1First, tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc.
My base talent lies in illustration. I’ve always felt that if you can draw or paint anything, then designing should come easy. For me, it always has. We started Jump Motion Design to primarily produce TV commercials and motion graphics for news and sports entities. Over the years, part of our focus leaned more toward website design, and creative services, in general… print design, marketing, etc.
2Tell us a bit about your business and what you do.
I sell and promote our services, of course, but I also act as the designer, developer, and content writer for most of our website design projects. I also design or art direct all our creative service initiatives. For example, we are the lead design team for a chain of brewhouse restaurants, as well as several other clients who need our services for their marketing efforts.
3Congratulations! As the winner of the 2018 Muse Creative Awards, what does winning this award mean to you and your team?
It lends validation to our company most during sales pitches. Like when your prospect asks “what sets you apart…”. I get to say “in addition to our Emmys, Tellys, and Addys – we’ve now won five international website design awards, including two Muse Creative Awards”.
4Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
So much of everything is being automated, including the design business. I hope that the really good designers remain relevant as cultural trend-setters. There is too much art on the internet today that can be created easily by an app, without an artist. This is why so many websites look exactly the same. It’s like when one hipster grows a long beard and wears a beanie… now every hipster looks exactly the same. Boring.
5What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
I love using my weird brain to make magnificent things. I love seeing a client’s success grow from my creations. You can’t do what we do by reading a book. You are born with it, and if you are smart, you have procured it. Most important… no one but you will ever own it.
6Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mother. She was a housewife who one day found herself single with 3 kids. She worked hard doing things she hated, and sacrificed all for us. My high school ethics teacher, Ruth Elder, who made me feel relevant and special. My high school art teacher, Jack Hill, who heard about this freshman who could really draw, so he yanked me out of a wood shop, planted me in the art room, and set me on my path. I owe so much to all three.
7What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
We have full creative freedom in the U.S. It is great to be an American, and I don’t take it for granted. I can’t imagine a life in a country with a totalitarian government, where freedom of expression doesn’t exist.
8If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in creative industry, what would it be?
GO ALL IN… dive in and work hard at it. Be inspired by other artists, and make great things.
9What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the advertising industry?
Well, you have to be a “people person” in many respects. Be a team player. Don’t hide from social situations. Speak up and be heard in meetings.
10Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I wish I wasn’t afraid to start my own business as a younger man. Besides family, it’s the most rewarding and wonderfully frightening thing I’ve ever done.
11Finally, what is your key to success?
I am extremely confident when it comes to my craft. That has made all the difference.
