John J. Dessler is a creative director, programmer, writer, entrepreneur, musician, and digital/fine artist. He currently freelances and is special faculty at the ETC, Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in visual story/communication, VR Story and Sound, UX and UI design, and project management.

He was the artist and creative director at Calkins Media for 10 years and was responsible for info graphics, feature and news illustrations, pagination, and creative direction.

He has been contracted by, or freelances for, companies such as GE, NBC, Tyco, Heinz, and various museums and productions - specializing in visual communication and digital training.

In 1996 he founded The Outlet for Creativity, Inc. (a non-profit 501c3) in Rochester, PA, to foster and support the Arts in Beaver County. He served as president, creative director, and program manager for 9 years.

He has been on numerous boards of economic and cultural development and has worked with many organizations including the American Cancer Society, Bridge to Recovery, Adult Literacy Action, and The Humane Society.

He was a featured speaker, performer, and on jury at numerous conferences including SIGGRAPH, GDC, Nashville Film Festival, and SXSW.

He was creative director, UI/UX designer, and programmer for the Creative Services department at the ETC. He designed and produced virtual interviews, games, exhibits, and interactive experiences for clients such as Duquesne University, National Civil War Museum, and VERC.

He is a published playwright, winner of the Keystone Press and Telly awards, and is an accomplished studio and performing musician regularly showcased at the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN.