Hi, I'm J.J.
Skill Set
I'm a Digital Art Director positioned at the intersection of UX Design, UI Design, and Front-end Development.
I've built many different kinds of websites from scratch. Most are built on the WordPress platform. I'm able to code HTML, PHP, CSS and Javascript by hand for a polished experience that looks right and feels right. I'm comfortable prototyping in After Effects and a few other tools. I've been using Sketch as my primary design tool since 2014, and most recently, Figma. Tools change all the time and I'm unafraid to embrace new ones. I began my career working with Flash, after all.
I've gained experience directly managing client expectations through the years. I've learned how to tell the client things that they might need to know, but are afraid to hear. I will generally carry small to medium projects all the way from conception to completion. I have experience working independently and consider myself to be a self-starter. I'm comfortable within a narrower UX, Design or Development role as part of a larger team, as well. I consider myself a Designer above all, so if I'm in a situation where all I'm doing is programming, I value having a voice with regard to implementation, interactions, style and taste.
Design Process
I always get my ideas on paper during a short sketch process with the intention of building proofs-of-concept as soon as possible. I use internal and team feedback to validate my initial assumptions about possible solutions, then branch off into new directions. A generous amount of hours in discovery almost always results in a more fruitful and considered end-product.
I believe in sharing work early in the design process. I value precision while also maintaining a mindful awareness that "Done is better than perfect." Central to a productive, iterative design process is knowing when to sacrifice quality for speed, but also how to be resourceful at balancing the two.
The Great Fran Tarkenton goes rogue and says a few outlandish things about me in 2006.
Having practical knowledge of the entire process allows me to design experiences that feel natural and can actually be built. I'm able to lead others, work without an ego, and generate my own ideas. Humble when asked to flesh out someone else's.
Previously
I've done work for KB Home, AtEdge, Ford, Atomized, P&G, Gap, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, MetroPCS, Valvoline, North American Properties, Coca-Cola, Wrigley, Sunrun, Walmart, Publix, Cadillac Jack, Equifax, IHG.
Archived: MetLife and Reynolds Plantation, ForeverHome, Turner Sports, Ogilvy & Mather, Artistry, Windmark Recording, GoSmallBiz, Tarkenton Financial, Finestone & Morris, Who's Next, All Out Custom Cycles.
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
Dribbble
TwitterET Cetera
- As part of their Fall 2014 Fashion Campaign, Gap reached out to a handful of influential Instagrammers in each of the following cities: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta & NYC. I was proud to be among six selected to represent the South. This project was archived here.
- Hiring programmers to build Local Menus is the catalyst that originally encouraged me to learn how to code.
- I was on a segment of reality tv a long time ago. It's silly, don't watch it.
- Published observations about UX & game design at Game of Thumbs. It's always fun to stretch the boundaries of a WordPress-driven UI.
The Last 5 Years
