Initially Jim pursued his art when and where he could. He studied engineering and received a degree in business – not art. He supported his young family as an engineer, honing his skills as a sculptor and painter in his spare time. But art was always his passion and he founded his own company, Designs Americana, to market his sculpture. Within three years Designs Americana had over 350 employees and more orders than they could fill.

When the demands of managing the company made it difficult for Jim to concentrate on his art, he decided that licensing his designs would allow him to get away from the business end and do what he did best…create. Jim perfected his unique style, combining elements of folk art and a vibrant color pallet applied to traditional themes. To Jim, a Santa Claus isn’t just a Santa Claus, it’s a canvas to be painted.