To celebrate our DesignerCon contest, we’re shining light on our winner Chad James, an artist whose work brings together pop culture and personal expression. Inspired by a childhood filled with icons like Star Wars and Transformers, Chad has developed a signature style that blends vibrant, mixed-media visuals with digital techniques. Now, working digitally, he spends hours each day on his iPad, constantly evolving his craft.

FEATURE

Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist? What inspired you to start and how has your style evolved over time?

Chad James

Growing up, I was surrounded by things like Star Wars, Transformers, and all kinds of pop culture icons. Art was always a big part of my life; I was drawn to colorful, mixed-media styles rather than realism. Over the years, I experimented with different programs, and now I do a lot of digital work on my iPad. The technology has evolved so much—it’s like a condensed version of Photoshop and Illustrator, made really user-friendly, so I can create all kinds of artwork. I spend at least two to three hours a day creating, constantly working on multiple pieces at once.

FEATURE

How long have you been a fan of FEATURE and DesignerCon?

Chad James  

I've been a fan of DesignerCon and FEATURE for years. I've been trying to get into DesignerCon for about four or five years now, and my son actually helped bring me into the scene. He's a huge sneakerhead and has a real passion for fashion. He's always showing me new things, saying, 'Check this out, check this out.' We’re both into collectibles like Bearbricks and similar pieces.

FEATURE  

What was your inspiration behind your design?

Chad James  

The inspiration behind my design came from a few things. The first design I submitted was a Bearbrick, which I often incorporate in my art, along with pencils and paintbrushes. The Raiders design that was picked has a personal backstory. Years ago, I worked at a tattoo shop and had some season tickets for the Raiders. Some of the artists there were invited to create art for the Raiders stadium, but I wasn’t asked to be involved. That felt like a bit of a slap in the face, as I didn’t get the opportunity because I was relatively unknown. So, creating this piece was my way of taking that experience and turning it into something meaningful.

FEATURE   

Outside of the rewards, what does winning this contest mean to you?

Chad James

This contest is huge for me, winning feels like getting a gold star for my work. I draw and create art every day for the love of it, so this recognition is incredible. I hope this experience helps me keep moving toward bigger goals, like designing logos or T-shirts for well-known brands and eventually having my own booth at DesignerCon.

FEATURE

How does it feel to have your work recognized by FEATURE and DesignerCon? How do you hope to build on this experience and grow as a designer?

Chad James  

It feels amazing to have my work recognized. I’ve never had a big company actually tell me my design was chosen over others, it’s a whole new level of validation. I don’t know how many people submitted designs, but knowing mine was picked is incredible. I hope to continue working with FEATURE and to have opportunities to design for them and other brands in the future.

FEATURE

How did your wife and your kid talk into doing the contest?

Chad James

My son was the one who convinced me to enter this contest. I had tried for years to get into DesignerCon but never heard back, so I almost didn’t bother. One night, around one in the morning, I was up drawing on my iPad when my son came home from work and said, 'You should go for this contest.' I wasn’t sure, but then I ended up creating a few designs by three in the morning. I kept working, and that’s how I came up with the Raiders design you chose.

As the contest deadline got closer, I saw DesignerCon posting pictures of submissions, but mine wasn’t showing up. I thought, 'Did they even see mine?' Then, while I was at work one day, my son texted me a picture and said, 'Check it out—they posted another submission.' For a moment, I thought I didn’t make the cut. But then, while I was at a tattoo convention in Milwaukee, I got an email from you all. I was hoping for good news, and that’s when I found out I’d won. So I guess that’s why I didn’t see mine posted earlier—they were saving it for the win. I’m glad my son pushed me to gofor it; it’s been a cool experience.

Chad’s dedication to his craft and the unique perspective he brings to each piece reflect the raw talent and persistence that FEATURE celebrates. Now, as he steps into the next chapter with DesignerCon and future collaborations, Chad looks forward to expanding his work for new audiences and achieving his goal of designing for top brands.