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ALUM Spotlight Rob Jameson '88

Rob Jameson, also former Aubie #8 and 9, started his own design company Jump! in 2003 developing animated broadcast television spots for clients such as HGTV, DIY Network, Cartoon Network, TNT and AutoZone. After graduating with a fine art degree in print design, Rob's career began at CNN as an on-air designer and then he became the division's first graphic designer at CNN Post. Rob's next career move took him to DesignEfx where he learned animation and compositing on a Quantel Harry, the benchmark technology for digital video processing and editing. Rob later went to work for Magick Lantern and was promoted to lead digital compositor. Rob then co-founded Push Digital and four years later his own spinoff company Jump! was established. As far as his two year career as Aubie, Rob says the experience has stayed with him all these years, too many good memories to count.

Q. How did Jump! get started and is there a story behind the name?

A. Jump began as a spin-off from a company I helped start back in 2000. At the time I had worked for 12 years prior for other companies and figured that running a business such as this was not brain surgery.

I chose the name Jump! because it is an active verb that provokes a playfulness. I want Jump! to be a cool place for young talented folks to work. I want our clients to call on us for the best creative solution for their television and broadcast advertising needs.

Q. What is the typical process for developing an animation and about how long does it take to complete?

A. Usually a client comes to us with an idea called a script. The script is for a spot that is 60 to 5 seconds in length. We then design “boards” that help the viewer visualize the “story message” of what needs to be conveyed.

A typical animation on our website (www.jumphi.com/work.html) can take anywhere from 2 days to a month to design and animate depending on the complexity and approval process.

Q. Did Auburn prepare you well for your career?

A. Auburn prepared me tremendously for my design career. I really appreciate all the guidance and hard work from my professors in visual arts department. Many of our professors had the insight to get on the computer bandwagon early on. These pioneers saw the graphic design industry was quickly changing and the new tool for our industry would be the Macintosh.

Q. Any career advice for students or recent grads in graphic design?

A. As far as advice to students and recent grads, I would say that hard work and diligence does pay off. Learn to sell yourself and ideas. Be good to the people around you and never burn a bridge.

Q. What is your most memorable experience as Aubie?

A. There are so many memorable stories about being Aubie. I still dream about being Aubie to this day. The last time I was in the suit was over 16 years ago! I guess it never leaves you! The biggest thing I miss about being Aubie is having the young kids believe that you are “real” and not just some guy in a suit. I miss the kids. I got to travel all over the country to bowl games, NCAA finals, alumni meetings, and even Japan as Aubie.