Director & Motion Designer
Demo Reel · 2025
Motion Design · 2024
Motion Design · 2021
Corporate · 2021
Motion Design · 2025
The Director
Based in Appleton, WI. A filmmaker and visual designer with a passion for authentic storytelling — whether through a feature-length documentary, a thirty-second brand spot, or a single arresting frame.
Full Story
About JD
Hey, I'm JD — a filmmaker, motion designer, and creative director currently based in Appleton, WI. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and headed down to Phoenix, Arizona to attend The Art Institutes, where I earned my BA in Media Arts and Animation back in 2011. That degree kicked off what's now been over 15 years of making things move and telling stories through visuals.
These days I serve as Director of Production at SBM Management Services, where I lead everything from concept development and scriptwriting to filming, editing, and final delivery. I've worn a lot of hats over the years — motion graphic designer, production manager, instructional designer — and every role has sharpened how I think about storytelling, craft, and leading creative teams. I believe great visuals don't just look good, they make you feel something.
I find inspiration everywhere — other artists, a song that hits just right, the way light falls on a trail during a morning hike. When I'm not creating, I'm spending time with my wife and two daughters. We're big into board games, we love hiking, and softball season is basically a religion in our house. Life keeps me grounded and honestly makes the work better. I live to create — and I love every minute of it.
Tools & Software