I’m James

Who Is Geez?

Unleashing Creativity with Purpose

Greetings! I’m James, I’ve been a creative designer for 24 years. Now, my main focus is marketing for small companies to make them grow large. I thrive on turning brands into ideas that resonate, creating fun projects that everyone wants to be involved in.

As a natural leader, I put together dynamic teams that foster a collaborative and successful environment, people that challenge each other to reach the next level.

The name “Geez” comes from my past studies in language and mythology, and it is the name I use in entertainment circles.

Experience Timeline

• My role provided re-branding, marketing, and digital advertising services that brought this roofing company to be the biggest and widest known in the high desert.

• Working with the sales team, we grew this business over 1,000% compared to what it was doing before.

• Drove the company win several awards, such as “Best Of The Desert 2023”

• During my time with this company, I drove company growth over 300% in revenue over two years.
  

• After providing the human resources department with creative recruiting campaigns, I created and managed my own dynamic marketing team.

• Using local events, I turned this company into a well known force for good in the local community driving sales and referrals.

• Creative marketing events like Movie Trailers, Chamber of Commerce Meetings, and Award Ceremonies were regular events for the clients and customers.

• Leveraging my expertise in market research, I identified and targeted key consumer segments, resulting in a notable increase in brand awareness and market share.
  

• Overseeing digital campaigns to developing impactful content, my focus was on creating a compelling brand that resonated with the health-conscious audience.

• I was solely responsible for the development of the user-friendly shopping website, ensuring a seamless and engaging customer experience online and in-store.

• Manager, Director, and Creator for all marketing/advertising projects and initiatives to generate new leads and customers.
  

• During my time here I changed this company from buying leads and doing cold-calls, into a self-sufficient machine that generated its own sales.

• Created a marketing team to drive extended company growth.

• Provided IT Support for all employees as needed to keep sales growing.

• The company was sold soon after I left creating a huge profit for the owner that hired me.

• Applied dual expertise in graphic design & translation project management to provide marketing for the entire company as well as supervision for written translation projects.
  

• Web development and design were a big part of this role, especially with the new Video Remote Interpreting system we created.

• Working with and becoming a part of the Deaf Community was a huge benefit I gained from this opportunity.

• From designing social media graphics to assisting with editorial layouts, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in crafting compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

• My internship at VICE Media provided me with a dynamic learning environment, where I gained insights into the fast-paced landscape of digital media in journalism.

• Using silk-screen printing skills, I transformed client concepts into vibrant designs for racers, cars, and racing events.

• Learned to manage the entire print process which ensured quality, client satisfaction, and big sales.

• While working here I became adept at collaborating with teams and clients, such as large restaurant chains like “Bob’s Big Boy” to create lasting designs to be sold in-store.

• While working for this company I technically provided graphic design services for three companies at once: ESL Power Systems Inc, Elecrical Systems LTD, and Astron Systems Inc.

• For ESL Power Systems, Inc. my designs served the specific niche of electrical equipment for shipping and logistics, such as product catalogs,  extensive spec sheets, and company websites.

• For Electrical Systems LTD the audience were commercial and municipal clients, so my focus for was creating a compelling website and digital/print marketing materials.

• While working for Astron Systems, Inc. I was delighted to use their light table designed for product photography, and also work as a sales rep for the “orbiculight” product itself.

• I had the great honor of contributing to the creative team responsible for bringing Knott’s Berry Farm’s visual identity to life.

• Working closely with experienced designers, I gained experience in designing various marketing materials, including signage, brochures, and digital ads.

• My internship provided me with invaluable industry experience and a deeper understanding of the role of graphic design in the entertainment and hospitality sector.

• After starting in the machine shop, manufacturing parts for capping machines, my role was eventually changed into graphic designer after the owners learned about my skills.

• As the graphic designer I was responsible for creating the all of the marketing materials and website maintenance.

• Utilizing my skills as a graphic artist and from the machine shop, I made designs for new parts as well as collaborating on new operating software for the machines.

• This “Underground Club Scene” start-up magazine initially hired me as a graphic designer creating layouts for the magazine.

• Using my experience as a freelance layout artist while in college, I quickly became the de-facto Production Manager of this start-up magazine.

• By developing the corporate brand, making all of the promotional materials, and even negotiating publishing deals I also acted in a Director role for this culture magazine.

• I was lucky enough to land an internship with Virgin Records of America! During my time here I worked on several online ad projects for artists like “Mariah Carey” and “The Gorillaz”, and got lots of free CDs!

• During my internship I collaborated closely with the creative team contributing to various projects, including album artwork, promotional materials, and digital content.

Education & Skills

ArtCenter College of Design

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – Graphic Design

JAN 2008 – DEC 2010

Through courses in critical writing, narrative, typography, 3D motion graphics, cross-media branding, web design, historical analysis, and more, I cultivated dexterity with the growing demands of America’s marketing culture.

Cal State University, Long Beach

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Graphic Design

AUG 2002 – DEC 2005

The BFA program at CSULB provided me with a rigorous curriculum that covered fundamental principles of graphic design, typography, color theory, and visual communication. Here I developed a strong foundation in design concepts and techniques through a series of studio courses, lectures, and hands-on projects.

Brooks Institute

Associate of Science (AS) – Graphic Design

AUG 1999 – SEPT 2001

With a focus on creativity, technical proficiency, and professional development, the Graphic Design program at Brooks Institute gave me the foundation of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive design industry.

Recent Work

Commercial Demo Reel

Roofing Interview