James Dunlap: Professor and Artist

Design is everywhere. Every day, different forms of design surround us; from logos to commercials, advertisements, everyday objects and everything in between. For James Dunlap, Associate Professor of Graphic Design, design is his specialty. He teaches a variety of classes about these different medias and elements of design. James began his education at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in 1997, and got his Masters in Fine Arts from Transart Institute in 2010. He began with animations and branched out to other forms of design. "The thing that I like about it, I like that design is everywhere and people don't recognize it." 

James Dunlap

Being an artist that works with digital medias means breadth of skills. Professor Dunlap started his exploration with animation and illustration. "I love animation because it's magic and it can reach wide audiences." he said happily. "Its my inner child wanting to make magic."

James previously worked for a German merchandising company, where he would create window displays,  layouts for products in stores, and more. His work was seen in many European stores. He has also taught at multiple other Universities, including his alma mater, Edinboro, Bucknell University and Lock Haven. In addition to his teaching, he has conducted workshops in many countries, including Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Holland and Senegal.

Scientific Illustration- Dun & Dun 

The Art Department of Bloomsburg University is a highlight of the job to James. "I really love the people in this department." he begins. "Its hard to find an art department with a group of people who... we all get along so well and we all support each other so well." he explained delightedly. The support and love in the department was emphasized by the joyful look on James' face. 

Professor Dunlap's portfolio is nothing short of wowing. He displays different mediums with a variety of subjects in a very organized fashion. He highlights his illustrations and designs on the main page, and has a separate page dedicated to some of his many animations. The page begins with some of his larger projects, including bumpers for the Telluride Film Festival in 2019 and 2021, along with the trailer for the Netflix film "Sembene!", available from 2015-2018. Also included under the 'Animations' page, are some commercials done for Shopzilla.com and Internaxx. Not featured on the site are some of Professor Dunlap's scientific illustrations. These scientific illustrations have a lot of realistic details within the drawings of various insects, or other creatures/ objects. James specifically does these types of drawings for his fly fishing art company, Dun & Dun

James is a great influence for young designers looking to thrive at what they do. Considering all that he has done and everywhere his career has taken him, his experience and knowledge make him stand out among the rest. He describes the job as "not ever working, but you're working all the time." He also emphasizes "The main thing is have that work ethic where you realize that now is your time to be working and researching and explore." With a slight shake of his head, he continued, "I was once you... I remember I'd see people and think, why are you here if you're not gonna work?" James has such a passion for his career which is inspiring to see. "You set these goals, and you think, oh you get there and you're done, but there's always this next thing."

Professor James Dunlap is an incredible designer with a wide range of skills in many mediums. His work is equally as impressive as his teaching skills. His knowledge and experience helps young aspiring designers and artists to get where they want to go with their careers, and his classes are stepping stones to that. He, and his inner child, help to bring a lot more magic to this world.