James Gottselig started his professional creative career at the age of fifteen and gained experience in many different venues including sign painting, store window displays, hand type-setting, fine art framing, photographer and sometimes street artist. In 1979 he received his art degree from the Texas Academy of Art in Houston. Afterward, he held various positions in publishing venues and the corporate world of advertising such as graphic designer, art director, and illustrator. He worked on numerous projects for clients such as Shell Oil, Texaco, the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Children's Museum, The Better Business Bureau and a brand new company at the time, Compaq Computers as well as many others.

He soon grew disillusioned with the corporate world and the high stress that it and living in a large city brings. In 1987 James immersed his creative talents and imagination full time into the art of hand crafted moccasins where he apprenticed under Richard Burden, the founder of Bald Mountain Moccasins, exhibiting and creating custom moccasins for the next 20 years.

James now continues the fine art of handcrafted footwear, dedication to detail and service that his customers have worn with pride and comfort under his new business name of Mystic Soles.