising effort that raised over $5,000 to support student-focused events. • Strategic Event Development: Developing and executing four strategic events for design students across the southeastern U.S., fostering their growth and transition into the professional world. • Student Industry Exposure: Organizing and facilitating a student trip to New York City for the AIGA National Conference, providing students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
'22 - '24
Board of Directors | Advertising for Change
Key contributions: • Fellowship Program Support: Helped with a fellowship program in partnership with the HBCU 2020 initiative, providing valuable opportunities for underrepresented students. • Digital Feedback Tools Development: Developed digital surveying tools to enhance program participant feedback and engagement. • Rebranding Initiative Leadership: Led a comprehensive rebranding initiative through a student-led course at Miami Ad School of Atlanta.
'22 - '24
Assocate Design Director | Goods & Services
Key achievements: • Client Acquisition & Revenue Growth: Secured a major new client for the agency, generating a significant revenue impact of over $742k in 2023 through targeted strategic relationships and adept client management. • Project Leadership: Spearheaded the conceptual development and successful execution of seven major projects within a 12-month period, demonstrating strong project management and creative direction capabilities. • Team Development & Culture: Fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, leading to the professional growth of four direct reports during the duration of my role. My leadership enhanced team cohesion and creativity, driving overall design excellence.
'21 - '23
Design Instructor | Furman University
As an Adjunct Instructor at Furman University, I led graduate-level courses specializing in brand experience and strategy. I designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that equipped students with advanced strategic design principles and practical applications. My approach ensured that students were adept at creating impactful brand experiences in real-world scenarios.
'20 - Present
Design Instructor | Miami Ad School
In my role as a Design Instructor at Miami Ad School, I have had the privilege of leading 24 diverse design courses over the past four years, covering key areas such as Design Thinking and Brand Experience. My focus has been on not only delivering high-quality education but also on actively guiding students towards successful career placements. Notably, I have facilitated the professional growth of several students, with three securing prominent positions in the industry under my mentorship. This role has honed my skills in nurturing talent and shaping future design leaders, demonstrating my commitment to both education and the broader design community.
'21 - '22
Design Lead | Goods & Services
Key Achievements: • Design System Innovation: Contributed to the development of JPMorgan Asset Management’s first-ever Design System, setting a new benchmark for design consistency and operational efficiency across digital platforms. • Enhanced Client Performance: Instrumental in elevating JP Morgan Digital's performance, resulting in significant improvements in online engagement and customer satisfaction. • Strategic Collaboration: Collaborated closely with the VP of Global Digital Strategy to direct the creation of over 30 digital campaign pages for JP Morgan Asset Management, significantly boosting our digital presence and expanding audience reach. • Internship Program Development: Established and launched Goods & Services inaugural internship program, which fostered a culture of learning and supported professional development for emerging design talent.
'19 - '21
Lead Designer | Public School Studio
As Lead Designer at Public School/Czarnowski, I was responsible for overseeing design direction, production processes, and client relationships for two major accounts. My role extended to supporting new business development, managing RFPs, and coordinating print production efforts. I also pioneered the company’s inaugural internship program and effectively managed relationships with various contractors, enhancing overall project execution and team integration.
'16 - '19
Designer | Contract
As a Freelance Designer, I managed a range of projects for entrepreneurs, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, crafting bespoke user experiences that addressed specific client needs.
'17 - Present
Cancer Fighter & Survivor
Overcame Ewing Sarcoma in 2017, enduring six chemotherapy rounds, 30 radiation treatments, and 40 plus days of extensive hospitalization. This profound experience has shaped my resilience and perspective. I am proud to say I have been cancer-free for almost seven years. This experience and survivorship has forever changed my life personally and professionally. Cancer survivors are some of the most resilient people I have met. I am so proud to be a part of this community.
'15 - Present
Contributing Photographer | Getty Images
I specialize in capturing compelling landscape, still life, and architectural photography. My work contributes to Getty Images diverse and dynamic visual library, supporting a wide range of creative and editorial projects.
'12 - '17
Commercial Photographer & Assistant
Specialized in portraiture and still life photography. Assisted on various SAG-affiliated movie and television productions, enhancing production quality and creativity.
Selected clients
Contact
Let's connect and create
something meaningful.
Sitemap
© JAMES HARRILL 2024
Contact
Let's connect and create
something meaningful.
Sitemap
© JAMES HARRILL 2024
Contact
Let's connect and create something meaningful.
Sitemap
© JAMES HARRILL 2024