Austin James

Austin Allen James is a Visiting Professor at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. He has taught at TSU since the Fall of 2012. In 2016, Austin and colleagues formed a committee to create a “Professional Writing” concentration, which includes five creative writing classes. Austin is also a visual artist, sculptor, and home/object designer. Austin's undergrad degree is from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and his Master of Fine Arts in Poetics is from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. His MBA is from the University of Dallas in Irving, TX. Austin actively writes poetry and submits poems weekly to journals. He is working on a book of collected poems, which is expected to be published in early 2026.

4 Articles Published | Follow:
Balancing creative and commercial instincts

The piece explores the realities of life as a working artist and designer, emphasizing the necessity of selling in order to keep creating. It traces the author’s journey from early career decisions to navigating brand loyalty, evolving product lines, and the importance of “wow” moments at major markets. The article highlights how passion, risk-taking and commercial awareness shape long-term success in the design industry.

Five things to know before you exhibit at your first trade show

Intention.  Focus.  Step forward with verve and consideration.  But first, you might ask yourself, “Why do I wish to sell wholesale?”  My answer is that business-to-business is fun and profitable.

Five things to know before designing a product

Austin Allen James outlines five essential principles for product designers, emphasizing vision, variety, personal style, and the balance between function and taste. His advice is a practical guide for creating cohesive, memorable product lines in today’s evolving market.

The revival & survival of artisan craftsmanship in the digital age

In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, this thought-provoking editorial explores the irreplaceable soul of human creativity. Drawing inspiration from poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and the personal journey of an artisan, it celebrates the deeply human impulse to create—and why AI, no matter how advanced, can never replicate the heart behind handmade beauty.