Hi, I'm J. J. —
I'm a UX Designer/Developer Hybrid currently living on the west side of LA. Feel free to call or text me directly at (757) 342-5654.
My name is John Jr, but I go by J.J. I'm a Digital Product Designer originally from Atlanta and now living in Los Angeles. My skill set spans Visual Design, Brand Design, User Experience Design, Interface Design, Interactive Prototyping, and Front-end Development.
Download my résumé.
I've built several different kinds of database-driven websites from scratch. Most have been built on the WordPress platform. My focus these days is mostly within React environments. 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 Figma, XD, Sketch, After Effects and other tools. Sketch was my primary design tool since 2016. I've spent a considerable amount of time in Adobe XD too but nowadays it's mostly Figma. Tools change all the time and I'm not afraid to embrace new ones. (I was a Flash Designer, after all.)
Through the years, I've gained experience managing client expectations enough to feel comfortable doing so. I've carried projects from conception to completion. I've learned how to tell the client things that they might need to know, but are afraid to hear. I've worked remotely and independently since 2008, so being a self-starter is conditioned.
I'm comfortable within a UX, UI or front-end development role as part of a larger team. I'm often the bridge between design and development. I consider myself to be 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 art direction: implementation, interaction and style.
My reel from 2018.
I believe in sharing work early in the design process. I always get my ideas on paper during a short sketch process with the intention of building a proof-of-concept as soon as possible. My next priority is to gather feedback to validate or invalidate my initial assumptions about possible solutions, adjust those assumptions, and then branch off into new directions as needed. A generous amount of hours in this discovery phase almost always results in a more fruitful and considered end-product.
The Great Fran Tarkenton goes rogue and says a few outlandish things about me.
Half of my career has been agency-led and more specialized roles with an emphasis on visual design. And the other half has been product-led organizations and early-stage startups, sometimes wearing multiple hats. I'm a designer who can code. I've found that being able to work directly with the code allows for the discovery of interaction affordances that are less likely to be discovered in a flat design.
Having practical knowledge of the development process allows me to design experiences that feel natural and can actually be built. I'm able to work without an ego and generate my own ideas, but also humble when fleshing out someone else's ideas. I value precision, but I also work lean and I maintain a mindful awareness that "done is better than perfect." I know when to sacrifice quality for speed, but also how to be resourceful at balancing the two.
In my free time, I dabble in photography.
As part of their Fall 2014 Fashion Campaign, Gap reached out to a handful of influential Photographers in each of the following cities: Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta & NYC. I was proud to be among six selected to represent the South.
I've previously done work for Data AI, KB Home, Ford, Atomized, P&G, Gap, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, MetroPCS, Valvoline, At-Edge, Green Feather, North American Properties, Coca-Cola, Wrigley/MARS, Sunrun, Walmart, Publix, Cadillac Jack, Equifax, IHG, Gap, MetLife and Reynolds Plantation, ForeverHome, Turner Sports, Ogilvy & Mather, Artistry, Windmark Recording, GoSmallBiz, Tarkenton Financial, Finestone & Morris, Who's Next, All Out Custom Cycles.
