Meet Jono Madison | Visual Artist and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jono Madison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jono, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I would say the biggest challenge I see to profit in many forms is that everyone who’s anyone wants what I can do for free. They want the polished commercial worthy imagery I can produced or at the most minimal level of exchange. As an artist I have seen the grossest intentions of fellow artist looking to profit from my work to promote or gain further praise on their branding. It’s true and sick, but there are plenty to watch out for.

But here’s the worst, the dawn of the internet famous people, who show off this luxurious lifestyle, when you actually get to work with them it’s all fake. There are no lavish lifestyle, or money with most. Many are terrifyingly in debt and have that need to get a fix of posting something that is an absolute fantasy. The worst has to have been where I picked up the bill of an entire studio, rental, wasted time editing, because they think sharing me on their platform(s) is an adequate exchange. The word is, “exposure”, true in some instances it can be beneficial, but 95% of it just becomes “content” on their pages.

If I had a dime for how many have slipped into my DMs, proposing a “business exchange”, and it is remarkable how noteworthy agents and brands have been apart of such intentions. And what’s sad is the commissions I get, from my valued following, who are willing to pay me for my services and time completely out value these so called business opportunities. It goes hand in hand with social media, and shocking how the fundamental advertising world has become so sparse with actual funding. Plus, it also doesn’t help that our economy is in the can and rotting, I’ve sat with many other artists who also do what I do and can state it’s certainly an uncontrollable rollercoaster.

That being said the ones who do go out of their way to actually make sure when working conditions are valued and equitable are what make the industry feel right. In many examples, I was able to create lasting images that I absolutely love. But, its because I was able to take control of the situation I was in and instead of shooting for the individual I was shooting for myself at the end of the day. And a lesson to those young artist thinking something smells fishy, it probably is, weighing the expectations out to make sure that it’s not a total loss on your end is what you should be looking at. Stand your ground and state your true worth, don’t be afraid, because you’re being approached for good damn reason!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I would say, giving that personal touch to make a connection, making it a one on one experience. I have grown to have a strong personal relationship with my clients, which has grown into a family experience. Though still keeping that level of professionalism but being able to become relatable and someone you build trust with, that’s how you are able to build that lasting loyalty. In addition, making sure you have your clients on a special email newsletter, of some sort, that shows you’re still active and to promote yourself whatever you may have going on.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I would say one story that illustrates my resilience from my journey, would be how I found myself in a situation of where I wasn’t happy with the choices I made and learned that my happiness was more important than making somebody else happy.

I’ve seen so many who were in the same shoes I was in, the one thing I would say I wish I had was that time back but learned you can’t turn back the time only move forward to bigger and better things. To those who are experiencing the same situation, I would say to follow your heart, do what makes you happy because you’ll have hell of a lot more fun!

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself?

For many who may not know who I am or what I do, my name is Jono Madison, at heart I am a Visual Artist and have been working as a professional photographer for the past 10 years in Los Angeles. I have worked as a fashion, commercial photographer as well as in motion. I would say I’m better known for my vibrant colorful work and anthology of male study. I also have an incredibly dark sense of humor.

I provide my clients with a unique experience with imagery, either it’s a stellar portfolio full of amazing headshots, commercial portfolio or diving deep into bringing a fashion editorial and story to life. Many are fond of my sensual side of my photography and have been known to provide just that without being in the newspaper the next day. I think what sets me apart from others if my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level, and not just understanding the concept but developing it into my own.

What I’m most proud of is being able to be myself and not caring what others may have asked me to hold back or limit myself, I have always stood my ground to make a lasting impression. To the potential clients I would offer my fullest ability to create to vision without limitations, and as long as conditions are reasonable. To the ones who have followed my art throughout the years, I thank you, for allowing me to entertain you with my imagination. Without your constant cheering and thoughtfulness I probably wouldn’t be here, I’m forever grateful for your love.

Website: www.jonophoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonophotography/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jono_photo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonophoto

Other: www.jonophoto.com/links

Image Credits
Sammy Elliott Journey Bailey Arisce Wanzer Bryan McMuffin Mickey McCray Noa Taieb Gerrad Bohl Justin Edward Hughes