ABOUT
Based out of northern Michigan, my career as a graphic designer and illustrator officially kicked off in 2007. Since then, I've experienced working with agencies and internal marketing teams, large corporate companies to small family-owned businesses, and even running my own design company.
I work full time as an environmental designer, specializing in wayfinding and sign design. In my spare time, I like to stay busy with freelance work, focusing on things like custom illustration, logos and branding, all things print, digital ads, apparel art, and more. If you haven't already, please take a look around my site and feel free to reach out if you're interested in working together!
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Thank you.​
- Jim Young
WHAT I DO
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Logos and branding
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Print: catalogs, brochures, flyers, banners etc.
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Web and digital
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Packaging: boxes, bags, wraps, labels
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3D pop-up displays
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Trade Show Booths​​
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Digital Illustration
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Apparel and merchandise art
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Fine art commissions
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​Wayfinding​
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Vehicle wraps
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Murals and more​
I approach my work by exploring unique composition, typography, and texture to create high contrast and hierarchy. All while maintaining a strong eye on the details and, most importantly, always keeping the audience in mind.
WHERE I'VE BEEN
EDUCATION
Jim Creates LLC
Michigan
Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator 2007 - Present
Right Brain Brewery
Traverse City, MI
Graphic Designer / Marketing Director 2022 - 2024
Skilled Manufaturing Inc.
Traverse City, MI
Brand Manager 2021 - 2022
Alfie Logo Gear
Traverse City, MI
Production Artist 2021
Strive Creative'
Ferndale, MI
Lead Designer 2017 - 2018
Stahls'
Sterling Heights, MI
Senior Designer 2008 - 2017 & 2018 - 2020
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI
BFA - Concentration in Illustration 2002 - 2007
RECOGNITION
Featured in multiple publications, including Traverse City's Record Eagle and the Detroit Free Press for designing over 50 unique beer labels and packaging found in stores throughout the state of Michigan, and for leading a large mural project at Traverse City's Right Brain Brewery.
2018-2024
Designed award-winning brochures by the Gallery of Superb Printing for Superior Design and Craftsmanship.
June, 2015
Received Honorable Mention at Lac Ste. Claire Fine Art Fair for submissions in illustration. September, 2014