Prior to co-founding Subplot Studio in 2011, James worked for more than a decade in digital and print design, focusing on creative strategy and brand development for independent and corporate brands in the arts, entertainment, sports, medical and active lifestyle industries including Dewey Weber Surfboards, Horace Grant and Lisa Leonard Designs.James serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly, the advisory board for Cal Poly Arts, the Board of Directors at Woods Humane Society and is a mentor for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Cal Poly.James graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Art & Design with concentrations in graphic design and studio art.