BIOGRAPHY
In 1986, James and his college friend decided to start his own business aged 19.
After the high street banks, all said “no” to a company start-up loan, they received a grant from The Prince’s Trust of £2,000 they founded ‘ATTIK’, a small graphic design agency working from James’ grandmother’s attic bedroom in Huddersfield, Yorkshire
Over a 25 year period, James has worked at the coca-cola company as the VP of Global design and has spoken at over 200+ public events in over 30 countries. Speaking on various subjects that he has gained knowledge on, including Design and Brand Strategy, Design Thinking, Freelance Economy, Exiting an Agency, Entrepreneurship, Company Culture, Surviving Recessions, and Innovation. His goal is to share his experiences and inspire others.
James found KnownUnknown, it has been his vision for many years and now has become a reality and a passion. KnownUnknown is a membership platform where design talent from across the world connect and learn through people’s willingness to share and collaborate. Testing the power of social media with no images or fancy typography. Just a simple message to ask if you may know of anyone via your trusted circles, regarding any of these 3 very important roles; Design Community Lead, Social Media Manager, and Virtual Assistant.
SOME SUCCESSES
Design Student and “Street Artist”
James studied Graphic Design and Typography at Batley Art School, West Yorkshire, ENGLAND.
Founder of ATTIK, a design company which staffed 250 employees with an international footprint.
Former Vice President of Global Design with The Coca-Cola Company.
Founder KNOWN UNKNOWN, a member platform where design talent from across the world connect.
Alumni, Patron, and Ambassador of the Prince Charles Trust “James has become the Virtuous Circle.” —HRH Prince Charles
James was honored to help celebrate The Princeʼs Trust 25 year celebration British TV
documentary.
Member of the University of Huddersfield Alumni. Past member of the UoH Executive Committee
Spoken on Design at over 250 different live events over the past 25 years as keynote or panel speaker / judge.
USEFUL LINKS & SOCIAL MEDIA
10 QUESTIONS THAT JAMES CAN BE ASKED
1. Tell is about your upbringing?
2. What is the connection to The Beatles?
3. When did you realize you wanted to work for yourself?
4. How was HRH Prince Charles involved in your start-up?
5. What did you bring to Coca-Cola?
6. Why did you leave Coca-Cola?
7. Why reinvent yourself at 50?
8. What is the future of the creative agency?
9. What does the 2020ʼs look like for creativity?
10. You describe yourself as a ‘Confident Introvertʼ — tell us more
5 TOPICS THAT JAMES CAN DISCUSS
1. How brands are built
2. Entrepreneurs survival guide in a corporate environment
3. We are all in a Supermarket
4. Introverts make great creatives
5. The art of storytelling
6. One Brand Strategy
7. Kiss The Past Hello
A GLIMPSE OF WHAT AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES WILL BE LIKE
PODCASTS THAT HAVE INTERVIEWED JAMES SOMMERVILLE
LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY
CURRENT TIME IN THIS LOCATION:
