What is your name:
Justin Ache
Where are you from originally?:
I’m from all over. Born in Wisconsin, grew up in South Florida, and I have been in Jacksonville since 1997.
Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media:
I’ve been doing graphic design in one shape or form for the past 10 years, either contracted with companies or in jobs. I figured if I wanted to further my career (or mentor others) and manage creative progress on a larger scale, I needed to get a degree. Took me long enough to decide that, but better late than never.
Who inspires you the most and why?
The Internet inspires me. The good and the bad. I came from a traditional art background, but without spending my life in galleries, you can never learn enough about the craft. With digital media, styles and techniques change all the time. The ability to find out what is going on in real time trumps any particular individual.
What do you do off campus?
Ride my motorcycle, take photos, cook and bake, or shopping/drinking/eating local.
What work are you most proud of?
My first real client, the (now defunct) Jacksonville Barracudas. They let me design all of their print media for a season. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I tried real hard and lucked out, and I always remember that fondly. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years, so the struggle to be good isn’t as hard anymore; I miss really trying.
What are some interesting facts about you:
I ride a motorcycle. I like to cook and bake. I am one of the laziest people you will meet.
What is your favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?
Batman. To all of the above.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
To better my career and become a better artist yada yada insert cliché resume goal here. No, I really want to be awesome at what I do, be it art, photography, daydreaming, etc. Ultimately, I would want to be the art director at a small to medium sized non-profit, and maybe teach digital media and graphic design on the side.
One thing you wish you could share with others…
Do what you want. Stay weird. But don’t shut yourself in, go out and meet people and figure out what makes them tick. The only way to objectively look at you is by comparing yourself to others.
You can find samples of Justin’s work on his portfolio:
Our featured students are nominated by their classmates. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu