I’m James Armstrong, a designer who loves to collaborate. 👋
As a graphic designer/project manager working with multiple clients with unique needs, I'm always mindful of the power of collaboration to visually solve problems.
Working with me means working with someone dedicated to finding the most creative answers to design problems. I’m never content going with an established way of doing things when it’s possible to innovate.
Work experience
Art Director
Grand View Media Group / February 2008 - August 2013
Responsible for all design and print production of twelve monthly issues, six supplements, and six digital issues along with annual media kit, digital interactive publications and other projects as needed. Implementation of complete redesign and branding of multiple Processing titles. Comprehensive interaction with sales, circulation, advertising agencies, printers and management for a myriad of projects. Strict time management skills to meet multiple project deadlines. Management of multiple ares of projects including assigning duties to graphic designers and freelance illustrators along with cost management. Conduct end-of-project assessment meetings to review team performance. Advise supervisors on software/hardware purchases and training. Coordinate annual schedules of all projects with printers and digital vendors.
Senior Creative Project Manager
Ithaca College / June 2022 - Present
Lead all creative project management initiatives, systems, and workflows. Manage other project managers and assist the Art Director and Executive Director in planning, scheduling, and assigning creative projects. Manage and maintain our project management system (ClickUp) and our dedicated proofing tool (PageProof). Assist with design and production as needed. Oversee project communication between our creative, marketing, and communications teams - project kickoffs, execution, and debriefs.
Education
Auburn University
BFA in Graphic Design / 2000 - 2003
Certificates
Google Project Management Professional
UI design course
Art Director/Graphic Designer
Randall-Reilly Publishing / May 2005 - February 2008
Responsible for Art Direction of editorial and advertisement design and production
(Changing Lanes, Top Bid, Trucker Pages, Partners In Business). Supervision of magazines from initial layout until printed product; responsible for pre press control and quality. Design and prepress management of several projects including calendars, manuals, trade show materials
(T-shirts, flyers, etc.). Interaction and development with several departments including sales, editorial, and traffic/circulation, along with outside agencies and clients. Strict adherence to deadlines along with management of several projects simultaneously.
Tools
Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop/XD), Microsoft 365, ClickUp, Figma, Sketch, Miro, Whimsical. Working knowledge of WordPress, Asana, Jira, and Confluence.
Adobe Creative Educator
Senior Production Manager
Auburn University at Montgomery / August 2013 - June 2022
Design for both print and web, including landing pages, logos/branding assets, wireframes, interactive prototypes, annual reports, etc. Manage in-house team of designers, freelancers, and a marketing strategist. Manage creative project workflow, scheduling, and proof approval process. Manage our project management platform for both internal and external clients. Develop and maintain nationwide vendor relationships. Heavily involved in art direction and conceptualization.
Freelance Graphic Designer
February 2022 - Present
Design for multiple clients including Tanger Outlets, United Tennis Association, and Techless. Projects include landing pages, emails, handbooks, posters, icons, and environmental signage.