“Nowadays, anybody with a computer can sit in a garage and claim to be a ‘graphic designer.’ In many cases, we’ve gone from artists who actually design to technicians who assemble, often using predesigned grids straight from the web, and everything ends up looking alike. Not so with Jim Prokell. He’s a classically trained portrait artist and that comes through in everything he does. Over the past 30 years, Jim’s designed five book covers and countless brochures for me, and the level of quality is extraordinary.”
Ed Wesemann
H. Edward Wesemann LLC“From the most simplistic project to the most complex, from high-level brochures to illustrations, Jim Prokell brings a craftsman’s eye to everything that he does. He doesn’t just design, he crafts a design, putting in whatever time it takes and putting his heart and soul into the work. And the breadth of his skills is amazing. I can’t think of anything the guy can’t do, which is why I always describe him as ‘my Leonardo da Vinci.”
Frank Schiffman
Market Manager for Cal Hypo PPG Industries“I had the good fortune to be hired by Jim and work as one of his understudies for almost five years. During that time I can clearly say I learned more about the business approach to design and expanded my abilities farther than any other tie in my career. Not only does Jim’s creativity exceed those of most mortal men, but he’s also highly astute in his approach to solving problems, and he will always be the one and only ‘mentor’ of my design career. ”
Bill Healey
Design Director, GSW Worldwide“I’ve worked with Jim in many capacities: designer, illustrator, painter, and teacher. As an illustrator, he is unusually sensitive to the nuances between words and visuals, and his talent as a portrait painter is extraordinary. He has an uncanny ability to catch a likeness and to sense the person beneath the skin, which he did so well in his rendering of Fred Rogers. Also important to me was getting to know Jim as a mentor and tutor. He’s been very formative in my own painting career, and he’s a marvelous teacher.”
Barry Head
Writer and Painter, and former Vice President for Creative Projects,Family Communications, Inc., the producers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
“As a spin-out from a larger company, CNX Gas Corporation needed an initial annual report in 2006 that correctly portrayed our investment thesis to the financial community. Beginning then, and continuing over a period of years that saw a substantial increase in our equity market value, Jim Prokell provided turnkey design themes, layouts, and photo compositions, creating a series of annual reports that correctly captured the company’s attributes as it evolved. His creativity and his attention to detail were remarkable.”
Daniel Zajdel
Daniel J. Zajdel Former Vice PresidentInvestor Relations CNX Gas Corporation
“Jim Prokell doesn’t just design a page, he composes it – with a painter’s sensibilities about perspective, light and line. His annual report covers are particularly memorable, and one of my favorites features a group of coal miners deep inside the mine. I call it “The Last Supper,” because it has the same kind of internal tension as the masterpiece. It focuses your attention, draws you in, and lives on in your memory.”
Michael E. Coyne
Sales Representative RR Donnelley Hoechstetter“Over the past several decades I’ve worked with Jim Prokell on both sides of the desk: first as a corporate client and after I began my own consultancy as a colleague and collaborator. I developed the copy: Jim provided the creative direction, brilliant design constant motivation, and a touch of humor along the way. The consummate professional, he undertakes every assignment with a clear resolve to deliver the best possible product, meeting every goal and every deadline. And on top of all that, he makes it look easy!”
Karen Esch
Karen Esch and Associates“I’ve known Jim Prokell for more than 30 years—first as one of my instructors in design school, and now as an illustrator for Pitt magazine. Jim’s produced some beautiful work for us, always exceeding expectations and always easy to work with. I just give him the story and a few parameters, and he gives us some really great options. Incredibly talented in sculpture, painting, design, and illustration, he’s a real Renaissance guy!”
