James Martin earned his B.F.A. in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Upon graduation, he worked for the comic legend Neal Adams as a storyboard and movie poster sketch artist. This culminated in a collaboration of a series of covers and illustrations with the artist.

A freelance career followed in L.A.'s film and advertising industry. Some clients included Lorne Michaels, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, The Grammy Awards, Mattel, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, The Disney Magazine, Lightstorm Entertainment, Marvel Comics; and commissions from directors James Cameron and Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

For over 20 years, James has worked as a Background Painter, Visual Development Artist, and Texture and Matte Painter for Walt Disney Feature Animation and DreamWorks Animation. He has work on films such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Tarzan, Treasure Planet, Over the Hedge, Shrek 4, Puss in Boots, and How to Train Your Dragon I and II. 

James is currently a faculty member in the Illustration department at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.