S. Christopher James (Steve)

Steve is an award-winning designer, artist, and illustrator based in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex with over 30 years of experience in the creative industry.

He earned a BFA in Advertising Art from the University of North Texas, where he garnered multiple student awards, including selection into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators student show.

After graduation, Steve began his career in advertising, working in various roles such as art director, creative director, and designer for print, web, and interactive media at several agencies and design studios. He has developed campaigns for clients in healthcare, commercial real estate, food and spirits, oil and gas, transportation, periodicals and retail.

In 1991, Steve founded the Union Design Company, initially a freelance design studio that has evolved into a comprehensive visual communications hub for both professional and personal projects.

Steve’s work has been recognized in numerous publications and exhibitions across art, illustration, advertising, and graphic design.

As an accomplished contemporary artist, Steve enjoys working in traditional media such as printmaking, watercolor, and collage. His work has been exhibited in art shows across the United States. Influenced by the Social Realism of the 20th century, Steve often incorporates iconography from this era to address contemporary issues. He frequently adopts a hybrid approach to his craft, blending digital and traditional techniques to create a distinct and dynamic artistic expression.

Steve also holds an MFA in Visual Communications from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Currently, Steve works as a design lead for a major healthcare company and serves as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas A&M University-Commerce, both located in the DFW area.