James Surdam
expertise
editorial motion design
I design motion graphics that serve the reporting: maps, charts and narrative sequences that clarify complex stories without distracting from them.
art direction for visual journalism
I develop identities for shows and formats: defining palettes, type, framing and motion so stories feel cohesive across platforms.
systems, toolkits and templates
I build scalable systems: MOGRTs, style libraries, and templated packages. Letting editors work quickly while maintaining the visual language.
Reporter video
The New York Times
DOGE Accounting Errors
The New York Times
Show branding
NBC News
Documentary graphics
PRISCA Films
Mapping Techniques
The New York Times
Social Visuals
The New York Times
A.R. & 3D Graphics
The New York Times
FEATURE animation
NBC News
resume
The New York Times
Art Director
Reporter Video & Social Visuals
Mulitmedia Editor
Visual Investigations
Visuals Editor
Visual Investigations
2021 - today
NBC NEWS
MOTION GRAPHICS EDITOR
2017 - 2021
CLINCH
MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER
2017 - 2017
BULLY PULPIT INTERACTIVE
Video editor
2016 - 2017
GW Marketing & creative services
Graphic designer
2013 - 2016
james
surdam
james
surdam
james
me
about
me
about
me
Art Director for video journalism.
I design motion systems, explainers, and investigative visuals that make complex reporting legible, engaging, and honest.
My work sits where reporting, design, and animation meet: translating raw information into clear on-screen narratives that can live across platforms without losing nuance.
Day-to-day I am designing motion systems, scalable tools and visual languages that give newsrooms a coherent on-screen identity. I work closely with reporters, editors, and product teams and am drawn to projects where design decisions meaningfully shape how a story is understood.
My work sits where reporting, design, and animation meet: translating raw information into clear on-screen narratives that can live across platforms without losing nuance.
Day-to-day I am designing motion systems, scalable tools and visual languages that give newsrooms a coherent on-screen identity. I work closely with reporters, editors, and product teams and am drawn to projects where design decisions meaningfully shape how a story is understood.