Resume of Jim Watson
Awards and honors
Advisory Council, RSVP, July 2024
My favorite web site: jamesrobertwatson.com, Chuck Green ideabook.com, 2016 & 2008
Retired Art Educator of the Year, 2010-11, Oklahoma Art Education Association, 2011
Outstanding Educator of the Year, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, 2008-09
Professor Emeritus of Design, UCO 2008
AIGA Fellow, American Institute of Graphic Arts, 2008
Senior Faculty Award for Professional Contributions, College of Fine Arts & Design, 2008
Trustee, Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, 2008
Dean's Fellowship, CFAD, 2005-06
Hauptman Fellowship, Jackson College of Graduate Studies, 2004-05
Outstanding Professor Award, UCO Greek System, 2001-02
Outstanding Professor's Academy, Educators Leadership Academy, 2001-02
Favorite Professor Award, UCO Alpha Lambda Delta, 2000-01
Distinguished Teaching Award, AAUP-UCO, 1999-2000
Outstanding Faculty Mentor, UCO Foundation, 1999-2000
Faculty Fellow, UCO Office of Student Services, 1999
Outstanding Service, UCO Office of Student Services, 1998-99
Award of Appreciation, UCO InterFraternity Council, 1999
Board of Directors, AIGA, Oklahoma Chapter, 1996-99, 2006-08
President, Graphic Communication Society of Oklahoma, 1993-96
Winner SunSpike, volleyball summer, 1994
Outstanding Advisor, The Fraternity of Sigma Tau Gamma, 1994
Professor of Excellence, UCO Mortar Board, 1988-89
First Place, volleyball leagues, Edmond and Dallas, 1987-94
Innovator of the Year, Brookhaven College, 1984-85
Phi Kappa Phi, scholastic honor fraternity, UNT, 1982
Phi Delta Kappa, education honor fraternity, UNT, 1982
Outstanding Employee, TGI Friday's, 1976
Outstanding Advertising Intern, Dallas Advertising League, Texas Daily Newspaper Assoc, 1974
Director, University of Texas Advertising Club, 1973-74
Logo contest winner, University of Texas School of Communication, 1972
President, Sigma Chi Fraternity, UT Austin, 1971
National Commission on Rushing & Pledging, Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1971
Advisor, Freshman Experience, UT Austin, 1971
Round-Up committee chair, UT Austin, 1970
Advisor, Freshman Orientation, UT Austin, 1970, 1971
Outstanding Employee Scholarship, Six Flags over Texas, 1969
Assistant Ride Foreman, Six Flags over Texas, 1968-69
Hillcrest High School Hall of Fame, 1968
Citizenship Award, Soroptomist Club of Dallas, 1968
Junior Rotarian, Rotary Club of Downtown Dallas, 1968
Outstanding Art Award, The King and I set design, Student Crafts Fair, 1968
First Place Award, George B. Dealey Science Fair, Dallas, 1961
University ranks achieved
1995 Professor
1992 (Tenure)
1991 Associate Professor
1987 Assistant Professor
Student Evaluations and other accolades
Committees - Faculty
Homecoming Sign Competition Judge, OSU, 2008
Faculty Development, Promotion, and Tenure Committees, 1993, 2000, 2005-07
Faculty Grievance Board, 1993-96, 2003-07; Chairman: 1994-96
Faculty Merit Credit Committee, 2000; Chairman: 2003
Graduate Council, 2001
College Curriculum Committee, 2001
AAUP Delegate, 2001
Emerging Technologies, 2001
Undergraduate Catalog, 1999
Campus Master Plan, 2000
Parking and Transit Advisory Board, Chairman, 1999
Program Assessment Committee, Chairman, 1997
Interviewer, President's Leadership Council, 1998
Academic Affairs Committee on Excellence, 1992
Faculty Senate, Reporter/Historian, 1988
Committees - UCO Search
Chair, Department of Design, 2005
Assistant Marketing Director, CFAD, 2005
Academic Advisor, 2005
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design, 2003
Administrative Secretary, Department of Design, 2003
Instructor, Interior Design, 2001
Instructor, Graphic Design/Computer Technology, 2000
Consultant, Architectural Contract Services, 1999
Director, Architectural and Engineering Services, 1998
Asst. Vice-President, Architecture and Engineering, 1998
Instructor, Ceramics, 1998
Developer, Student Housing, 1998
Assistant Vice-President, Administration, 1997
Landscape Architect, 1996
Director, Computer Lab, 1993
Instructor, Graphic Design Program, 1991
Instructor, Interior Design, Oklahoma Christian University, 1989
Competition judge
Homecoming Sign Competition, OSU, 2008 & 2009
Portfolio Reviews, Graphic Design majors, UCO & OSU, 1993-2009
High Arts, Graphic Design entries, UCO, 1987-2001
DECA Student Marketing Conference, UCO, 1996
Annual Student Art Exhibition, OSU, Stillwater, 1995
Portfolio Review, Graphic Design Seniors, OSU, 1995
Society of Technical Communicators, Publication Competitions, 1991-94
Advertising campaign presentations, Oklahoma Christian, 2000, 1992-93
Banner Competition, UCO University Center, 1989
Poster competition, OK Department of Commerce, 1989
Student Art Shows, UCO Museum of Art & Design, 1987-93
American Council on Safety, student competitions, 1989-90
Young Talent in Oklahoma, student competition, Oklahoma City, 1989
UIL Theater Arts Competition, Dallas, 1978
Conferences
The Amazing Meeting, Las Vegas, 2005 & 2007
FutureHistory, design education, American Institute of Graphic Arts, Chicago, 2004
Educators Leadership Academy, Oklahoma, 2001-02
Conference on Design History & Criticism, AIGA, New York City, 2001
National Design Conference, AIGA, New Orleans, 1997; Las Vegas, 1999
International Design Conference: Social Role of the Graphic Designer, Puebla, Mexico, 1995
Speaker programs, AIGA/Oklahoma, 1992-2007
New York City Study Tours, 1989-2008
Presenting Data and Information, Edward Tufte, Dallas, 1993
Typographic Message and Content, TCU, Ft. Worth, 1990
Computer Graphics, Dallas, 1989
Color workshop, Oklahoma City, 1988
Consultant
Bolder Adventure Park, Grand Prairie: traffic flow, quelines, layout, 2020
BBC 5live radio program: Effect of Covid19 on quelines, 2020
New parks at UCO: concepts, 2020
CoatChex, NYC: queline layout, 2016
Deck6, 6-suited deck of cards: suits and logo, 2015
WhichWich: branding and bag design, 2014-15
Frank Nichols Design, Santa Fe: Roler, 2013-14, New York City: 2006
Renee Arnau Rich: logo, card, 2012
Eventsions: iPhone app, 2012
Museum of Modern Art, New York City: visitor app, 2010
Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame: architectural plan, signage, 2009
UCO: Emeritus Faculty Association, 2009; Academic Calendar, 2009; Dean's Office, Liberal Arts, 2004-07;
Campus Master Plan, 1998, 2000; Undergraduate Catalog, 1999; Prospective Student Viewbook, 1999;
MBA Newsletter, 1997-99; Wellness Newsletter, 1992; New Plains Review, 1991-93; TheVista newspaper, 1991
Larri Fancher Plants: cards, 2009
OSU: Homecoming Sign Competition, judging criteria, 2008-09
Cove Club Condominium, New York City: interior renovation, signage, 2008
Edmond Museum: Territorial House, 2008-09
Bob Howard AutoGroup, Edmond: 2007
Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City: visitor guide map, 2007; name and entry layout, 2006
Lucky Grape & luckygrape.com, Oklahoma City: 2007-08
Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City: parking signage, 2006-07
Funnel Design Group, Oklahoma City: 2006-07
Moore-Norman Technology: Graphic Design Advisory Board, 2005
The Dallas Morning News feature articles:Less is More with Minimalism,
Spare Times, Has the Minimalism Trend Maxed Out? 1999
Gary Dale Barbecue restaurants: 1997
The Adams Course: workout sheets, 1998
Oklahoma Christian University, Department of Art & Design: architectural plan, 1998
Edmond Hafer Park: renovation proposal, 1995
Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office: courtroom trial visual graphics, 1994
State Arts Council of Oklahoma: DesignWorks, 1993-94
Greater Oklahoma City Tree Bank Foundation: 1993
Oklahoma CONTACT crisis line: 1992
American Heart Association, Oklahoma Chapter: 1991
Brookhaven College: computer purchase and training, 1985
The Wilmington Group, Dallas: corporate identity, 1982
TGI Friday's: menu box, floor plan, 1975-77
Course content - Developed and implemented
History of Graphic Design
Graphic Design for Non-Majors
Graphic Design I
Graphic Design II
Production Art
Cartooning
Computer Graphics I
Package Design
Typography
ClockTower Studio
Professional Practice
Internship
Creativity Seminar
Design Systems
Graduate Studios
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
University of North Texas, 1987, GPA: 3.8
Major: College Teaching
Minors: Art and Computer Science
Master of Education
University of North Texas, 1982, GPA: 4.0
Major: Secondary Education
Minor: Art & Design
Texas Teaching Certificate
University of North Texas, 1981
Teaching Fields: Art and Drama
Bachelor of Science
University of Texas, Austin, 1974
Major: Advertising
Minors: Graphic Design and Theater Design
Employment
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Visiting Professor, 1998-2016
University of Central Oklahoma, Professor, 1987-2008
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Visiting Professor, 2000-03
Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla, Mexico, Visiting Professor, 2000 & 2001
Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, Visiting Professor, 1990
Brookhaven College, Dallas County Community College, Teacher, 1984-87
Richland College, Dallas, designer, 1982-84
High School for the Visual & Performing Arts, Dallas, Teacher, 1979-81, 1987
TGI Friday's Restaurant, Dallas, server, Headwaiter, Opening Team, Operations Supervisor, 1975-81
Dallas Times Herald, ad sales, 1974-75
TV Facts, production and horoscope writer, Dallas, 1975
Dobie Mall Promotions Director, Austin, 1974
Pearl magazine, ad sales, UT Austin, 1970s
Baker's Dozen, Dobie Mall, Austin, counter service, early 1970s
Texas State Trooper cafeteria, Austin, busser & dishwasher, early 1970s
2-J's Hamburgers, Austin, busser, fountain drinks, early 1970s
UT Freshman Orientation Advisor, 1970, 1971
Gordon Sibeck & Associates, Architects, intern, 1967
Six Flags over Texas, Arlington, ride operator, summers 1967-70
Reaves produce brokerage, truck unloader, 1966
Dallas Morning News, paper carrier, 1960s
Exhibitions
Faculty Art Shows, OSU Art Gallery, 2008-13
Reflections: Retired Faculty Art Show, UCO Nigh Gallery, 2010
Wes Watkins New Product Fair, Stillwater, 2008
Faculty Art Shows, UCO Museum of Art & Design, 1988-2002
424 East 4th, Edmond, 1995-96
HotType (initiated and mounted), Museum of Art & Design, 1989
Art: The Teaching Tool, UCO Museum, Oklahoma Art Educators Association, 1987
DAEA Invitational Art Show, Dallas Art Educators Association, 1980-81
Faculty Art Shows, High School for the Visual & Performing Arts, Dallas, 1980-81
Experience - Design
www.jamesrobertwatson.com, 2000-
424 East 4th: interior, office, and landscape design, 1995-2018
WhichWich, 2014
JustOnePiece, 2008
Push Pull Stickers, 2006-08
TravelPants, 2005-08
Lucky Grape, 2006-
Funnel Design Group, 2006-2007
ClockTower Studio, UCO, 1988-2008
Faculty office interior design, UCO, 1988, 1997, & 2006
NYC condo interior design, 2004
Department of Design Conference Room, 2003
James W and Lorraine R Watson Department of Design Office, 2002
Oklahoma City National Memorial design competition, 1996
Designer and copywriter, UCO, 1988-96
Graphic Designer, Richland College, Dallas, 1982-85
Deck6, 6-suited deck of cards, 1980s
Designer, Dallas, 1976-87
Advertising Designer and Account Services Rep, Dallas Times Herald, 1975
Promotions Director, Dobie Mall, Austin, 1974
Designer and Copywriter, Highland Mall, Austin, 1974
Designer, Austin, 1970-74
Theater and Graphic Designer, Dallas, 1964-68
Stage sets, Dallas and Austin, 1966-1981
Girls in 509, The King and I, Spring Thaw
Life with Father, For Heaven's Sake
The Drunkard
Yes, No, and Yellow
The Matchmaker, Under the Gaslight, The Crucible
Stage sets, TV Capers, Preston Forest School of Dance, 1966
Experience - Teaching
Student Evaluations and accolades
Visiting Professor of Design
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 1998-2016
History of Graphic Design
Assistant Professor of Design
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 2008-2009
Typography I, Typography II, Graphic Design II,
History of Graphic Design, Graphic Design Studio
Professor of Design
University of Central Oklahoma, 1987-2008
History of Graphic Design, Graphic Design for Non-Majors, Graphic Design I,
Graphic Design II, Production Art, Cartooning, Computer Graphics I,
Package Design, Typography, ClockTower Studio, Professional Practice,
Internship, Creativity Seminar, MFA Studios, MFA Thesis Committee
Visiting Professor of Design
University of Oklahoma, Norman, 2000-03
History of Visual Communication
Visiting Professor of Design
Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla, Mexico, 2000 & 2001
Design Systems
Visiting Instructor
Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, 1990
Advertising Design III
Instructor
Brookhaven College, Dallas County Community College, 1984-87
History & Psychology of Visual Communication, Computer Graphics,
Professional Practice, Computer Graphics Workshops
Teacher
High School for the Visual & Performing Arts, Dallas, 1979-81
Drawing I, Design I, Theater Design; In-Service seminar
Corporate Trainer
TGI Friday's Restaurant, Dallas, 1977-79
Managers, Wait Staff, Door Hosts
Pledge Trainer
Sigma Chi Fraternity, UT Austin, 1970
Facilitator
What 'It' is: Panel symposium, AIGA, 2006
Organizational Task Force, UCO InterFraternity Council, 1998-99
Symposium, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, 1998
Fall Forum, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, 1997
Soap Box: Values and Ethics in Design, AIGA, 1997
President's Leadership Council, UCO, 1995-97
Annual Retreat, Oklahoma County Youth Services, 1996
Faculty advisor
Portfolio Reviews, Graphic Design majors, 2000-08
Academic Advising, Graphic Design majors, 1987-2007
Graphic Design Intern Program, 1987-2001
UCO InterFraternity Council, 1998-2000
The Fraternity of Sigma Tau Gamma, 1993-98
President's Leadership Council Retreats, 1995-97
CSU Honors Program, 1988-90
Art & Design Club, 1987-88
AAF Competition and Advertising Club, 1987-88
Inventions
• Accessories for an arm sling
• Color Light Machine
• Cupholder on car exterior
• Deck6, suit of cards with 6 suits
• Dog Food Cutter
• Flag Waving Hat
• Horn Honk = no tip
• The Idea Kit: How to be a better creative problem solver
• Just One Piece, anti-litter campaign
• Leash Belt, hands-free dog leash
• Mask Rack in car
• Metrocard Building Kit
• Museum Hours diagram
• Newords: Macrap, Neurobics
• Pill Storage System
• Plantaquarium
• Push Pull stickers
• Ranch Salsa Dressing
• Restaurant Table Number System
• Row Designations for theater seating
• Sofa Modular Units
• Stage set design hardware
• Table bases to facilitate pushing in chairs
• Tablet Grip support
• Text & Drive, pull over sticker
• Ticker Tape Plaques on Broadway
• Toilet Flush Handle
• Travel Pants
• TV Program Times diagram
• Ultimate Backgammon Board
• Volleyball Center
• WWJD Condoms
Languages spoken
English - Texan/American, not the Queen's English
Spanish - No fluido, pero más que un poco
Pig Latin - Igpay Atinlay in certain situations
Leadership positions
Trustee, Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 2007-09
Board of Directors, AIGA, Oklahoma Chapter, 1996-99, 2006-08
Chairman, Department of Design, 2001-05
Chairman, Faculty Merit Credit Committee, 2003
Director, Graphic Design Program, 1988-93, 1999-2001
Chairman, Parking and Transit Advisory Board, 1999
Chairman, Program Assessment Committee, 1997
President, Graphic Communication Society of Oklahoma, 1993-96
Chairman, Faculty Grievance Board, 1995
Faculty Advisor, The Fraternity of Sigma Tau Gamma, 1994
Captain, volleyball league teams, 1987-94
Reporter/Historian, Faculty Senate, 1988-89
Assistant Director, Advertising Art Program, Brookhaven College, 1984-87
Headwaiter and Operations Supervisor, TGI Friday's, Dallas, 1976-79
Promotions Director, Dobie Mall, Austin, 1974
Director, University of Texas Advertising Club, 1973-74
National Commission on Rushing & Pledging, Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1971
President and Pledge Trainer, Sigma Chi Fraternity, UT Austin, 1970 & 1971
Advisor, Freshman Experience, UT Austin, 1971
Advisor, Freshman Orientation, UT Austin, 1970, 1971
Assistant Ride Foreman, Six Flags over Texas, 1968-69
Round-Up committee chair, UT Austin, 1970
President, PHPC Youth Vespers, 1967-68
President, Art Service Club, 1967-68
Vice President, Post & Lintel Club, 1967-68
Vice President, Thanes Hi-Y, 1967-68
Executive Board, National Thespians, 1967-68
Patrol Leader, Boy Scouts, 1965-66
Media coverage - Broadcast
BBC 5live radio program: Effect of Covid19 on quelines, 2020
Cool Homes, FOX25 Morning News, Oklahoma City, June 25, 2007: 'Design Professor's Cool Home'
Small Space, Big Style, HGTV, October 8, 2006: 'Uncluttered Chic in Small Spaces'
OETA, PBS, Channel 13, Oklahoma City, 1989: Interview about public television
Training videos, TGI Friday's restaurants, 1979: voiceover talent
All Things Considered, NPR National Public Radio, 1977: interview about round backgammon board
Media coverage - Print
NONzine, September 29th, 2006: 'Design Prof Shows Off' by David Klein
Oklahoman, September 7, 2006: 'TV show features local professor
as he does big things in small space' by Penny Cockerell
Edmond Sun, August 20, 2006: 'UCO professor's New York apartment to appear on HGTV show'
The Vista, August 29, 2006: 'Professor's apartment to appear on HGTV' by Andrew Knittle
Edmond Sun, August 24, 2000: 'Professor teaches at sister university in Mexico'
Oklahoman, August 21, 2000: 'UCO prof teaches art in Mexico'
Edmond Sun, September 1, 1999: 'UCO professor named outstanding mentor' by Jennifer Johnson
Dallas Morning News, 1999: 'Spare Times, Has the Minimalism Trend Maxed Out?'
Dallas Morning News, 1999: 'Less is More with Minimalism'
The Vista, 1988-2004: articles on awards, teaching in Mexico, program changes, and office designs
The Vista, October 8, 1996: 'An open home leads to an open house for UCO professor' by Mary Reinauer
The Vista, September 17, 1996: 'The simpler it is, the more beautiful it is' by Mary Reinauer
Oklahoman, July 3, 1996: 'Wright minimalism shows in man's house, character' by Dennie Hall
Oklahoma Gazette, April 18, 1996: 'Blurring the Distinction: New perspective on art offered
with exhibition of graphics at CAC' by George Lang
Edmond Sun, June 15, 1995: 'Hats off to Jim Watson' by Steve Gust
Dallas Morning News, 1977: '1,000-year-old-game throws players a curve',
by Ann Baker, article about the round backgammon board
Dallas Morning News, Febuary 20, 1974: '2 UT Students From City Win Journalism Awards'
Dallas Times Herald, Febuary 20, 1974: 'Watson gets advertising group award'
Dallas Morning News, January 24, 1968: 'High School Senior Receives Soroptomist Citizenship Award'
Media coverage - Web
My favorite web site: jamesrobertwatson.com, Chuck Green's ideabook.com, 2016 & 2008
PrairieMod: Mod Furnishings In Oklahoma City, December 2012
Before&After Design Talk: Verizon logo, April 2010
Oklahoma Citizen Blog: The Oklahoman bias, Spring 2010
Cool Homes, FOX25.com, Oklahoma City, June 2007
Tendencias en diseno, arte, fotografia, arquitectura y tecnologia:
blog on the Tribute logo, Argentina, March 2007
DesignObserver: Writings on Design and Culture: blog on the Tribute logo, Febuary-March 2007
HGTV, Small Space, Big Style: 'Uncluttered Chic in Small Spaces', August, 2006
FLOR: 'Loft Living', October 13, 2005, by Laura Verticchio
Organizations
American Mensa Society, joined: 1980, rejoined: 2015
National Art Education Association, 2009
Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 2007
Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design, New York, 1983, 2006
Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2004
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 2002
American Institute of Graphic Arts, Oklahoma Chapter, 1996
Faculty Volleyball Leagues, UCO, 1990; Captain, 1991
Graphic Design Education Association, 1990
Graphic Communication Society of Oklahoma, 1988
United States Volleyball Association, 1986
University & College Designers Association, 1986
Dallas Society of Visual Communications, 1986
National Computer Graphics Association, 1985
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Oak Park, Illinois, 1983
National Academy of Design, 1983
Phi Kappa Phi honor society, UNT, 1982
Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity, UNT, 1982
Association of Graduate Students in Higher Education, UNT, 1983
Dallas Art Educators Association, 1980
Dallas Museum of Art, 1980
Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1969
Rotary Club of Downtown Dallas, 1968
Pan American Club, International Club, Allied Youth, Vespers, Thanes Hi-Y, Red Shirts, 1967-68
Papers and published works
www.jamesrobertwatson.com
424 East 4th, 1995, 2001
The Oklahoma City Memorial is a really good example of really poor design, 2000
The Idea Kit: How to Become a Better Creative Problem Solver, 1994
Program Guide: Graphic Design at the University of Central Oklahoma, 1992
Graphic Design at CSU, 1988
Computers and Design Education, Texas Association of Schools of Art Journal, fall 1987
Informagination, TASA, spring 1987
Teaching Design in the Year 2000: A Modified Delphi Study of the Perceptions of Design Educators, dissertation, University of North Texas, 1987
ADV 213 Computer Graphics, Study Guide, Brookhaven College, 1986
Exercises in Design Using the Apple Computer, Brookhaven College, 1985
How Design Education Should Respond to the Influence of Computer & Media Technology, University of North Texas
Teaching a Unit on Color in a Design Course, University of North Texas
A Survey of Design Elements & Principles and the Development of Design Components, University of North Texas
The Role of Values & Aesthetics in Teaching Design, University of North Texas
Grading & Evaluation Systems in a Basic Design Course, University of North Texas
Apple II Computer Software for use in Teaching Design, Brookhaven College, July 1984
The Work & Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright in Dallas Ft. Worth Texas, Dallas Public Library & Taliesin, January 1984
CADI: A Computer Assisted Instruction Program for use in Teaching College Level Basic Design, University of North Texas, January 1984
How to Make Computer Programs in Education Look (and Read) Better, University of North Texas, spring 1983
Selecting a Computer System for Use in Design Education, University of North Texas, spring 1983
Vision: The Visual Input to the Creative Process, University of North Texas, fall 1981
The Presence of Classical Music During High School Drawing Exercises, University of North Texas, July 1981
Advanced Theater Design, Student Learning Plan, Dallas Independent School District, summer 1981
Television and Teachers, University of North Texas, July 1980
We Need More Traffic, Assessment and proposal for Dobie Mall, Austin, September 1974
New Employee Orientation Manual, Dallas Times Herald, 1973
Chapter Manual, Alpha Nu Chapter, Sigma Chi fraternity, UT Austin, 1971
An Analysis of Alpha Nu of Sigma Chi, UT Austin, 1970
Patent and Trademarks
Round backgammon board, 1977
JustOnePiece graphics, 2009
Push Pull stickers, 2009
TravelPants logo, 2009
The Idea Kit logo, 1995
Presentations
There's Always a Better Way, 2015
Please Remove Sunglasses, Creative Problem Solving, OSU graduate seminar, 2010
Emcee, AIGA/Oklahoma Fellow Award, 2009
The final lecture of Jim Watson, UCO, 2008
Emcee, Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk: Designers Share Their Journeys, UCO, 2007
Speaker and Emcee,Parent's Orientation, UCO, 1999-2001
Keynote: Sigma Kappa Centennial Banquet, UCO, 1999
Eureka Ah Ha! How to be a Better Creative Thinker, Oklahoma Metaphysical Society, 1996
Keynote: Delta Zeta Sorority Installation Banquet, UCO, 1996
Enhancing Creative Problem Solving, Encuadre Conference:
The Social Role of the Graphic Designer, Puebla, Mexico, 1995
Keynote: The Idea Kit: Tools to Spread Creative Problem Solving Skills to Meet the Challenge
of Enhancing Innovation, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, The Business of Art conference, 1994
The Idea Kit: Enhancing Creative Problem Solving Skills, Leadership Oklahoma City, 1994
Keynote: The Idea Kit, How to be a Better Creative Thinker, OVAC statewide conference, 1993
Creativity workshops, UCO, 1993-95
Stage Scenery on a School Budget, Visual & Performing Arts High School, 1980
Stage roles 1965-68
Dallas Theater Center teen acting class
Clarence in Life with Father, PHPC
Stagehand in Gypsy: 'Aw, shut your damn hole', UT
Program development
MFA in Design, 2002-04
BFA in Graphic Design, 1999-2000
BA in Graphic Design, 1987-88
Student honors
Oklahoma City and Regional Addy awards, 1991-2008
Numerous awards, citations, and commendations, ClockTower Studio, 1988-2008
American College Theatre Festival, graphic design awards, 1991-98
Communication Arts and How Magazine acceptances, 1994
Graphic Communication Society of Oklahoma, Student Competition, 1989, 1993
Study tour guide
New York City, 1989-2008
Tulsa, 2002
Bartlesville & Tulsa, 2001
Dallas, 1990
Textbook reviewer
Form Follows Context, Thames & Hudson, 2007
A History of Graphic Design, Instructor's Manual, John Wiley & Sons, 2005
Computer Graphic Design Basics, Wadsworth Publishing, 2004
Graphic Design Solutions, OnWord Press, 2003
History of Visual Communications, Prentice Hall, 2003
World History of Design, John Wiley & Sons, 2001
Travels
United States: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas; All states but:
Alaska, Carolinas, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont
Mexico/Caribbean: Acapulco, Cancun, Chichen Itza, Cozumel, Mexico City,
Monterey, Puebla, Jamaica
Europe: Amsterdam, London, Milan, Nice, Paris, Rome
Africa/Mideast: Aswan, Cairo, Thebes/Luxor
Volunteer
Rescue former racing Greyhounds, 1994-
Guest Services, City Care Night Shelter, Oklahoma City, Thanksgiving, 2023-
Homeless Alliance, Oklahoma City, Thanksgiving, 2023
High Arts Festival, UCO, 1987-2001
Faculty Advisor, Inter-Fraternity Council, UCO, 1999
Faculty Advisor, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, UCO, 1993-1998
Advisor, PLC retreat, 1995
Websites
jamesrobertwatson.com
luckygrape.com
pushpullstickers.com
theideakit.edu
travelpants.info
justonepiece.us
wensdaydesignblog.com
Writer
Song lyrics: summer 1965
Design weblog: 2001 - present
Short stories: 2009 - present
Jim Watson's earlier resumes
College
1973-76: Class assignment at UT, used to apply for jobs in Dallas
Application to UCO
Ad that ran in the Dallas Morning News, May, 1987. Closeup. Letter of job announcement
Cover letter. Resume. Samples of work as leave-behind of portfolio
Applications to universities
Early 1990s
Application to OSU
1993 Application to OSU
My career goal was to get some college-level teaching experience for a few years at UCO in Edmond and then move on to a larger program. After a decade of developing the design program at UCO, I realized I was not likely leaving the area. I had been teaching as an adjunct at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and the department head called and mentioned they had an opening for a full-time design professor and suggested I apply. Cool. I did. I began developing an application packet. Schools typically want a letter, a resume vita, samples of work, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. I wanted to do something that would go beyond the expected norm.
Concept: A combination of a personal journal of notes and keepsakes and an album collage of artifacts and information.
Objectives
• Self-contained, single bound book of materials.
• Interesting and fun to read.
• Contain site-specific artifacts of graphic design.
• Personal and unique to my personality.
• Counteract all the dull stacks of three-ring binder notebooks typical of professor applications
• Format that allows easy expansion and deletion of pages.
• Impressive, memorable, and discussion provoking.
Production
I did a storyboard layout of contents and their order. I perused antique stores to select appropriate artifacts and searched magazine ads and my personal archives.
Once I had gathered all the components, I sketched the style and layout. Positioning the elements at different angles helped enforce the dusty attic album collage. Binder holes were cut and punched. I used a corner punch to round off the plastic covers and some inside pages.
Some artifacts
• Page of rub-on lettering that I used in college.
• A vinyl duck symbol from the National Zoo graphics by Lance Wyman.
• An unassembled printed carton of Oklahoma A&M ice milk.
• Posters from AIGA speakers.
• Packages from mass-market products.
• A poster from the 1936 Texas Centennial world's fair.
• The album cover of the 2001 A Space Odyssey soundtrack.
• An Open/Closed sign, for the cover.
Sections
• Application letter
• Letters of recommendation
• Student evaluations
• Resume
• Transcripts
• Samples of work (on slides)
• Professional activities
• Media coverage
• Journal articles
• Graphic Design Program
• Sample class handouts
• NYC Study Tour info
• ClockTower Studio
Page by page
General print resume, 1990s-2005
Draft of Resume to Pratt, 2009-2005
UNT Application, 2018
www.jamesrobertwatson.com/resume.html
