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Meet Jimmy Thompson of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Thompson

Hi Jimmy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I attended California Institute of the Arts for Character Animation. It was an amazing experience to be amongst a campus full of such talented students and especially great teachers. I thrived in the multidisciplinary spirit that exemplifies the school. However, despite a lot anticipation for the post-college “real” world, I was a little lost after graduating unsure where or how to apply my skills, energy and interests. Not to mention the animation industry was shifting very rapidly from 2d to 3d. Meanwhile, I found myself more and more drawn to graphic design, illustration, typeography and how all these elements are integrated in motion graphics etc.
In addition to teaching life drawing after college, I took an entry job at a production company called The Directors Bureau (a company I heard about when I saw a guest speaker, director/artist Mike Mills at CalArts)
The Directors Bureau experience was like getting paid to receive a Masters degree. The company had an Art School ethic while making serious commercial work — mostly high concept and innovative ads and music videos. It was a big eyeopener for me to have access to the inner-workings of this field and see an example of how art and commerce can co-exist harmoniously. It was a fun environment, no ego, always pushing boundaries.
After a few years at The Directors Bureau I gained some newfound inspiration, confidence and motivation and
co-founded a boutique design studio called Brainbow. We had a nifty name and logo but no portfolio.
In order to get work, we basicially said YES to everything and figured it out as we went. We had skills just needed the chance to prove it.
Ultimately we became Swiss Army knife doing everything from concert visuals, film titles, animation, directing, websites and designing brand packages for TV shows. After 12 years, we disbanded as the pandemic emerged.
During that pandemic time, I managed to keep busy, quietly building up new works and a new clientele followed — mostly in hospitality, restaurants and hotels. as well as with design agencies and brands.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No the road was not smooth or linear, then again I didn’t have a road map. I was drawn to the unknown and chance opportunities that inevitably arise.
I always embraced those uncomfortable periods and found growing opportunities within them.
The misconception is — you think “ok, once I get to THAT milestone, I will have arrived and I’ll be set”
But then there’s yet ANOTHER challenges and another thing to accomplish. And so forth.
So I found that “success” is really a moving target with multiple definitions that change over time. And no formula can be applied other than to keep busy and avoiding getting comfortable or complacent. That is the journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and creative professional with a focus on illustration and design.
My expertise is in putting elements together, expanding and elevating motion with visual design layers that evoke a sense of charm and cleverness.

I am known for a Crate & Barrel campaign, working with Taylor Stitch and many illustrative works with hotels and restaurants across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and UK.
I am most proud of how each of my projects looks different and is specific to that particular client and their needs.
But hopefully my line and sensibilty can be detected in each varying project.

I think what sets me apart is that there’s a humanity, personality, playfulness and whimsy in the designs which I think is extra important in an age of emerging AI tools. Not against AI at all, just think that there’s a timeless value in businesses emitting a bespoke language. Customers and audiences are savvier than ever and I think they appreciate things that feel thoughtful.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Simple as it sounds “keep making things” was the best advice I ever got from Mike Mills who is and artist and filmmaker.
Good or bad, by continuously producing and experimenting, you learn a lot about your process and get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. And hopefulyl one will hone a distinct style.
Also, you will inevitably develop some new tricks along the way. And most importantly— one develops consistency and the practice of following through.
If you stay busy with no agenda and no expectation, only appeasing yourself, I think good things will follow. And nowadays there’s not shortage of outlets to share your work and gain exposure.
A few other one-liners that resonate with me “don’t be in a hurry” by Harrison Ford. I like this because yes you must have goals but also leave room for life to happen because you may miss something if you’re TOO tunnel-vision.
“Take your talent deadly seriously” which i head Bruce Springsteen say. If there’s something that you’re gifted at, honor it , nurture it and let it guide you.
And always, “do the work.”

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Image Credits
Portrait pic: Aaron Morris

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