Draft:James Sommerville OBE
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James Anthony Sommerville OBE (born 23rd June 1966) is a distinguished British brand communicator, designer and entrepreneur, renowned for his significant contributions to the global design industry and his dedication to inclusive design.
Sommerville was born on 23rd June 1966 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, UK. Sommerville studied Graphic Design and Typography at Batley School of Art from 1982 to 1986. During this period, he worked as a pavement artist across various UK cities.
Career
[edit]ATTIK Design Agency (1986–2007)
[edit]In 1986, Somerville approached The Prince's Trust charity for start-up support and was granted £2,000. At the age of 19, Sommerville then co-founded the ATTIK, a design agency, initially operating from his grandmother's attic bedroom in Huddersfield, the agency expanded internationally, establishing offices in Leeds, London, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
The agency's clientele included prominent brands such as Coca-Cola, Sony PlayStation, MTV, Toyota, and Adidas. In 2007, the ATTIK was acquired by Dentsu, a Japanese global media company.
The Coca-Cola Company (2013–2018)
[edit]In 2013, Sommerville joined The Coca-Cola Company as Vice President of Global Design in Atlanta, GA, USA. In this role, he led brand design executions and campaigns for the portfolio 'billion-dollar' brands across more than 100 markets. Notably, he created the CC brand you see today and directed the "Taste the Feeling" campaign, which was launched simultaneously in 206 countries, marking one of the largest campaigns in Coca-Cola's history. He also spearheaded the company's "One Brand Strategy" and initiated a global campaign involving 100 designers to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Coca-Cola glass bottle. Other rebrands were Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, Fairlife, MinuteMaid, Seagrams, Georgia Coffee.
KnownUnknown (2018 - present)
[edit]In 2018, Sommerville founded KnownUnknown Inc[1]., a distributed creative talent platform that curates and connects creatives worldwide with major brands. The platform's clients have included large brands such as Google, Kellogg's, General Mills and Ford, to advising fast growing startups in Web3, OLIPOP and MrBEAST FEASTABLES. KnownUnknown is a next generation agency model that aims to democratise access to creative opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation within the design community.
The Prince's Trust Involvement
[edit]Sommerville's entrepreneurial journey was significantly supported by The Prince's Trust, which provided a £2,000 seed funding grant in 1986. This support was instrumental in the establishment of the ATTIK. Over the years, Sommerville has remained actively involved with The Prince's Trust (now The King's Trust), serving as an ambassador and patron, and contributing to its initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation of young people.
The King's Trust Rebranding (2024)
[edit]In October 2024, Sommerville led the rebranding of The Prince's Trust to The King's Trust, following the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III. He created a new logo and tagline pro bono, reflecting the charity's mission to empower young people. The rebranding symbolises a connection and community, with the logo's crown design representing a young person at the centre, supported by mentors and staff. For James a personal commitment to give back to The Trust after they supported his agency with £2,000 in 1986.
Honours and Recognition
[edit]In June 2024, Sommerville was appointed Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 Birthday Honours, in recognition for his services to the creative industry, entrepreneurship, and disadvantaged young people. James received the honour from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
Advisory and Mentorship
[edit]Throughout his career, Sommerville has been a prolific speaker at global marketing and design events, delivering keynote addresses at conferences, universities, and corporate events worldwide. He is committed to mentoring the next generation young design entrepreneurs and has served as a business mentor to over many SMB design agencies, and more formally advising CMO's and as a creative 'co-pilot' for brand strategy and creative activations. James is a council Advisor at Auburn University Architecture and Design School.
Personal Life
[edit]Sommerville continues to be an advocate for the creative industry and remains dedicated to initiatives that support and inspire emerging diverse global designers.
External links
[edit]- James Sommerville Official Website
- The King's Trust International Patron's List
- KnownUnknown Official Website
References
[edit]"The ATTIK." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_ATTIK.[1] "Launching Our New Brand With James Sommerville."[2] "The King's Birthday Honours 2024 Overseas and International List."[3] "How James Sommerville Owes His Business Success to The Prince's Trust."[4] "James Sommerville."[5]
Category:Entrepreneurship Category:Design
- ^ "the ATTIK". Wikipedia. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ "Launching Our New Brand With James Sommerville". The King's Trust International. October 17, 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ "The King's Birthday Honours 2024 Overseas and International List". GOV.UK. GOV.UK. June 14, 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ "How James Sommerville Owes His Business Success to The Prince's Trust and is Helping Inspire The Next Generation". Huddersfield Hub. May 11, 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
- ^ "James Sommerville". IDSA. Industrial Designers Society of America. Retrieved 15 December 2024.