James' teaching centers on understanding graphic communication concepts and processes, as applied to a range of media. He specialises in graphic design for digital and interactive media.

He managed the BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Typography programme at the University of Plymouth for eight years, lectured on the BA (Hons) Illustration, MA Publishing and MA Communication Design programmes, and has experience of writing and managing higher education art and design programmes for the University of Brighton and the Open University. He has helped a number of students win international design awards, including the D&AD New Blood Awards and the ISTD Student Assessment Scheme. James' students have had their work showcased in international publications such as Creative Review, and have gone on to work for some of the world's leading creative agencies, including Leo Burnett, M&C Saatchi, Jones Knowles Ritchie and BBC Studios.

 

Live student design projects that James has coordinated include those run in collaboration with IBM, Skint Records, House of Fraser, The Met Office, It's Nice That, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and the English Riviera Global Geopark.

 

Invited lectures:

• Brocklehurst, J. (2020). Inside / Outside. Guest Lecture. MA Information Experience Design, Royal College of Art.
• Brocklehurst, J. (2017). Digital Design for Heritage Spaces. In Daybell, J., Maudlin, D. Cornerstone Heritage Summer Lectures. Public talk. Powderham Castle.
• Brocklehurst, J. (2014). Designing for Engagement in Interactive Storytelling. In Denham, S. (Chair) CogTalk - Immersive Worlds: Between Fact and Fiction. Public talk. University of Plymouth.
• Brocklehurst, J. (2012). New Formats and Illustration. Guest lecture. Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London.

Conferences organised:

• Whittaker, E., Brocklehurst, J. (2013). Expanded Narrative Symposium. University of Plymouth.

Other academic activities:

• Peer reviewer for New Media (Chapter), A History of Illustration (2018), Edited by Doyle, S. Rhode Island School of Design, published by Bloomsbury/Fairchild.