Fractional Leadership

for independent designers, creative teams, and founders. I help high-performing designers ship best-in-class work. Through direct collaboration, we identify and solve the hardest problems in creative studios. Join the creative leadership group ↗ / What kinds of things do you help with? ↓

Graphic Design

for mission-driven organizations working in surf, ocean and the outdoors, climate and environmental causes, and select others. My work spans visual identities and digital interfaces, using design to solve business problems and create authentic emotional connection. Join ↗ / Why should I hire you? ↓

1983


2001-2005

Born
San Diego

Studied
University of California – Santa Barbara
Philosophy & Art History

Jacob in Indonesia

2025

Grilli Type

Teaching
Parsons School of Design
Commmunications Design BA
Digital Product Design Masters
New York City, NY

Workshops
HBK Saarbrücken

Speaking & Interviews
Parsons School of Design
Cranbrook
Google Design
Mother Design Meets
Pinterest Design

GT America art

2013-2025

XXIX

Acquired by Garden3d in 2020
30+ designers and developers
$6M annual revenue

Key

Index

With locations in
Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Richmond
and others through the Index Node network

Key

Clients including
Google, IBM, Figma, Brooklyn Museum, Hinge, Salt & Stone, Alison Roman, Pratt Institute, ACLU, Pinterest, and more.

Collaborators such as
Pentagram, Other Means, Mike Abbink, Wade & Leta, Playlab

Featured on
SiteInspire, Awwards, The Brand Identity, and others.

byHumankind

I help designers, design teams, and design-led organizations succeed through fractional creative leadership, coaching, and select design engagements.

I’m a surfer and self-taught graphic designer. Raised in California, I’ve spent most of my adult life between New York City and Europe until recently relocating to Los Angeles. In addition to my studio work, I teach, lead workshops, and give talks on design and technology. I’m currently the Graphic Design Director at Grilli Type.

Over an 18-year career – including agency and in-house experience, starting, scaling, and ultimately selling a design company, and growing a thriving design community – I’ve learned everything from running a studio to navigating the complexities of building a purpose-driven business. I’ve developed not only a strong design perspective, delivering industry-leading work for upstart and established clients, but also a deeper understanding of the leadership, culture, and processes required to work at that level.

Throughout that time, I’ve heard from students and recent grads, design leaders in-house and at agencies, startup founders, and investors – each seeking feedback, advice, and direction. It became clear that while the design field is full of talent, there’s a lack of resources for feedback and mentorship despite a universal desire for both.

This realization clarified my mission within design: rather than build another studio, I’m focused on supporting others as they navigate their creative paths, sharing what I’ve learned and creating space for them to thrive. And for the design projects I do take on, they need to reflect my own values and passions, only making things that have positive impact while conserving earth’s finite resources.

I’m available for collaboration, teaching, workshops and talks, or just to chat.