James is available for hire
Hire JamesJames Rhodes
Verified Expert in Design
Designer
Location
Barrie, ON, Canada
Toptal Member Since
June 12, 2017
James is a professional designer who excels in turning visions into compelling visuals. With a track record of successful collaborations with top-tier brands like Adidas, Reebok, Kawasaki, and Ducati, his expertise lies in creating engaging brand identities. James blends creativity with meticulous attention to detail, consistently delivering superior results. His work is more than just design—it's about crafting a story that brings brands to life.
Portfolio
Work Experience
Lead Product Designer
2020 - 2023
OPENREEL
- Spearheaded the design of OpenReel's core product, resulting in an entirely new business product and revenue, which increased user engagement and significantly increased customer satisfaction scores.
- Transformed OpenReel's design process by introducing a design system and methodologies, resulting in a 40% increase in project delivery speed.
- Led a cross-functional team of designers and developers, successfully delivering five major new product offerings on schedule and within budget.
- Presented product design strategies and updates to stakeholders, effectively communicating design value and fostering strong relationships.
- Collaborated with the marketing and sales teams to align product design with brand strategy, contributing to increased brand recognition.
Technologies: Figma, Sketch, Jira, Adobe After Effects, Framer, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Design Systems, Web UI Design
Senior Manager
2017 - 2018
Roots
- Managed a team of designers and developers to improve and update the online/digital appearance consistently.
- Implemented strategic improvements to the platform.
- Managed relationships with several agency partners.
- Implemented leading design improvements to the online site.
- Designed monthly newsletters and online banners promoting products.
- Updated meta information to align with global standards.
- Developed and pitched monthly online campaigns to upper management.
- Worked strategically with photographers to align imagery with monthly online brand campaigns.
Technologies: InVision App, Prototyping, Webflow, Design, Microsoft Office, Principle, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, Sketch, Figma, Visual Design, UI Design, Digital Design, Ad Design, Branding, Marketing, Presentation Design, eCommerce, Style Guides, Web Design, Product Design, UI Components, Layout Design, Graphic Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Design, HTML, CSS, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Design Systems, Web UI Design
Creative Services Manager
2014 - 2017
Adidas
- Managed my team’s work schedules to allow for the most optimal outputs.
- Provided creative concepts on which designers could build off of.
- Empowered my designers to create industry-leading creative artwork.
- Created innovative design solutions for multiple brands within the company.
- Led project meetings and reviews daily, weekly, and annually.
- Conducted employee performance reviews which included goal setting and performance checkups.
- Challenged the status quo in all areas of design and development.
Technologies: Cinema 4D, Asana, Principle, Sketch, InVision, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe After Effects, Visual Design, UI Design, Digital Design, Webflow, Ad Design, Branding, Marketing, Presentation Design, eCommerce, Style Guides, Web Design, Product Design, UI Components, Layout Design, Graphic Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Design, HTML, CSS, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Design Systems, Web UI Design
Senior Designer
2013 - 2014
Adidas
- Created marketing material and in-store retail campaigns across Canada.
- Designed and prepared finished art for product and communication support materials.
- Developed Canadian-specific marketing—ensuring consistency with global corporate identity guidelines.
- Created innovative UI experiences for many types of user/customers.
- Prepared layouts for advertising and in-store POS concepts.
- Coordinated with managers to develop new ideas/concepts to boost brand marketing.
- Prepared and delivered final files to printers for production.
Technologies: Cinema 4D, Asana, Principle, Sketch, InVision, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe After Effects, Visual Design, UI Design, Digital Design, Branding, Marketing, Presentation Design, eCommerce, Style Guides, Web Design, UI Components, Layout Design, Graphic Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Web UI Design
Web Designer
2011 - 2013
Traffic Works Media
- Designed leading-class websites for various clients around the world. Worked closely with the development team through handoffs.
- Built brand identities and completed brand guides for various clients. Ensured each client was left with a curated set of logos and assets for their business.
- Created innovative UI experiences for many types of users/customers.
Technologies: Web Banner Design, Web Design, Adobe Illustrator, WordPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe CC, Visual Design, UI Design, Digital Design, Branding, Marketing, Presentation Design, eCommerce, Graphic Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Front-end Design, User Interface (UI), Web UI Design
Education
2005 - 2008
Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design
Durham College - Oshawa, Ontario
Experience
Tools
Collaboration That Works
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