About

GET TO KNOW ME

I view design as a challenge to grow and get better each day. I enjoy learning by doing and leading by example. When it comes to having an external creative outlet outside of work, painting is joy.

MY EXPERIENCE

I bring twenty years of experience in the graphic design industry creating and enhancing consumer brands. I specialized in developing visual identities, creative direction, and project management. I have led private label and co-branding projects with Walmart, CVS, Nestle Waters, Meijer, Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Andy Roddick, and others.

MY GOAL

My goal is to help you be successful. I want to help solve problems by making complex things more simple. I want to clearly state the problem and figure out an approach to deliver a product that meets the needs of both the users as well as the product owner(s).

YEARS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

YEARS AS AN ART DIRECTOR

MANAGED EMPLOYEES

YEARS HAPPY IN LIFE

WORK EXPERIENCE

2022-2024

NEXTGEN HEALTHCARE: Product Designer II
2009-2022

GUNTHER CREATIVE: Creative Director
2011-2020

PIPING ROCK: Senior Art Director
2007-2011

ARIZONA BEVERAGES: Graphics & Marketing Director
2007-2002

ARIZONA BEVERAGES: Graphic Designer

What makes me different than other UX designers?

Having worked for over twenty years, building two graphic design departments, managing people, and working on high-level projects directly with the stakeholders and clients has given me knowledge & insight that can only be gained from doing. Experience is valuable and I have a ton of it.

What parts of the UX process do I enjoy the most?

I have enjoyed many parts of several projects. If I were to pick one, it would be the findings and design decisions based on the usability tests. I feel like they have really helped me understand empathy and user goals more than I expected.

What projects do I add the most value?

The projects that I add the most value are those that require questions for better understanding. The last thing you want is to take the wrong approach and have to start over or change things.

What projects do I appear best at accomplishing?

The projects I appear best at accomplishing are those that include branding (logos and icons) because of my extended background in graphic design. However, I don’t want that to ever limit what I can or can’t do in terms of UX design.

Which projects taught me the most?

I learn something new on all projects. However, when I do something completely new, out of my comfort zone, I learn the most. I’m not afraid to take on new challenges and try to figure them out. I may make mistakes, but that’s part of the learning process.

Are there engaging stories behind any of these case studies?

Yes, for getbetter. I have personally witnessed two-foot surgery patients struggle with recovery. Their doctor only provided them with a piece of paper with written instructions on exercises to do. Both ended up doing them wrong and made them worse. An app like getbetter has the potential to help patients more likely to succeed.

WHAT I ENJOY DOING IN MY FREE TIME

MY FRUIT & VEGETABLE GARDEN

I currently grow raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, honey berries, black currant, thyme, rosemary, long hot peppers, green onions, lettuce and pumpkins.

BUILDING AND FIXING THINGS WITH MY SON

It all started with his swing set (which he calls it a “Pirate Ship”. From there, he wants to learn how to do everything himself. It’s a great father/son bonding.

Contact Me

For 20 years, I have successfully provided graphic design solutions to my company and clients.

A life changing event convinced me to learn UX Design and help others as I was helped. To learn more about what happened, click the button below.

CONTACT: JAMES GUNTHER

Send me a message via LinkedIn

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