Want to know what we really think of James? Well, pull up a chair. This year marks 20 years of James being our Creative Director. He has helped to shape ideas, bring brands to life, kept us calm, and sprinkled his quiet brilliance across everything we do.

From big-picture thinking that brings campaigns together to the little touches that make brands unforgettable, James has been part of it all. He’s designed, created and problem-solved his way through logos, brochures, graphics, leaflets, websites and campaigns, you name it, James has poured his creativity into it.

Happy simply wouldn’t look, or feel, the same without him. We asked the Happies to share what James really means to them and how important he is in our Happy bubble.

Q: What makes James so brilliant at what he does?
Louise: “Apart from being an extremely talented designer, he’s not one to shout from the rooftops or air his frustrations. He just gets on with it and (frustratingly for the rest of us) always delivers. He’s one of life’s gentlemen, considerate, reliable, and always willing to help. Some might say he’s enigmatic, but to me, he’s just super conscientious, funny, kind, and a genuinely lovely human being. (Good job he’s not big-headed, eh!)”

Over the years, James has delivered countless design projects for clients, from intricate brand identities to large-scale campaigns. His work consistently shines, yet he never shouts about it. That humility is part of what makes him so well respected.

Q: What’s James like to work with day-to-day?
Jenna: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without James. He’s there every single day, patiently answering my hundreds of questions, ‘How do I do this?’, ‘Why isn’t this working?’, or more often, ‘Can you work your magic on this?’ James always has the answer and is always there to help. He’s incredibly talented, endlessly creative, and such an important part of the Happy team. Thank you, James, for everything you do.”

James has become the go-to person for design, tech queries, creative fixes (and sometimes just a much-needed laugh). No matter how busy he is, he always makes time.

Q: What’s his secret superpower?
Krisztina: “My go-to person for creative magic and solutions, or just for a moment to vent, no matter the hour. James, you are truly one of a kind. Thank you for being you and for all the support. (This better buy me at least one guilt-free last-minute brief or amend… just saying.) “

James has a rare ability to stay calm when deadlines loom or briefs land last-minute. That patience, paired with his creative spark, has steered countless projects safely across the finish line. He’s not just a designer; he’s a problem-solver and the calm voice in the storm.

Q: What’s James your go-to person for?
Marilia: “Want someone to fix anything calmly? Call James. Want a design job done in a flash? Ask James. Want beautiful branding? Trust James. His only flaw is that he doesn’t like cheese!”

We’ll forgive James the cheese thing (even if it is questionable). What really matters is his good humour, reliability, and ability to make the whole team feel supported. Every office needs a James, but we’re lucky enough to have the real deal.

Q: How important has James been to Happy’s journey?
Karen: “I am so grateful for James - a Happy since Day One and now twenty years a Happy. It just wouldn’t have been possible without James. His work ethic, dedication and sense of humour make him popular with both clients and colleagues. He’s our creative spark, and the one who quietly makes the magic happen day after day. Whether it’s unravelling a tricky design challenge or answering yet another ‘quick question’, James does it with patience, humour, and extraordinary talent. Thank you for living Happy’s values and of course for being the genius behind the name Happy.”

Quite simply, James has been central to Happy’s story. His designs are out there representing businesses, charities, and organisations every single day.

So, here’s to James: 20 years of brilliance, creativity, patience, and laughter. To every graphic, every brochure, every campaign, every brand launch, and every smile along the way.

Happy 20^th and thank you James Chantler.