What I’ve done and what I do.

I’m James Krause, and, in terms of graphic design, my career began well before I finished High School. That was a while ago. My first three design jobs were within studios in the Seattle area. 

I began freelancing around 1990 and have never looked back. My clients have included companies as large as Microsoft, Levi Strauss, and Washington Apples, and I’ve also worked with clients as tiny as a two-person coffee shop and a one-person jewelry company. There’s been a great deal of variety in terms of both my clientele and in the types of jobs I’ve done: all kinds of design projects, branding work, illustration assignments, and writing jobs. 

Photography entered my business as soon as cameras became digital. It didn’t take long before all (and I do mean all) of my clients preferred the photos I shot to the photos they got when I hired other photographers for our projects. What can I say. 

These days, in fact, about 2/3 of my business is the photography I do for my own design work, for the work of other designers and design firms, and with clients directly. And speaking of picture-taking, I’ve written five popular books on digital photography. All of which are available around the globe, and some of which have been translated into multiple languages. 

When I’m not doing photo work, I tend to split my time between design and writing projects. 

I mentioned books earlier: I’ve authored seventeen. Each is about design, photography, and/or creativity, each was published by a major U.S. publisher, each has been distributed worldwide, and several are best-sellers in their genres. 

And, on a connected note, I’ve also done three popular video courses for LinkedIn Learning (formerly lynda.com).

I guess my only other claims to fame are my insistence on meeting deadlines, working within budgets, getting along well with others, and always striving to exceed expectations. It’s a recipe that’s worked well enough to keep me employed in the business of creativity for well over half my life. Employed and enthusiastic. 

And, finally, for what it’s worth, when I’m not working, I can usually be found riding one of my bicycles, racing motorcycles, hiking the foothills, drinking espresso, reading books, taking pictures, making art, or searching out great works of cinema.

Thank you for your time,

James Krause