After obtaining a degree in Visual Design from Auburn University, Ernie began his professional life as a freelance graphic designer. Over the course of his career, he has been an advertising agency art director and creative director, a packaging and consumer product designer, an illustrator of children’s books, a commercial artist, and an advertising illustrator.

A career illustrator who works primarily in pen & ink, pencil, and oil with an expertise in sports illustration and areas of architectural renderings. He has created many paintings for sports teams and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim is known for his drawings and paintings of Major League Baseball stars and parks, as well as those of Pittsburgh sports stars.