Robbin Armstrong '85
Robbin Armstrong is the creator of the syndicated comic strip JumpStart. Born in Philadelphia in 1962, he was inspired by Peanuts and later mentored by Charles Schulz and Morrie Turner. A Syracuse University graduate, he created the strip Hector before launching JumpStart in 1989. Robbin hand-draws his work and finds inspiration in everyday life, aiming to reflect the universal experiences that bring people together.
What was your major/degree?
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University in 1985.
How did your experiences at SU shape your career?
My time at Syracuse University was instrumental in shaping my career as a cartoonist. While studying advertising design, I created a comic strip called “Hector” for The Daily Orange . This experience taught me self-discipline, time management, and how to push myself both mentally and creatively—skills that have been invaluable in my professional life.
What was your first job after college?
After graduating in 1985, I became an Art Director at an advertising agency. In this role, I worked on billboards, magazine ads, and other forms of media, which was an exciting start to my professional career.
What has been a major highlight of your career thus far?
A significant highlight of my career has been the widespread success of my comic strip, “Jump Start,” which is syndicated in hundreds of newspapers across the United States. Additionally, being recognized by publications like People magazine as one of the hottest cartoonists in America and having the opportunity to speak at venues such as The Library of Congress and The Smithsonian Institute have been truly rewarding experiences. A major highlight was my being honored with The Arents Award in 2022. This level of appreciation from my Alma mater means everything to me!
How have you stayed connected to SU?
I have remained connected to Syracuse University by engaging with the next generation of illustrators. For instance, during a campus visit, I shared insights and inspiration with students, emphasizing the value of their unique contributions to the world. I also sit on two committees at SU. It’s exciting to continue to have a voice at the school that changed my life.
What is your favorite memory of Syracuse University?
One of my favorite memories is serving as the art director for The Daily Orange. This role allowed me to develop my creative talents and provided a platform to share my work with the university community, laying the foundation for my future career as a syndicated cartoonist.
