TJ Southard

Designing aesthetically compelling digital media has been my lifelong passion. With over 30 years of experience as a designer, I’ve developed a broad and deep skill set that allows me to help clients achieve the visual excellence their projects deserve. My core strength lies in crafting elegant, human-centric graphic user interfaces that are both visually appealing and functionally intuitive. Currently, my focus is on developing cutting-edge UI/UX for Virtual and Augmented Reality platforms.

At heart, I am a UI/UX designer, driven by a strong belief in human-centered design. By putting the user at the center of every project, I strive to create experiences that are intuitive, enjoyable, and easy to navigate. My background as an art director has grounded me in foundational design principles and given me a deep appreciation for how visual elements shape user interaction. Now, as Creative Director at AVATAR Partners, I’m leveraging that foundation to build the next generation of immersive design in Mixed Reality.

I have the unique privilege of designing interfaces that bridge the physical and digital worlds. My goal is to create immersive, intuitive environments where users can interact naturally and effortlessly. Thanks to my art direction experience, I can ensure every visual element enhances both usability and aesthetics.

My approach is rooted in continuous learning and experimentation. I use tools like user research, rapid prototyping, and usability testing to tailor each design to real user needs. Every interface I create is intended to be not only visually engaging but also purposeful and user-friendly.

With decades of experience and a passion for innovation, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in UI/UX design. At AVATAR Partners, I’m helping shape the future of how we engage with technology—making it more immersive, intuitive, and impactful than ever before.