I’m a Creative Director with over 25 years of experience delivering high-impact visual solutions across digital, print, e-learning, and immersive media. I thrive at the intersection of brand strategy and technical execution, driving teams to craft compelling experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. As an XR/MR/AR/VR developer, I’ve led cross-functional efforts for government and commercial sectors, co-authored the XRcreate platform, and contributed to six spatial computing patents. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, building user-centric UI/UX, and turning complex ideas into game-ready, scalable solutions.…

TJ Southard

I’m a Creative Director with over 25 years of experience delivering high-impact visual solutions across digital, print, e-learning, and immersive media. I thrive at the intersection of brand strategy and technical execution, driving teams to craft compelling experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. As an XR/MR/AR/VR developer, I’ve led cross-functional efforts for government and commercial sectors, co-authored the XRcreate platform, and contributed to six spatial computing patents. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, building user-centric UI/UX, and turning complex ideas into game-ready, scalable solutions.…

Available to hire

I’m a Creative Director with over 25 years of experience delivering high-impact visual solutions across digital, print, e-learning, and immersive media. I thrive at the intersection of brand strategy and technical execution, driving teams to craft compelling experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

As an XR/MR/AR/VR developer, I’ve led cross-functional efforts for government and commercial sectors, co-authored the XRcreate platform, and contributed to six spatial computing patents. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, building user-centric UI/UX, and turning complex ideas into game-ready, scalable solutions.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Principal Media Developer at GP Strategies Corporation
January 1, 2021 - July 24, 2025
Supported design and development of performance support and training tools across web, mobile, and internet platforms for government, commercial, corporate, and educational clients. Served as Media Account Lead for a top 5 strategic client, directed Media Development team activities, and ensured quality standards for all design and visual elements in learning, marketing, and communications deliverables.
Creative Director at Avatar Partners
January 1, 2021 - Present
Collaborates with concept team members and departments to create user-centric UI and UX for XR/MR/AR/VR projects. Leads conceptual designs from inception to game-ready prefab objects. Responsible for mentoring team members, maintaining a hands-on approach throughout the design development lifecycle, and ensuring company-wide brand standards across visual designs, videos, advertising, and marketing campaigns.
Principal Media Developer at GP Strategies Corporation
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2021
Account Leadership for a top 5 strategic client; directed development teams for high-stakes deliverables. Led design of instructional tools for web, mobile, and internal platforms. Served clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Visa, and the Department of Justice.
Owner / Creative Director at Advanced Technologies & Research, Inc.
December 31, 2000 - July 24, 2025
Creative Director at Cisco Promotions
December 31, 1998 - July 24, 2025
Art Director at Harbour Graphics
December 31, 1997 - July 24, 2025

Education

Bachelor's at Old Dominion University
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991
Advertising Design, Graphic Design, and Illustration at Old Dominion University
January 11, 2030 - May 8, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Government, Education, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level