Hi, I'm James Pacheco, a seasoned senior designer and art director with over 20 years of experience shaping brand identity, UI/UX, and visual communication across diverse industries. I thrive on turning complex business goals into clear, scalable design systems and intuitive digital experiences, leading cross-functional teams from concept through execution while upholding brand governance.…

James Pacheco

Hi, I'm James Pacheco, a seasoned senior designer and art director with over 20 years of experience shaping brand identity, UI/UX, and visual communication across diverse industries. I thrive on turning complex business goals into clear, scalable design systems and intuitive digital experiences, leading cross-functional teams from concept through execution while upholding brand governance.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m James Pacheco, a seasoned senior designer and art director with over 20 years of experience shaping brand identity, UI/UX, and visual communication across diverse industries.

I thrive on turning complex business goals into clear, scalable design systems and intuitive digital experiences, leading cross-functional teams from concept through execution while upholding brand governance.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Brand Identity Manager at Simpson Strong-Tie
June 1, 2016 - October 1, 2025
Championed enterprise brand identity initiatives, serving as lead designer for annual reports and brand standards to ensure consistency across digital and print channels.
Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Identity at Simpson Strong-Tie
June 1, 2013 - October 1, 2025
Lead designer for brand identity and brand standards; developed and updated brand typography; created and updated catalog typography, color systems, and styles to improve production efficiency; produced SST Annual Reports (2020–2022), SST Web App Icon Set, and 350+ page catalog projects; directed contracted production designers and established company-wide color and style guidelines.
Senior UI and Visual Designer at Meyer Sound
February 1, 2012 - December 1, 2012
Led digital product design and established a company-wide User-Centered Design process; conducted interviews and research; developed flow charts and whiteboard task analyses; produced low- and high-fidelity prototypes and wireframes.
Adjunct Graphic Design Instructor at Ohlone College
January 1, 2003 - December 1, 2020
Instructor teaching four sections of graphic design; managed weekly critiques and monthly final critiques; delivered coursework using Adobe Creative Suite and related design instruction.
Art Director and UI Designer at Decision Design Corporation
July 1, 2000 - February 1, 2009
Art directed software UI, mobile applications, websites, print projects from concept to completion; led creative on Calix Networks’ website and built a UI/branding language across print and digital; contributed to the Deluxe Media logistics system UI.
Art Director at Paige Warner Communications
October 1, 1999 - July 1, 2000
Spearheaded creative concept development and directed web initiatives, enhancing user experience across digital platforms.
Senior Graphic Designer at Paige Warner Communications
October 1, 1999 - July 1, 2000
Concept development and team brainstorming; created print collateral (annual reports, data sheets, brochures); led web/UI projects from concept to completion; managed project timelines and client communications.
Contract Graphic Designer at James Pacheco Visual Communication
May 1, 1998 - June 1, 2013
Owner/operator of a graphic and web design business serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area; specialized in branding identity, website and UI design; designed and led major internal projects for Gilead Sciences (My Exchange, Dr. Track) and branding for Xoma (XOOM/ADAPT) and Cyan Optics; managed multiple client accounts and projects.

Education

B.S./B.F.A. Graphic Design at San José State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1999
A.A. Honors, Fine Arts / Graphic Design at Ohlone College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1996
B.S. / B.F.A. at San José State University
January 1, 1995 - May 1, 1999
A.A. Honors at Ohlone College
January 1, 1994 - May 1, 1996
B.S. / B.F.A.: Graphic Design at San José State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1999
A.A. Honors, Fine Arts: Graphic Design at Ohlone College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1996
B.S./B.F.A.: Graphic Design at San José State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1999
A.A. Honors, Fine Arts: Graphic Design at Ohlone College, Fremont, CA
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1996
A.A. Honors, Fine Arts: Graphic Design at Ohlone College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1996
B.S./B.F.A.: Graphic Design at San José State University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1999

Qualifications

Best of Show - SUPERCOMM 2004 (Calix Networks)
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2025
Best of Show - 1996 Student Design Show, Ohlone College
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2025
Best of Show - 1995 Student Design Show, Ohlone College
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2025
SUPERCOMM 2004 Best of Show
January 1, 2004 - June 29, 2026
Student Design Show Best of Show & Scholarship
January 1, 1996 - June 29, 2026
Student Design Show Best of Show
January 1, 1995 - June 29, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education, Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Other

Skills

Experience Level