OpenSpace

Jonah Tobias,
Man-in-Charge
Studio 1Q

The Who

Ever wonder who develops cool motion graphics like those seen before TEDTalks, in documentaries, and prime-time TV shows? Ever been in awe of the brainpower it takes to create such vivid, enthralling animations?  Well, the brains behind such operations aren’t as distant as you probably think.  You might even be sitting beside one the next time you visit OpenSpace: our very own Jonah Tobias.

Jonah is an artist by training and a computer geek at heart.  He is the face behind Studio 1Q, a motion graphics and design company that has called OpenSpace home since August 2010.  1Q builds graphics to facilitate education through the visualization of information.  Simply put, Jonah is famous for transforming complex concepts into animated graphics that us simple-folk can understand.

Jonah’s coolness factor rises when you consider the large-scale projects he’s worked on, such as TEDTalks, PBS’s Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures, and the documentary Super-size Me!

If you’ve ever been enthralled by a dynamic digital journey, then check out Jonah’s work in Ocean Adventures.  His globe animations were featured in 4 seasons of this hit prime-time PBS show… and were screened at the White House in 2006.  Bush was so impressed, in fact, that he promptly signed legislation to set aside the entire chain of North West Hawaiian islands as a protected maritime park.  No doubt it was Jonah’s globe animations that pushed him over the edge. Great work, Jonah!

At the moment, Jonah is working on a project with OpenSpace colleagues Chip Ransler and Ian Ayers. They are creating a website and viral video for a UVA professor who has revolutionary theories on entrepreneurship. This is right up our alley!

Jonah’s successes thus far prove that Studio 1Q is standing true to its ultimate mission.  As stated on the ‘About Us’ page of their website, Jonah and his team, “like most people…hope to change the world.”  Sound familiar?

The Why OpenSpace

After spending 10 years in New York perfecting his aptitude for motion graphics (or animated graphic design), Jonah and his family opted for a better quality of life in Charlottesville. He wanted to be able to just “hang out” with his kids.  As it turns out, his work also benefited from the change.  Studio 1Q continued to flourish away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Jonah’s search for a professional sphere in Charlottesville didn’t get off to a great start.  As he puts it, “I was looking for office space in town, and I found really depressing closets with no windows. Then, I took the tour at OpenSpace and thought Holy ^%$#, this is a no-brainer.”  We were just as excited when he found us.

Among other things, Jonah says a key perk of working here is how, “OpenSpace injected new energy into my work. I feel more professional, which helps me be more productive.”  We can’t argue with that…

nor with Jonah’s two other flattering statements:

“Killer internet is key for what I do, so that was a selling point for me. Also, the economy of sharing internet and snacks makes sense….

Plus, when I’m on skype, the people I’m talking with are so impressed with my amazing office! I look really successful.”

What You Might Not Know

Jonah loves BBQ. In fact, he’s been intending to get to the BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville. Road trip anyone?