Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Swartz.
Hi Jake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was about 9 years old, and it was “Take Your Kid to Work Day”. My dad worked in advertising in Chicago. He had just wrapped a shoot (I want to say it was for Home Depot), and that day they were scheduled to review edits at Cutters Studios in Chicago. They plopped a big fat book they called “The Bible” on my lap with every menu for every restaurant in a 5 mile radius.
“Pick wherever you want to eat!”
I joke around but that was truly probably one of the most formidable memories. I always thought jobs were just somewhere you sat at a computer and were bored all day. I didn’t know they could be fun.
I put that thought on the back burner and pursued more practical things. It wasn’t until summer break during college that I realized as Gob Bluth would say “I’ve made a huge mistake”.
I transferred to film school. It was so surreal then, that soon after I got an internship at Cutters Studios. The place that let me choose my lunch.
I eventually got a job assisting, and worked my way to editing and forming relationships with my own clients.
Eventually, I met the love of my life, who got her dream job offer in Austin. I began working for The Den in LA, and they were wonderful for letting me work remotely. But eventually I decided it was time for something new. I really wanted to invest locally. So I began freelance editing in Austin full time. I then signed a non-exclusive representation deal with Republic Editorial in Dallas who do incredible work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wasted time and money in college pursuing the wrong career, worked countless nights and weekends, lost clients, was passed over for promotions, uprooted my life in Chicago, and as a freelancer I always wonder where my next paycheck will come from.
But looking back, I see that every time I thought something was terrible, it ultimately led to something far greater than I ever could have planned or expected, and I thank God for that.
If I’d continued studying medicine, I’d never have found my real passion. If I had not been passed over a job, I never would have moved to Austin, or had my two amazing sons.
Because of this pattern of disappointment and fulfillment, I am hopeful about the future and optimistic about a bumpy road.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love comedy.
I’m constantly catching myself grinning like idiot as I watch footage. And there’s nothing more satisfying that sharing an edit with people, and you physically see them smiling, and hear them laughing. Then you know you’ve done your job.
I try to let comedy bleed over into my edit sessions by keeping things light, and prioritize having fun. And I like to think that is why people keep coming back.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best people in Hollywood. Vince Gilligan once told me I did a fantastic job on a PopCorners Super Bowl campaign I worked on, I made Seth Rogan do his iconic laugh, and a few years ago I was nominated for, and won, an Emmy (Did you know they make you pay for those things? It’s the most expensive $600 paper weight I own, and it makes me laugh every time I look at it on my shelf of 6th place swimming ribbons and baseball participation trophies.)
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Always put your own spin on everything you touch.
It doesn’t matter if you’re working under a master glass blower, or graphic designer. If the client asks for “A”, always give them “A” but then give them “B”, “C” and even a “K” for kicks and grins. You get invaluable practice, and it shows initiative.
For a long time I would watch how someone did something and say “Oh I get it”, and then not do anything about it. It wasn’t until I started doing my own versions that things started to pick up. I stretched my creativity and clients appreciated the extra effort. Often times they would ask to incorporate part, or all, of my edits into the final product.
Also, being friendly goes a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jakeswartz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de.haven11/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-swartz-083436252/
