James Turner-Blackman
I was lucky. I was set on being a designer since college. With an interest in Fine Art from a young age, my tutors introduced me to graphic design and I was hooked. From there I went on to study traditional graphic design at Southampton Solent.
After education I was faced with an unexpected problem. Each interview I went for came with the same question, “Do you know how to code?”. My usual answer “I know how to work an old school printing press” didn’t get me far. So, I got a job at a small e-commerce company that taught me to code and from there I have progressed in the industry.
Now with 6 years in broadcasting and 9 in the industry, I’m creating big products for big brands in the digital space.
My creative approach—what ever the output—is to find points of tension behind the idea I’ve been assigned or am interested in. I do several iterations on each point and usually end up refining the one I find most controversial.
For me, controversy isn’t about instigation, but rather, a way to arrest your audience. It’s a way to plant a little bit of desire in their hearts; a yearning to turn the page and learn more about your idea. Ultimately, it’s about creating memorable experiences.
Skills
Fully competent within Adobe CC
Sketch, inVision, Craft, Flinto.
CSS 3 & HTML 5 and a little Javascript
UI Animation & Micro Interactions
Responsive Design
Brand Design & Consultant
Print Ready Design
Photography