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DAVE JOHNSON

New York, NY  ·  dave@davej.com  ·  davej.com

Designer and developer of digital media with five decades of experience across editorial, publishing, advertising, and game development. Has led digital creative for national media companies, non-profits, membership organizations, and cultural institutions. Employer and client list includes Viacom, MTV, Showtime Networks, Out and Advocate magazines, AOL, and Time Warner.

Syracuse University BFA, Computer Graphics
1978
Director, Video Graphics
Coleco Industries
1980
  • Founded and led a new department of artists and programmers specializing in graphics for video games
  • Produced graphics and game features for over 100 video game cartridges including Donkey Kong and Zaxxon
  • Managed licensed properties and their conversion across multiple video game platforms
Digital Media Designer
Consulting Projects
1986
  • AT&T — international trade show presentations promoting ISDN and high-end commercial services
  • Edwin Schlossberg, Inc. — electronic billboard system for the World Financial Center, New York
  • NYNEX — computer-based presentations for direct-mail promotions
  • Scholastic Software — graphics, interface architecture, and content for educational software
  • Telerate and Quotron — presentation series promoting online financial services
  • Marc Segan, Inc. — designed and programmed a computer-based musical toy with algorithmic melody generation
Art Director
Crossover Technologies
1992
  • Developed graphics and interface for Fantasy War, a large-scale multiplayer game on Sony.com
  • Led all graphic development and 3D animation for Evolution, a CD-ROM strategy game published by The Discovery Channel — over 200 animated characters built in 3D Studio Max
  • Produced visuals and video content for President '96 and Reinventing America, multiplayer political games funded by The Markle Foundation and hosted by Time Warner Pathfinder and AOL — responsibilities included casting, directing video and photo shoots, interface design, and site architecture
  • Designed Columbia House Records e-commerce sites for Microsoft Network and AOL
  • Designed interface for Time Warner Music Group FSN, an interactive television channel tested in Orlando, FL
  • Developed graphics, interface, and content for Behind the Mask, a CD-ROM published by New Line Cinema
Creative Director, Digital Media
Showtime Networks
1998
  • Directed visual design, site architecture, and production for SHO.com, TheMovieChannel.com, and Showtime Championship Boxing
  • Developed Red Shoe Diaries companion site in conjunction with Zalman King Studios — concept design, personal ads, live chat, message boards, and e-commerce
  • Developed and produced WhirlGirl.com — an original online animated series with 26 weekly episodes, including live chat, message boards and web-based games
  • Designed and developed Stargate SG-1 companion web site for Showtime's sci-fi series
  • Directed agency redesign of Showtime's boxing sites for live simulcast, online pay-per-view, and audience participation
Web Designer / Developer
Consulting Projects
2001
  • MTV.com — functional specifications and launch planning for the Video Music Awards site
  • Time Inc. Interactive — sponsored editorial microsites for Ford and Effexor
  • Avon — online promotions for YourAvon.com
  • Accenture — redesign concepts for StandardandPoors.com
  • Comet Systems — redesign and CMS integration for Screensavers.com, 6 million monthly unique visitors
  • Edison Schools — redesign of The Common, a national extranet linking 150+ schools
Creative Director, UX & UI
Pride Media
2006
  • Led redesign of five LGBTQ+ editorial platforms including Out.com, Advocate.com, and Pride.com — combined traffic of 17 million unique visitors
  • Created shared interface system and front-end design framework on Drupal CMS
  • Established consistent navigation, typography, templates, and mobile-first patterns across properties
  • Redesign increased traffic fourfold and improved ad unit visibility and inventory
  • Led design of sponsored microsites for brands including Lexus, Tiffany, Absolut, Macy's, and Kenneth Cole
  • Directed development of two native mobile apps for iOS and Android
Designer / Developer
HealthyMocktails.com
2019
  • Conceived, designed and developed HealthyMocktails.com recipe site on WordPress. Sold in 2022.
Director of Digital Content
PRSA
2020
  • Led digital design and platform planning for a national membership organization of 30,000 PR professionals
  • Directed ongoing redesign of PRSA.org with focus on clarity, usability, and accessibility
  • Reworked information architecture supporting conferences, professional development, and member services
  • Planned and executed CMS migrations, including PRSSA.org from WordPress to Sitefinity
  • Designed and launched Voices4Everyone.org on WordPress, later migrated to Sitefinity
Advertising Age A-List Cited for sleek, responsive design driving record traffic
Smithsonian Institution Three permanent entries in The Art of Video Games exhibition
GLAAD Media Award Nomination Advocate 40th Anniversary, Best Digital Site
Reclaim Pride Coalition Website content management and ADA compliance, 2019