Bulldog 100 Profile: Ashley Kohler (ABJ ’96)

Bulldog 100 honoree Ashley Kohler was an advertising major and had early jobs at Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. Today, she is founder and executive producer of Awesome Inc., an Atlanta-based animation studio. (Photo: courtesy of Ashley Kohler)

Bulldog 100 Profile: Ashley Kohler (ABJ ’96)

February 19, 2025

This is one of a series of interviews honoring Grady College alumni who have been recognized as Bulldog 100 recipients in 2025. The Bulldog 100 is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association and celebrates the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.

Ashley Kohler (ABJ ’96) is the founder and executive producer of Awesome Inc., an Atlanta-based animation studio. The following question and answer session was conducted. 

Can you tell us about your current role and the journey that led you to where you are today?

I own Awesome Inc, an animation and motion design studio based in Atlanta. Our studio specializes in character-driven 2D animation for series, commercials, and branded content. My degree in advertising from UGA led to early jobs in commercial production and, eventually, a position at Cartoon Network as Director of Production. After eight years at CN, I decided to venture out and start my own business, focused on motion design for entertainment marketing and commercial production. In 2011, an opportunity arose for us to animate our first broadcast series for Adult Swim. Since then, we’ve balanced series production with commercial work, constantly evolving with the industry. The journey has been one of creativity, persistence, and a love for storytelling.

What made you pursue a career in communications?

I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of creativity and connection, even from when I was very young. While an advertising major at UGA I did an internship at BBDO South, where I learned more about the industry first-hand. After speaking with a broadcast producer more in-depth about his role, I realized that production offered the ideal blend of artistic creativity and logistical problem-solving that resonated with me.

How do you approach building and maintaining relationships in the communications industry?

Our success comes not only from the quality of our work but from how we treat people. Whether it’s clients, employees, contractors, or vendors, we always emphasize respect and collaboration. When people feel valued, they’re excited to work with you again and recommend you to others.

Can you share a specific project or accomplishment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

In 2024, our studio completed its largest full-series production to date: the reboot of the ’90s classic Ren & Stimpy for MTV Studios / Comedy Central. This project brought unprecedented challenges of all sorts, but we faced obstacles head-on, learning and adapting along the way, and delivered something I’m incredibly proud of.

What advice would you give to graduating seniors?

There’s a lot of pressure to figure everything out right away, but it’s okay to start small and allow your career to evolve. Those entry-level “foot in the door” roles teach you invaluable lessons and help you build a network. Be curious, seek inspiration from others, and remain open to opportunities that might not fit your original plan. Every step contributes to your growth.

Kohler is one of eight Grady alumni named to this year’s Bulldog 100 list, named by the UGA Alumni Association. They will be celebrated on Feb. 21. The list of Grady College alumni and their businesses include:

Author: Madden Callahan; emc50486@uga.edu