James Holmberg

Personal Pronouns

he/him/his

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I currently serve as an Artificial Intelligence strategist, coach, trainer, and consultant, specializing in bridging the worlds of art and technology. My background in conceptual art—where I explore the human condition through creative expression—has profoundly shaped my approach to AI. I’m passionate about applying strategic thinking, problem-solving, and creative intuition to guide organizations in integrating AI tools that empower human-centered outcomes. Through my work, I emphasize that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the creativity and emotional intelligence that humans bring to the table. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to merge these two fields and help organizations unlock AI’s potential while remaining grounded in human creativity.

How did you get your job?

I am a co-founder of Model Mind AI, where I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team for the past six years. We started with a variety of SaaS projects and have since expanded into AI strategy, coaching, and training. My transition into AI was a natural evolution from my work in the arts, where the focus has always been on human experience, creativity, and pushing boundaries. As we grew Model Mind AI, I began applying my deep understanding of conceptual art to the strategic use of AI, and this combination has allowed me to help a wide range of organizations navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. I’m proud of what we’ve built and continue to be inspired every day by the endless possibilities for innovation at the intersection of AI and the creative industries.

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?

10+ years

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?

I’m originally from Minnesota. I actually started visiting MCAD while I was still in high school, so I was introduced to the college at an early age. This early exposure sparked my interest and helped me understand how MCAD could support my creative ambitions.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

My major was Design, with a specific focus on graphic design. Typography played a huge role in shaping my work, as it taught me how to create thoughtful compositions and appreciate the fine details of visual communication. This focus on design became a foundation for my creative process, influencing my future work across various mediums.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

While I won't name names, I can say that it was a combination of instructors who influenced me profoundly. My illustration instructor, Tom Garrett, had a significant impact on my approach to visual storytelling, and my typography professor, Jan, helped me appreciate the power of type in design. Additionally, my painting instructor played an important role, showing me the value of different disciplines and how each one contributes to a broader artistic vision. The interaction between these diverse perspectives shaped my way of thinking and my artistic development.

Describe your internship(s).

While I didn’t have a formal internship, I had invaluable experiences that shaped my career. During college, I worked with Isaac Mizrahi, a fashion designer who visited MCAD. This hands-on experience exposed me to the fashion industry. Additionally, I worked with an architect, which allowed me to learn about architectural design, including the technical skill of drawing to scale.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

I would say nothing, as I didn’t find anything that stood out to me, but the free shelf was always an interesting part of the MCAD community.

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

MCAD prepared me with a skill set that is now baked into my DNA. Over 10 years after graduation, the foundational principles I learned there—strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and understanding the human condition—continue to guide me. One of the most important lessons MCAD instilled was the ability to handle criticism. Putting your heart and soul into a project and then putting it up for critique was invaluable. It taught me to have thick skin and to accept feedback with grace. Additionally, MCAD encouraged risk-taking—creating something uncertain or uncomfortable and presenting it to the world. That courage to take chances and push boundaries has stayed with me in my career.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

The biggest takeaway from MCAD is the development of strategic thinking. It taught me how to think outside the box and look at the world through a different lens—recognizing things that might not be immediately obvious. That approach to seeing and understanding the world has profoundly impacted my career and my work in both art and AI. The ability to think creatively and strategically has shaped the way I solve problems today.

What inspires you/your work?

I am currently deeply inspired by the limitless applications of artificial intelligence. To me, AI represents a new, expansive medium—one that allows for exploration at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human insight. Before diving into this field, I was engaged in creating short films, which I showcased on my YouTube channel. My most recent work, Absence, was an interactive experience where I filmed myself creating and erasing paintings on canvases, presenting only blank canvases in the gallery. Through an app that I developed, gallery visitors could digitally scroll through all of the paintings that once existed on the canvas, adding a layer of impermanence and ethereal quality to the work. This concept of things that may or may not exist physically—the blurring of presence and absence—has deeply influenced me. The idea of creating something intangible, something that exists only through perception, ties directly into my fascination with artificial intelligence, which operates on a similar level of abstraction and conceptualization. AI, as a medium, fascinates me because of its potential to create, replicate, and evolve in ways that challenge the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. I have also had the privilege of exhibiting my work at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, with two notable exhibitions. These experiences allowed me to bring conceptual art to a wider audience, while pushing the boundaries of how art and technology can intersect.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Networking is never an easy task, but I believe the key lies in the quality of your work. When your work is authentic, when it comes from your heart, people will recognize it. You don't necessarily need to chase after connections; if you focus on your voice and true expression, those who resonate with your message will find you. The right people will come to you when you stay true to what you create. It’s about letting the work speak for itself, allowing it to be the bridge that connects you to others.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

Minneapolis is an incredibly vibrant city, especially in terms of its arts scene. There are countless hidden gems scattered throughout the Twin Cities, many of which exist in unexpected places. Some of the best experiences come from the pop-up galleries that artists host in their homes, offering intimate and unique opportunities to experience art in a different context. These spaces often go unnoticed, but they are some of the most exciting and authentic showcases of local talent. It’s about getting out there and exploring beyond the conventional venues.

Lastly, do you have a favorite interview question we didn't ask? Share the question and your answer! (you can also use this space to tell us anything about you that wasn't covered in the previous interview questions)

One thing I’d like to share is my journey in the arts. I’ve had the privilege of a long career in the art world, which has included two exhibitions at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Over the years, I’ve exhibited my paintings in galleries across the country. However, my focus has shifted in recent years. Now, my concentration lies primarily in conceptual art. I create videos for my YouTube channel, and I’ve come to realize that I’m no longer concerned with traditional galleries or the commercial aspects of art. The process of creating, the act of engaging with a medium, is the most important aspect of my work. It’s a personal exploration, a conversation with myself, a way to connect deeply with the world. I believe that art is a profound way to learn how to think, and the act of creating allows for that inner dialogue to unfold. It’s not about trying to sell the work or network endlessly; that will come in time. What matters most is creating for the sake of creating, and staying true to the process. This mindset has deeply informed my current work as an artificial intelligence strategist, coach, and consultant. The skills I’ve honed in the arts—creative problem-solving, conceptual thinking, and self-exploration—are what I bring into my work with AI today.