Resume
The best way to connect with people is through storytelling.
My goal as a writer and illustrator is to share my story with others.
Bio
James Best was born in Vermont in 1992 and has lived all across the Midwestern United States. His father was a Baptist preacher. James shares his father’s faith and was baptized by him in 1999. From a young age, James was inspired to write by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Brian Jacques. In 2022, he began self-publishing a series of fantasy novels. He now has four titles in his bibliography (Astral Paladins, Dead Men Tell No Tales, Chrysandra & Starroc, and Jackstone), all of which he personally illustrated, as well as various short stories and poems.
Experience
Freelance Artist, Jan. 2010 - Present: Create original artwork on a commission basis for various clients. Artwork featured in multiple local galleries. Provide hundreds of sermon illustrations for Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Self-published Author, May 2022 - Present: Write, edit, illustrate, and market a series of separate fantasy novels. Four novels published so far: Astral Paladins (2022), Dead Men Tell No Tales (2022), Chrysandra & Starroc (2022), and Jackstone (2024).
Promotions Assistant at Center of Hope, Feb. 2020 - Sep. 2021: Updated company website and designed posts for social media.
Graphic Designer at Maximum Promotions, Sep. 2019 - Nov. 2019: Prepared proofs using graphic art assets for client approval and use by other departments. Communicated with clients via email.
Education
Associate of Applied Science in the Field of Digital Media Production at Southeast Technical College: Class of 2017. Made Dean’s List.
Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Olney Central College: Class of 2013. Made Dean’s List. Phi Theta Kappa Member.
Skills
Adobe Creative Suite: 9 years experience. Used to produce digital artwork and video content.
Video Editing: 9 years experience. Assemble trailers to market books on social media.
CreativeWriting: 4 years experience. Composed four novels as well as various poems and short stories.
Illustration: 10+ years experience.
Contact
email: james_best92@hotmail.com
phone: 605-496-6853