Emmy-Award winning creative work built to inform, inspire, and endure.
Broadcast & Brand Design That Drives Engagement—and Revenue
I craft visual stories that connect with audiences and deliver results. This work spans national documentaries, commercials, PSAs, animated sequences, and key art—designed to move minds, hearts, and bottom lines.
Want to bring your story to life that connects across cultures & platforms?
“Jon has been a great for our pledge team for many years helping us raise millions of dollars. His talent really shined on the latest Suze Orman National Pledge event. The show was the highest revenue producing pledge program in PBS's history.”
David Preston, Vice President, Membership at Twin Cities PBS
Show Packaging and Record Breaking Revenue
Suze Orman National Pledge Show for PBS
Overview
Create the complete visual design for Suze Orman’s national PBS pledge show, and develop a cohesive look and feel across all assets. Deliverables included:
Animated show open and on-air graphics
Static and animated pledge graphics
Product packaging for thank-you gifts (personal finance guides, DVD jacket and label, printed inserts)
Set design elements, including backdrop elements for the remote shoot in Miami, Florida
Challenges & Opportunities
Suze Orman and her team set a high bar, seeking an energetic, polished aesthetic that reflected her dynamic brand and resonated with national audiences.
Results
The final designs elevated the production and helped drive exceptional viewer engagement. The campaign was a major success—this remains the highest-grossing PBS pledge show in history. (around 100 million dollars)
Suze Orman and her team were so happy with the designs they approached me separately to develop the graphics package for her appearance on QVC.
Groundbreaking Outreach Channel
TPT NOW – A 24/7 broadcast channel for public safety and community outreach. This is a recording from the actual broadcast. (click the thumbnail to play)
Overview
Create the design for TPT NOW, a groundbreaking 24-hour broadcast channel dedicated to delivering real-time weather, health, and safety information to English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali-speaking communities in the Twin Cities. The channel also serves as a critical resource for Emergency Management communications. Used the PBS color palette and aesthetic for this channel.
Challenges & Opportunities
I led the design from the ground up—including naming the channel TPT NOW. (first pitched NOW as the acronym for Neighborhood, Outreach, & Weather) This was one of TPT’s first ventures into real-time information broadcasting. We partnered with AccuWeather and used their StormDirector software to design custom, multilingual on-screen content. I also saw an opportunity to enhance the channel’s accessibility and tone by curating a broad music playlist using PBS’s licensing capabilities. The 20 hour playlist is my creation.
Results
In collaboration with AccuWeather programmers, we integrated a synced music playlist with on-screen artist and song info—an innovative addition for a public media broadcast. To this day, TPT NOW accolades from the Twin Cities community and is recognized nationally by Emergency Managers and PBS as groundbreaking.
“Whoever picks the music for this channel always has great taste”
MinnesotaMemes Facebook Page
Major Initiative
Twin Cites PBS 18-month multimedia campaign aligned with Ken Burns’ Vietnam series
Overview
Create and design on-air promos for Minnesota Remembers Vietnam, a statewide initiative from Twin Cities PBS that spanned 18 months and reached audiences through broadcast, digital platforms, and live events. Design the logo, show title treatments, the overall visual identity, animated elements, sound/music editing, promotional materials, and event signage. The initiative also needed to feature several original local documentaries. I created all of the promos and print materials.
Challenges & Opportunities
The campaign brought together a wide range of stakeholders—veterans, Hmong refugees, donors, elected officials, and senior leadership—each with distinct voices and priorities. Coordinating across these diverse perspectives required sensitivity and thoughtful design leadership. There was also challenge of locating and selecting images and footage for this design. I worked closely with the production coordinator to identify these assets.
Results
One of the largest short-term initiatives in TPT’s history, the campaign left a lasting impact across Minnesota. A promotional video I designed, animated, and edited was nominated for an Emmy and was highlighted on Ken Burns’ official Facebook page.
Emmy Award-Winning Animation
MAKE:TV – National series for APT and PBS
Overview
Design an entire graphics package for MAKE:TV, a nationally distributed PBS series inspired by Make: magazine. The show celebrated creativity, innovation, and the DIY maker movement
Challenges & Opportunities
As Twin Cities PBS’ first high-definition production, this project marked a technical and creative shift for the station. The series involved multiple producers and an executive producer, requiring cohesive visual direction across episodes. The tools used to make this was the Adobe Creative Suite.
Results
My animated show open and graphics received an Emmy Award for animation design. MAKE:TV set a new standard for the station’s national programming and helped pave the way for future productions, including Minnesota Original.
Channel Branding and Automation
Broadcast elements for the Twin Cities PBS channels
Overview
Design and automate on-air elements across TPT’s five broadcast channels. Key deliverables included:
Coming Up Next Billboard (automated)
Real-time Time & Temperature display (automated)
Pledge banner (semi-automated, information on banner can be remotely accessed and updated)
Updated pledge graphics package
Uniquely branded :03 TPT end tag. Northern lights or Aurora end tag (my concept, design and still used after 10+ years)
“Snipes” – on-screen messaging for promos and programming changes. (semi-automated, can be remotely accessed and updated)
Challenges & Opportunities
Automating some of these graphics was a highly technical, multi-faceted initiative requiring close collaboration with TPT’s IT team, CentralCast Alliance engineering, (out of Syracuse, NY) and on-air operations staff. I developed a consistent visual system while pioneering automation processes that pulled dynamic data—such as programming info from ProTrack logs—into live video environments using Evertz’s OTB (On-The-Fly Branding) system. This eliminated the need for pre-produced graphics, enabling real-time on-air updates.
Results
TPT became the first PBS station using CentralCast Alliance to automate and air real-time programming data dynamically over video. This breakthrough drew interest from other PBS affiliates, marking a milestone in public broadcasting automation. CentralCast marked this occasion by buying a full page ad on the back of the Current.
Revenue Generating Car Donation Campaign
TPT Membership – Vehicle Donation Promotion
Overview
Develop a bold yet friendly multi-platform campaign to promote TPT’s car donation program by connecting vehicle donation to the ability for TPT to broadcast travel shows. Deliverables included broadcast promos, print ads, and social media assets—all aimed at driving awareness and increasing donations.
Challenges & Opportunities
This project offered the chance to create a distinctive visual approach. I designed and animated this promo using Autodesk Maya (3D software) and completed the edit in Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. Collaboration with TPT’s Membership Department ensured messaging aligned with campaign goals.
Results
The campaign aired on broadcast and was supported by digital and print placements. It successfully boosted revenue through increased vehicle donations.
Show Branding and Animated Open
Citizen Lane – Digital-first series for Twin Cities PBS
Overview
Create the branding and animation design for Citizen Lane, a light-hearted series focused on connecting communities across Minnesota. This series was intended to be a digital-first series. The intention was to also air on broadcast stations throughout the state.
Challenges & Opportunities
Working under a tight deadline with a small team, I led both design and art direction. Efficient collaboration across design, animation, and editing was key. I created the logo and signature visuals in Adobe Illustrator, and produced the animated open, lower thirds, and credits using Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
Results
The final design successfully captured the show's friendly and uplifting tone, helping to engage viewers and celebrate community stories across Minnesota.
Commercial Broadcast Animations
Suze Orman – Product Animations for QVC
Overview
Following the success of Suze Orman’s PBS pledge show, I was invited to create a series of full-screen animations for use on the QVC shopping channel. These animations highlighted chapters from her book and showcased related products for commercial broadcast.
Challenges & Opportunities
This project offered the opportunity to work directly with Suze’s team and coordinate with QVC’s technical staff to ensure the animations met their broadcast specs and delivered a polished on-air presence.
Results
Produced over 10 custom animations that were successfully aired on QVC, supporting Suze’s product launch and extending the reach of her brand beyond public television.
(CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO PLAY)
“His award-winning creative work for our PBS content features powerful visual messaging, humanity, and heart. Jon’s CV is a breathtaking range of work that include multicultural designs for a wide range of content and form from the dramatic humanizing key art for Bring Her Home to the Afrocentric playfulness in the kids’ PSA campaign Brains Are Built.
In addition to his own considerable creative output, he is also a leader and mentor to emerging staff as well as cultural and community collaborators.”
Daniel Pierce Bergin, Executive Producer, Twin Cities PBS
Cultural and Community Collaborations
Brains Are Built – A local initiative supporting African American families with babies
Overview
Create the branding and animations for Brains Are Built, an outreach initiative aimed at supporting African American families with young children. The project included a signature visual identity and an animated open for use across broadcast and digital platforms.
Challenges & Opportunities
Collaborated closely with a talented editor/animator, Carrie Clark, and an established Executive Producer Daniel Pierce Bergin. While I led the overall design, animation, and art direction, Carrie added playful touches during the editing phase. Coordination and clear task ownership were key to meeting deadlines and maintaining a cohesive style.
Results
The final deliverables—including the animated open, close, and supporting graphics—successfully aired as part of a series of interstitials. The campaign helped strengthen TPT’s relationship with the local African American community. (click the thumbnail to watch one of the videos)
Multilingual Public Health Videos
Minnesota Department of Health & TPT NOW
Overview
Produce a series of animated health and safety videos in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali—ensuring critical public health messaging with the intention of reaching diverse communities across Minnesota..
Challenges & Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges was adapting the timing of the original English scripts to match voiceovers in multiple languages. Spanish, Hmong, and Somali translations were often 1.5 to 2.5 times longer, which required rethinking pacing and scene transitions. I developed a custom spreadsheet system to map each voiceover line to its corresponding animated scene. Even without fluency in those languages, this approach allowed for accurate syncing and seamless delivery.
Results
This project was a breakthrough for multilingual public health outreach and led to continued collaborations with the Minnesota Department of Health. It successfully bridged language barriers and brought essential health information to underserved communities—making it one of the most impactful projects in this space.
“Jon brought great vision and shimmering beauty to the artwork for Depression: Out of the Shadows. He easily blends organic images with his own unique infusion of creativity and symbolism. Jon is delightful to work with and brings great synergy to a project.”
Larkin McPhee, Peabody and Emmy award-winning director, producer and writer of documentary films
Visual Identity for Documentary
Depression: Out of the Shadows – National PBS Documentary
Overview
Create the visual identity for Depression: Out of the Shadows. This was to be a nationally distributed documentary for PBS and APT. Produced independently by Larkin McPhee, the final post-production and packaging was handled by the National Productions team at Twin Cities PBS. Deliverables included the signature image, animated open, lower thirds, end credits, print packaging, and outreach materials.
Challenges & Opportunities
Collaborated with both Larkin McPhee and TPT’s Executive Producer Gerald Richman. The creative challenge was to visually represent depression in a way that was honest and resonant, while also evoking hope. During a Thanksgiving walk in northern Minnesota, I captured a striking image of a solitary tree in a field—symbolic and serene. With minimal color refinement in Photoshop, it became the central metaphor for the film.
Results
The image and overall design were highly praised by both Larkin McPhee and TPT leadership. It was featured across multiple platforms: in the show open, credits, event signage, and even on outreach materials—including custom packaging for a promotional chocolate bar.
Membership and Revenue Outreach Commercial
Twin Cities PBS – Sustainer Campaign
Overview
Collaborate with a producer and writer from the TPT Marketing team to create a promotional spot introducing the concept of becoming a Sustainer—a new idea at the time for public television membership.
Challenges & Opportunities
We held a casting call for coworkers with pre-teen children to create a relatable, family-friendly tone. (Fun fact: my son appears in the blue shirt.) The spot aimed to clearly communicate the value of recurring support while keeping the message engaging and warm.
Results
This spot became the longest-running promotional ad on Twin Cities PBS and remains in circulation more than a decade later—a testament to its effectiveness and charm.
I am standing just off camera coaching the kids as we recorded them individually and in the larger group.
MinneHistory Interstitials
Animated and static graphics for broadcast and online
Overview
Develop the visual identity for MinneHistory, a series of short interstitials celebrating diverse contributions to Minnesota’s history. This included creating the signature image and a brief animated intro to be used across broadcast and online platforms.
Challenges & Opportunities
While the project was for internal clients, the editor was new to the team—providing a valuable opportunity to collaborate and ensure the visual design was effectively integrated into the final edits.
Results
The campaign successfully raised awareness across all age groups, particularly school-aged children, by spotlighting stories from historically underrepresented communities in Minnesota’s past.
Show Packaging
Farm Fresh Road Trip – Broadcast and online graphics
Overview
Create the full visual identity for Farm Fresh Road Trip, a series celebrating Minnesota’s local food scene and the chefs behind it. The graphics and animations were needed for broadcast and online.
Challenges & Opportunities
With a fast turnaround and a modest budget, the goal was to create a fun, youthful aesthetic that matched the show's tone. I worked exclusively in Adobe Illustrator and After Effects to design and animate the complete graphics package.
Results
The final look was well-received by both the Producer and Executive Producer and was carried forward into the next season without any changes—proof of its effectiveness and staying power.
Rick Steves and Revenue Generating Designs
Rick Steves National PBS Pledge Show
Overview
Develop the complete visual identity for Rick Steves’ national PBS pledge show, including a full suite of static and animated graphics for broadcast. This toolkit of graphics needed to be based on Rick Steves’ products and brand.
Challenges & Opportunities
The challenge—and opportunity—was to align closely with Rick Steves’ established brand aesthetic. The design needed to reflect the bold, friendly look of his product line. Each thank-you gift item required individual photography, cutouts, and careful compositing—making that phase the most time-intensive.
Results
The final graphics package was well-received by both Rick Steves and the PBS Membership Department. The vibrant blues, yellows, and greens complemented Rick’s brand and framed the pledge gifts effectively. All graphics were designed to be “pledge banner safe” for seamless on-air integration.
One of Rick Steves pledge show recordings in TPT’s studios.
Revenue Generating Campaign
TPT Membership – Vehicle Donation Promotion
Overview
Develop an evergreen campaign to promote TPT’s car donation program. Four versions were needed - one for each season. Deliverables also included print ads, and social media assets—all aimed at driving awareness and increasing donations.
Challenges & Opportunities
This project offered the chance to create a distinctive visual approach. I designed and animated this promo using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects. The sound design used Adobe Premiere Pro. Collaboration with TPT’s Membership Department ensured messaging aligned with campaign goals.
Results
The campaign aired on broadcast and was supported by digital and print placements. It successfully boosted revenue through increased vehicle donations.
Medical Videos
Digestive Health & Hearing Loss Education
Overview
These educational videos were developed to clearly explain complex health topics: one explores how dietary fiber aids the digestive system, while the other is a composite of three animations addressing hearing loss—its causes, effects, and coping strategies.
Challenges & Opportunities
Both projects required deep collaboration with subject-matter expert producers to ensure scientific accuracy. I led the creative direction, including visual concepting, illustration, and animation—striking a balance between clinical clarity and engaging storytelling.
Results
The final animations effectively demystify essential health concepts, making them accessible to a wide audience. They’ve been praised for translating complex medical ideas into visuals that are both informative and memorable—empowering viewers with greater understanding of their health.