About Joshua Holland
I am Josh Holland. I’m a communicator who uses human-centered design methodologies to design sustainable content strategies that bring concepts to life.
An app connoisseur by training and geography, I am always looking for the “next big thing” and keeping a pulse on technology industry trends. Despite the industry’s occasional gaffs – small and large, I believe tech has the potential to boost people’s potential, productivity, and happiness.
By combining my background in human-centered design, content strategy, and communication, I am dedicated to crafting content that resonates with audiences, solves their problems, and fosters a stronger connection.
I am excited to continue exploring innovative solutions that enrich lives and transform the way we interact with the world around us.
How I Make a Living
I’m currently the communication director for Seattle Neighborhood Greenways. In my role, I help educate Seattle residents about the true potential of streets in the city for non-car use and advocate to make every neighborhood a great place to walk, ride, and live in.
Previously, I held the position of Head of Marketing at LumaTouch for five years. As the Product Marketing Manager, I spearheaded various marketing initiatives for the company's mobile video editing app, LumaFusion. This app was recognized as Apple's 2021 iPad App of the Year.
During my tenure at LumaTouch, I focused on managing customer engagement both online and at events, designing a content strategy that attracted millions of customers, and establishing partnerships with leading tech companies and influencers. These partnerships allowed LumaTouch to create collaborative content that effectively showcased the benefits of video production using mobile devices.
Throughout my journey at LumaTouch, I transitioned from an individual contributor to overseeing a team of direct reports responsible for social media production, visual design, and user research. I also played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of user research and creating brand assets that amplified and unified the LumaTouch brand. Furthermore, I had the privilege of mentoring my team members, facilitating their professional growth, and collaborating with external vendors on large-scale projects.
Before my time at LumaTouch, I worked as a marketing communications consultant for seven years.
For five years, I owned and operated Shiba Inu Studio, a content strategy and marketing consulting business. I had the honor of working with prominent international NGOs like NetHope, where I handled crisis communication and communication for NGO members during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. I also collaborated with Uber on campaigns promoting independent drivers in the Puget Sound region and partnered with local businesses in Seattle to develop sustainable content strategies.
In the early stages of my career, I gained invaluable experience working at WE Communications and Nyhus Communications. This experience allowed me to refine my communication skills and provide strategic counsel to esteemed companies such as Microsoft, American Express, the Port of Seattle, and various other businesses in the Seattle area.
Book Smarts
I completed my Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering degree at the University of Washington. Throughout my time at UW, my graduate studies primarily revolved around design strategy and research. This specialization granted me the opportunity to engage in various projects such as researching ways to enhance Seattle's Democracy Voucher program, conducting research on augmented reality (AR) navigation systems, and formulating guidelines for social AR. Additionally, I dedicated my efforts to comprehending the essential qualities of design leadership and management within organizations. I also explored strategies to align design with business objectives and connect computer interaction theories to real-life scenarios.
I also received my undergraduate degree from the UW. During my first time on campus, I studied communication with a heavy emphasis on cultural and business communication. This focus allowed me to contribute to several on-campus clubs and student government. It also led me to Paris for a summer where I studied how race and cultural institutions like the Louvre tell a complex story about artifacts taken from non-European countries, western identity, and non-white people from a Western point of view.
Off the Clock
Outside of work, I enjoy burying myself in a good book or blog post, running, and exploring urban environments. I love to share an exchange of stories over a beverage with friends or strangers and travel to different parts of the world to collect new insights and broaden my horizons.
After a layoff at the start of 2023, I traveled to South America where I visited Brazil for Carnival in Rio, Argentina for steaks in Buenos Aires and nature in El Calafate, and Chile for Pisco Sours in Santiago and beachside murals in Valparaíso. I also traveled to East Asia in the Spring of 2023 where I spent time in Japan endlessly riding subway trains in Tokyo and South Korea where I tested my stomach with Korean delicacies on the streets of Seoul.
I currently live in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood with my partner and Shiba Inu, Judo. You’ll often find me online sharing tidbits from my most recent discovery or adventure. Urban environments, trains, and civic discourse are my jams when it comes to off-hours topics.
Ask me about my favorite train routes or cities of the world. I also enjoy photography, movies, and cooking– technically eating see Fuzz Food for more details.