Creativity is my life. I wake in the morning and fall asleep at night with my mind positively alight. It’s a direct inheritance from my father: a master storyteller, champion of the disadvantaged, and community leader. Because of his example, I have always strived to tell my clients' stories with superhuman levels of seriousness, urgency, and power. Why? Because I believe a good story can literally change the world.
A 26-year veteran creative professional, I can execute in any style, across any platform, at any scale.
I am a specialist/assassin in the evolving practices of animation and presentation.
As a manager, I ensure that my reports know I have a vested interest in their personal and professional growth, and am unconditionally honest, laying a foundation of connection and understanding. I know what keeps creatives happy, passionate, and productive, and never inclined to view their job as such, but rather as a genuine expression of their truest selves.
Grandiose as that all may sound, I do this with a sublimated ego, understanding fully that I am executing and act of service. Every single person contributing to the life of a project feels valued, heard, integrated, and excited. I foster an environment of levity, freedom, collaboration, and fun. I am a goofball, and above all love to laugh—knowing that stress can manifest in a lack of detail and an overpowering sense of dissatisfaction.
Here’s what a few of my bosses say:
"Justin's design work is phenomenal. Justin contributes tons of ideas. I can trust Justin to make something better. He’s a natural manager. He inspires people—raising them up and talking them down when they’re ready to jump. His enthusiasm for projects is contagious. People love Justin. I struggle to get someone to say otherwise. He is the heart of this team."
And here’s what a few of my direct reports say:
"Justin Herman is one of the best creative directors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He is so inspirational and creative; I love to have brainstorms and bounce ideas back and forth with him. When given the opportunities to work with him, we have produced some incredible work."
"It's great working with you, man. I've learned a lot on many levels from my parallel homie. Being authentic means a lot to me—and you are pretty solid at being authentic. :)"