Meet James Cole | Game Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It has always been my dream to support myself solely by my creativity. As I was gaining ground on my goal and making a name for myself with my illustration, I took on a marketing and trade show support role within a corporate setting. At first, the job was fun and challenging however, over time, it became more demanding with very little return and I lost the momentum and sight of my childhood dream.

I was good at my job and had a strong work ethic. I figured this would insulate me from the petty office politics at the heart of their corporate culture. I watched the inept get ahead while my hard work was rewarded with more work. Fast forward to a decade later, I was let go because I had gotten on the wrong side of someone so well versed in the game I refused to play. Honestly, I am surprised I survived that long.

On this memorable day, I realized I had sacrificed my dream for someone else and became inspired. Not only would I grow from this situation, but I would also profit from it and bend it to my will. The TV show, The Office and the movie Office Space touch on something, a shared experience for many. Where logic stops at the double glass with the company logo for 8+ hours a day. I would take this experience and make it into something fun, a game, a cathartic release that poked fun at this shared experience. That is when Thrown Under the Bus, The Game of Office Politics, was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One warm summer afternoon while walking around the Buffalo, New York, Allen Town Art Festive. The Festival was always the highlight of the summer, packed with artists from all over the country. I was inspired that day, not by the art but, instead, by the steeple atop the St. Louis Roman Catholic Church. I had seen this majestic building countless times and was impressed by its gothic beauty. That warm summer day the steeple spoke to me. Armed with my first 6MP Sony digital camera, I took just one picture.

When I got home and downloaded the photos to my brand new bright blue iMac G3 and saw the picture on the “big” screen and knew I had to do something with it. Equipped with my new Mac and the latest PhotoShop 5.5, I was able to mix my photo with digitally painted elements, even creating my first PhotoShop brush. After some days and a few test prints, I knew I had something special. Later that year, “Chapel at the Dawn…” was published in Spectrum Illustration Annual and directly led to several illustration opportunities and 23 years later still serves as a source of pride and inspiration.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love playing tour guide to any location especially in my hometown of Fort Worth, TX. Pre Covid I played the DFW Tour Guide at least two times a year to best friends from Buffalo, my hometown.

Directly from the airport on our way back to Fort Worth, we would stop at Sprouts Pho and Spring roll; the veggie Pho is incredible! We could then recharge with a craft beer in a chill setting at Kool Keg, one of my favorite Arlington haunts. We would end the night with video games and 80s music at Free Play.

Back in Fort Worth for a few days, I would make sure we hit The Modern with a possible stop at Cafe Modern for a drink overlooking the pond. We’d then head over to Friday on the Green, which is truly a DFW experience of live music, local artists, and food trucks.

Another Fort Worth must is biking on the Trinity trails with a stop in the Stockyards. Bike riding is a great way to avoid traffic and the hassle of parking. Apart from the usual Cowtown attractions, we would add a stop at Second Rodeo Brewing for a beer before hitting the trails for the ride back.

For some strange reason, Buffalonians enjoy finding others of their kind and bonding together over wings. Ok, its not that strange. Fortunately Fort Worth has more than its fair share of Buffalo-themed bars including Nickel City and Buffalo Brothers. I approve of the wings at both.

What would a trip to Texas be without some BBQ, for me, I like to hit Cowtown Brewing for the brisket washed down with their G’Night Vienna; my favorite Vienna Style lager this side of the Atlantic.

You can’t visit Fort Worth and not check out downtown and Sundance Square. That night we would start with dinner and drinks at Branch & Bird. The restaurant is on the Sky Lobby Level of the Frost Tower. The food and drinks are amazing, but the bonus is the outdoor patio overlooking an extraordinary city skyline. From there all points downtown are walkable. Besides a stroll through Sundance Square, a must stop will be at the Flying Saucer for a pint and some craft cocktails in the speakeasy in the basement of Thompson’s Bookstore.

I know I know when I am going to get to the Tex-Mex / Tacos? This is the most difficult one to answer as I have so many favorites and the options are endless. For fun and unique tacos, Velvet Taco is always a crowd pleaser. On a nice day, for sit-down Mexican, why not Joe T. Garcia’s; the atmosphere is unbeatable, and the margaritas are potently delicious.

After a full week of eating and drinking, we would spend the last night at Tulane’s, it’s a New Orleans-inspired cocktail-forward bar. In addition to the Mardi Gras flare, Tulane’s is best known for its amazing barrel-aged Old Fashions and namely the enormous pizza slices. Oh, and their newly added patio is a secret gem.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be here without all my friends and family that have put up with playing the same game for the past 2 years and their contributions in time, support, and critiques. Especially to my love, Kat for her tireless support and sacrifice.

Website: http://thrownunderthebusgame.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrownunderthebus/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThrowUnderBus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrownUndertheBusGame

Youtube: https://youtu.be/JyKyxUFf5jY

Other: https://jamescoleart.com