Meet Jake Hicks | Photographer, Digital Marketing, and Studio Owner

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

Hi Jake, what do you attribute your success to?

Any success I may have had so far in my career I believe is underpinned by two fundamental principles: sincerity and exceeding expectations.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in the lives of numerous artists who have achieved remarkable success in their respective genres. As I’ve captured intimate and personal moments with my camera, I’ve recognized the prevalence of exploitation and artificial relationships in their world. In response, I’ve upheld the values of honesty, open communication, and egalitarian treatment of all individuals, irrespective of their fame or financial status. This ethos is particularly crucial when collaborating closely with artists during travels or shared living arrangements, where mutual respect forms the bedrock of our interactions.

Moreover, I place great emphasis on surpassing expectations in every endeavor. Whether it’s delivering a product, meeting a deadline, or achieving desired outcomes, I consistently strive for excellence without presetting limits. This commitment to exceeding expectations not only elevates the quality of my work but also fosters enduring relationships within the industry I’m a part of.

By embodying sincerity and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I would like to think and hope I have cultivated a reputation for integrity and reliability in my field. These principles not only drive my personal success but also serve as guiding principles for my personal brand and studio in Cincinnati. As I continue to seek new opportunities, figure out life, and advance in my career, I remain dedicated to upholding these core values, knowing they are instrumental in shaping meaningful connections and fostering innovation in anything I will do in my future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what distinguishes my photography in my eyes is its duality. On one hand, I enjoy documenting the most electrifying moments of high-energy performances and on the other hand, I am equally drawn to the quieter, more intimate moments that unfold behind the scenes. Whether it’s the solitary reflection of an artist before taking the stage or the camaraderie shared between bandmates during downtime on tour, I seek to uncover the human stories that pulse beneath the surface of stardom. These moments offer a glimpse into the vulnerability and authenticity that define the lives of artists when the lights turn off. What I am most proud of is the ability to capture the full spectrum of the music experience, from the soaring highs to the introspective lows, and attempt to turn these moments into a cohesive narrative that tells an individual’s story. Furthermore, my transition into digital marketing and the establishment of a recording and creative marketing studio has allowed me to expand my artistic horizons beyond just content creation. By leveraging my experience in visual storytelling and an understanding of the music industry, I can offer a holistic approach to helping local artists connect with their audience in my hometown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many experiences, relationships, mentors, conversations, and books over the past 7 years have played a huge role in giving me perspective as well as inspiration that has allowed me to keep pushing forward toward the goals I care about. One that has recently been on my mind a lot recently is Anthony Bourdain: The Last Interview by Melville House. This book has been an incredible source of inspiration for me in my last college years. Anthony Bourdain’s candid conversations and profound reflections have provided me with valuable wisdom on navigating the complexities of creative industries and building authentic connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. His relentless pursuit of truth, passion for storytelling, and unwavering commitment to genuine human experiences have profoundly influenced my approach to my work and interactions within the music community.

Website: www.jakehicks.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jakehicks