The pursuit of truth, beauty, and good humor.
Hey, I'm James — a Creative Director focused on telling original stories that win hearts. I'm experienced in creating brand films, video campaigns, social content, and commercial photography within advertising and branding.
I'm a big-picture thinker who can also dive into the weeds to execute. I love building brands with good people through quality creative that fosters real connection.
When I’m not working, I'm living my best life as a husband and a father to two boys in Charlotte, NC. These days you'll find me trying to perfect my espresso setup, learning the Succession theme on piano, losing at Scrabble to my wife, checking MLB stadiums off my bucket list, shooting photos of my travels, experimenting with homemade pizza recipes, and enjoying a cigar and Scotch around the fire, where all great conversations happen.
Capabilities
Creative Direction & Storytelling
Establishing the creative vision for a project and assembling the right team to bring it to life. Big ideas executed strategically, while always keeping the "why" at the forefront. Translating briefs into innovative concept decks that inspire stakeholders and align with business goals. Mentoring and inspiring teams to use their gifts to make the project the best it can be.
Producing & Project Management
The unsung heroes of every successful project. Defining the processes, structures, and workflows that enable projects to run smoothly and teams to do their best work. Coordinating feedback and communication between teams and clients, ensuring we stay on schedule and within budget.
Writing, Directing, & Editing
Crafting a compelling narrative from an initial idea through scripts, shot lists, and storyboards. Then, executing the vision on set with a solid plan while also being open to spontaneity. Finally, taking the project into post with an open mind for where the edit will flow.
Content Strategy
Creating cohesive strategies for how the finished work will be shared with the world — where it will live, the messaging surrounding it, and adapting it to various audience goals for each platform.
Half-Baked Idea Box
Architectural Digest 🤝 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+
A new entry in AD's 'Open Door' celebrity video series touring Mickey's clubhouse to promote the release of Disney's revival TV series, targeting parents with preschoolers.
Rack Room Shoes 🤝 'The Backrooms' Movie
Logo analog glitches into 'Back Room Shoes' for limited collab with movie release.
"Doing a lot of running lately?"
CUT TO: shots of panicked running through backrooms.
"Show us the code on your movie ticket for 10% off a new pair. You'll need it."
Pop-up stores designed like the backrooms with "infinite" repeating mirror background.
The Guy Behind "Dynamic, Fast Paced Environment"
It's hilarious how often this line shows up on job descriptions. We need a sketch about the guy who came up with it, like the vegetable marketing sketch from Portlandia. The "Live, Laugh, Love" guy is also present in the meeting.
"We've made millions off this line. It's being used in 3 out of 5 job postings on LinkedIn. It's just got a certain... texture to it."
Orkin Ad
Life-sized termite puppets crashing dinner at an upper middle class home. They’re crude and gross, eating their wood by spitting digestive enzymes and slurping it up and burping. The female host is humorously appalled.
"Got unwanted guests?"
One termite breaks off a piece of decorative wood pillar: “Time for dessert!”