About Me

I’m a multidisciplinary UX designer and digital creative who builds brands and experiences that feel as intentional as they look. My background in photography, marketing, and design strategy helps me approach every project as both an architect and a storyteller, balancing structure with emotion to create meaningful digital spaces.

As the founder of Bourbon & Branch Digital, I’ve led branding and web experiences for institutions, nonprofits, and lifestyle brands across the Gulf South. My work blends clarity, atmosphere, and purpose, translating complex ideas into elegant systems that people can connect with.

My design process is grounded in research, storytelling, and an ongoing pursuit of authenticity. I create digital experiences that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Portrait of Jacob Cochran
Aerial view of a mountain landscape with snow-covered slopes and dense green forests, under a partly cloudy sky.

Résumé

I’m a multidisciplinary UX designer and digital creative who builds brands and experiences that feel as intentional as they look. My background in photography, marketing, and design strategy helps me approach every project as both an architect and a storyteller, balancing structure with emotion to create meaningful digital spaces.

Experience

Bourbon & Branch Digital

Creative Director / Producer — 2017–Present | New Orleans, LA / Remote

  • Lead creative production across branding, UX design, photography, and campaign strategy for clients in education, lifestyle, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Oversee timelines, deliverables, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to unify brand voice and design systems.
  • Develop campaign decks, rollout strategies, and brand documentation connecting visual storytelling with measurable outcomes.

Dillard University

Visual Communications Specialist — 2023–2025 | New Orleans, LA

  • Directed photography, design, and creative strategy for campaigns such as “Stay Rooted” and “Write Your Legacy.”
  • Collaborated with admissions and marketing leadership to align recruitment goals with creative outcomes.
  • Produced university-wide media content, balancing brand identity with modern digital storytelling.

Pearl River Community College

Marketing Specialist — 2020–2023 | Poplarville, MS

  • Developed integrated marketing campaigns increasing enrollment and engagement across digital platforms.
  • Created brand systems, social media assets, and recruitment materials recognized by statewide associations.
  • Photographed, designed, and produced creative content supporting major college initiatives.

Technical Skills

  • Figma (Wireframes, Design Systems, Prototypes)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere)
  • Squarespace / Webflow / Wix Studio / Framer / WordPress
  • HTML / CSS / JavaScript (Front-end customization)
  • UX Writing & Content Design
  • Responsive & Mobile-First Design
  • SEO Fundamentals & Web Accessibility
  • ChatGPT, Claude, AI Prompt Engineering

Education & Certifications

Google UX Design Certificate — Coursera, 2024

Continuing coursework in Digital Media & Marketing Communications, Tulane University (in progress)

Awards & Recognition

1st Place — Digital Art/Photo Illustration — The Voices Composite (2023)
2nd Place — Digital Art/Photo Illustration — The Voices Composite (2022)
1st Place — Digital Art/Photo Illustration — Volleyball Composite (2022)
1st Place — Newsletter — “River is Rising Report” (2021)
1st Place — Photograph — “‘The Wildcat Way’ Exhibit Baseball Photo” (2021)
1st Place — Sports Media Guide — “Pearl River Football 2020 Media Guide”

All awards presented by the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Press & Features

Photography and creative direction featured in national outlets highlighting cultural storytelling and human connection.

The New York Times NPR CNN ABC News NBC News The Guardian USA Today

Features include coverage of cultural events, portraits, and creative campaigns.