The Beginnings

James Anshutz began his professional creative carreer as a DJ in Tampa, Florida at the age of 16. He graduated in 1999 from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL with a degree in Recording Engineering and Multimedia Production. After completing his schooling, he started his career in radio at 102 Jamz in Orlando and moved up the rankings At the age of 21 James Anshutz, a.k.a. "DJ J Class" was voted by The Source Magazine as one of the most influential DJs in the country. After deciding that the hip hop music industry wasn't a great environment to start a family, he jumped ship, changed careers, and moved to Hawai'i on a whim.

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Arrival Home

James knew Hawai'i was home the second he stepped off the plane back in 2001, "I instantly felt it in core of my being...it was amazing!" he said. Since then James transformed “an old photography hobby” into a full time professional career as a commercial photographer and artist.  His work in the photography field began to flourish in 2008. In late 2009, he co-published his first book, “Survivor Spirit: The Beauty, Passion, and Power of Breast Cancer Survivors,” which won the 1st place award in 2009 International Independent Publishers competition. Just after the release of “Survivor Spirit,” he began working on his follow-up book project titled “The Lemuria Project,” which was inspired from his volunteer work with Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation. (Some of these images can be seen on the Personal Projects page.

 

James currently has a live/work art gallery at the Chinatown Artist Lofts in Honolulu which is Hawaii's only live/work space for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Since moving in, James' loft has been featured in multiple films and TV shows including Hawaii 5-0 and Zac Efron/Anna Kendrics film 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates". It is an exciting hub of creative energy that inspires and motivates James and all of his passions. From there, he runs  a production company and gallery specializing in commercial photography and visual design.

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Educator

In 2016, James was asked by Punahou School to teach the Digital Photography Program for their summer courses. And of course, he said "Yes!". From 2016 - 2021, James was faculty at the school and launched the DJ FUNdamentals Program, middle school Digital Photography programs, as well as teaching Music Explorations which focused on music production, composition, sound design for films, and video editing.

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Community Music Programs

In 2019, James created a songwriting and music production program for the 2019 Hawaii International STEM Conference in collaboration with Nainoa Thompson of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and professional/student mentoring from local musicians Henry Kapono and Paula Fuga. This event included a one-of-a-kind recording studio experience for all of the students and was designed with this professional mentor guided learning model to create a theme song for the next voyage of the Hōkūlea. (ARTICLE LINK) (VIDEO LINK).

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Behind The Scenes

Somehow he is able to balance the life of a single parent to his two amazing children Bodhi and Sequoia, a freelance photographer, a business owner, P/T teacher, and a person passionate about inspiring his community through collaborative multi-media art programs. James’ light and personal strength shine brightly through his vibrant style of work, his commitment to the community, and his determination as a connected, highly involved single father. 

 

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James’ clients have included Sony Music Japan, Hyatt Hotels, Honolulu Symphony, Hana Hou! Magazine, Hawaiian Airlines, Lululemon Athletica, Nella Media Group, Advertising Associates International, Children’s Miracle Network, Honolulu Board of REALTORS, Locations Hawai'i, Kapiolani Hospital, Hawaii Pacific Health, and more.