Jonathan Atkinson
Jonathan Atkinson
“

Better products start with curious people.

My story

A career built on
curiosity, creativity and real impact.

I'm a Senior Product Designer and systems builder with 25+ years of experience turning complex ideas into intuitive, impactful products. I've had the privilege of building design systems, leading teams, and working across multiple SaaS products — always with a focus on clarity, consistency and solving real user needs.

My journey has taken me from a lifelong curiosity about how things work, to a career dedicated to creating better digital experiences for millions of people. I'm motivated by the chance to collaborate with talented teams, tackle meaningful problems, and make a positive impact through design.

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Career journey

A journey of continuous growth.

From leading design at a high-growth SaaS company back to a top-20 PlayStation Center in Lancashire, my career has been shaped by a consistent focus on people, products and progress.

Each step has given me new perspectives, incredible collaborators and the chance to work on products that reach millions of users around the world.

2026 – Present

Building with AI

Designing and shipping complete products solo, like FlickNight, using AI as a force multiplier while keeping the same foundation: curiosity, craft and a deep understanding of people.

2016 – 2025

OptinMonster (Awesome Motive)

Joined as one of the first employees and the first dedicated designer, then grew into Design Team Lead. Shaped a flagship SaaS product from early growth to market leader, mentored the design team, worked directly with leadership, and introduced AI-assisted design workflows.

2011 – 2016

Cr3ativ

Went freelance under the name Cr3ativ, designing and building WordPress templates sold on the Envato marketplace. They sold well enough to get me noticed, and Awesome Motive came looking for me.

2009 – 2011

AutoCricket

Director of Online Development, leading product design and interface strategy for a suite of lead-generation applications and web properties, from first wireframes through to front-end delivery.

2000 – 2009

Theater Website Services & Paradigm Engineering

Went independent in Ohio, designing and building sites and custom applications for cinemas, including a central engine that powered showtimes, cast details and trailers across multiple venues. Also ran web, UI and print design for Paradigm Engineering and its subsidiaries.

1995 – 2000

Future Games

Launched and ran my own games retailer in Lancashire, UK, becoming an Official Sony PlayStation Center ranked in the country's top 20. My first lesson in building something from scratch: the business model, the marketing and the P&L.

My process & craft

From pencil
sketches to AI-assisted
possibilities.

For 20+ years, I've researched, explored and developed my designs by hand — sketching ideas, mapping user journeys and working through complex problems on paper. This hands-on process helps me think clearly, explore more possibilities and find better solutions.

Hand-drawn wireframe sketches in a notebook

Today, I use AI as an assistive tool to help produce higher-quality work, faster. It helps me explore ideas, iterate on concepts and remove the busywork — but the foundation is still the same: curiosity, critical thinking and a deep understanding of people and products.

“

AI doesn't replace the process — it amplifies it, helping me go further and create better work.

Tools & craft

The tools behind the work.

Right tool, right job. Here’s what’s in my kit — from pencil and paper, to the codebase, to the AI I lean on every day — and how well I really know each piece.

Design

Where ideas get their shape.

  • PhotoshopAdvanced
  • IllustratorSparingly
  • FigmaAdvanced
  • Affinity DesignerAdvanced
  • Pencil & paperAlways

Build

Where they become real.

  • HTML & CSSStrong
  • JavaScriptWith AI help
  • CursorSparingly
  • GitHubNear-daily
  • Hosting & domainsSet up myself

AI-assisted

Where it all goes faster.

  • ClaudeDaily
  • Claude CodeDaily
  • ChatGPTDaily
  • MidjourneyComfortable
  • HiggsfieldComfortable
  • Notion AISparingly
Outside of work

Same curiosity, different adventures.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me outdoors — hiking in the mountains, exploring new places with my camera, or just getting off the grid for a while. These experiences keep me curious, grounded and inspired, and they often find their way back into my work.

Let's work together

Have a project in mind?

I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborations and ideas.

Get in touch