I'm a highly skilled image manipulator, designer, and production artist with years of experience creating documents and images for every imaginable project—from social media and consumer goods to B2B and trade shows. I've had the pleasure of working with the Midwest’s finest creatives, which has taught me the satisfaction of working collaboratively and being a strong team player. Throughout my career, I have worked with well-known brands such as Snap-on Tools, Brunswick, Master Lock, YMCA, and many others. My expertise spans retouching, 3D stills and animations, location and studio photography, motion graphics, print production, and even coding interactive PDF forms, making me a versatile and dedicated professional in the creative field.

James McDonald

I'm a highly skilled image manipulator, designer, and production artist with years of experience creating documents and images for every imaginable project—from social media and consumer goods to B2B and trade shows. I've had the pleasure of working with the Midwest’s finest creatives, which has taught me the satisfaction of working collaboratively and being a strong team player. Throughout my career, I have worked with well-known brands such as Snap-on Tools, Brunswick, Master Lock, YMCA, and many others. My expertise spans retouching, 3D stills and animations, location and studio photography, motion graphics, print production, and even coding interactive PDF forms, making me a versatile and dedicated professional in the creative field.

Available to hire

I’m a highly skilled image manipulator, designer, and production artist with years of experience creating documents and images for every imaginable project—from social media and consumer goods to B2B and trade shows. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Midwest’s finest creatives, which has taught me the satisfaction of working collaboratively and being a strong team player.

Throughout my career, I have worked with well-known brands such as Snap-on Tools, Brunswick, Master Lock, YMCA, and many others. My expertise spans retouching, 3D stills and animations, location and studio photography, motion graphics, print production, and even coding interactive PDF forms, making me a versatile and dedicated professional in the creative field.

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Work Experience

Business Owner, Digital Artist at Jimmy The Pixel
May 1, 2017 - Present
Freelance digital artist specializing in retouching, 3D stills/animations, location and studio photography, motion graphics, print production, and coding interactive PDF forms. Delivered images and production for trade shows, B2B and consumer print ads, brochures, posters, social media, and websites across the Midwest.
Digital Artist at Forever Companies
May 1, 2024 - August 30, 2025
Client-side artist for lab-grown and simulated diamond jewelry sold exclusively online. Photographed and retouched all diamond jewelry images for the website and email marketing. Introduced CGI rendering to improve and replace product images. Managed and maintained the photo studio and built, produced, and directed live streaming content on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Handled project management using Click-up and content management with Cloudinary.
Digital Artist at Traction Factory
August 1, 2019 - August 30, 2025
Sole retoucher, motion graphics artist, and photographer at a small boutique agency primarily serving one client. Created short videos and motion graphics for Snap-on internal use, including the production of CGI images and promotional photography.
VP, Digital Graphics at Laughlin Constable Advertising
May 1, 2017 - August 30, 2025
Handled retouching, CGI image creation, motion graphics, animation, and print production. Shot and supervised photo shoots for animated and single-image social media and agency pitches. Purchased and supervised installation of digital editing suite and photo studio. Trained Art Directors in DSLR photography and studio lighting.
VP Digital Graphics at BVK Advertising
January 1, 2012 - August 30, 2025
Senior retoucher supervising two other retouchers, collaborating with nine art directors. Introduced the agency's first CGI ad and ran a full-page campaign in USA Today for St. Pete Clearwater.
VP Digital Graphics at Kohnke Hanneken Advertising
July 1, 2006 - August 30, 2025
Handled print production, retouching, and photography for client and pitch work. Coordinated with printers, pre-press shops, and press checks. Purchased and managed in-house proofer and oversaw DVDs authoring, website coding, and online client digital presentations. Managed office computers, printers, and backup IT systems.

Education

BFA at University of Wisconsin
January 11, 2030 - August 30, 2025

Qualifications

United Adworkers Photography Bronze Award
January 11, 2030 - August 30, 2025
Graphis Magazine Digital Artist Gold Award
January 11, 2030 - August 30, 2025
Communication Arts Digital Imaging Feature Article
January 1, 1999 - August 30, 2025

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education, Healthcare