We recently connected with Alvin C Jacobs Jr and have shared our conversation below.
Alvin C, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I might not know what happiness is because in America, happiness is married to monetary means and more often than not involves some form of late state capitalism. A regular job even and even just the thought of it mirrors stability but also control and maybe both of which are a problem. The last time I thought of a 9-5 I had wanted to get paid for just being there and the semblance of a safety net in terms of healthcare and maybe a retirement plan. As a creative if your business isn’t certified as a tax structure obtaining funding for a home or even a car can be next to impossible, you have to have at least an above ground corporation structured through W9’s or again you’ll never be able to access anything in your name solely as a creative. I have an LLC, actually a couple of them but that isn’t the norm as the average artist isn’t seen as separate from a hobbyist or a maker and its assumed that they derive one hundred percent of their income from their art. I’m happier because I’m freer as a creative.
Alvin C, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into photography because I was tired of the conversations asking me what I did during dinner parties etc and my answers were always boring. I’ve always admired artists but didn’t know the first steps on becoming one. The catch however was becoming a relevant one who could sustain myself through my creativity. I provide photography and visual arts services through a social justice lens. For example, impactful award winning photographs that tell stories using various platforms in front of target audiences. I’m proud of my last three solo photography exhibitions. Know Justive Know Peace at The Levine Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome To Brookhill at the Gantt Center in Charlotte, North Carolina and my current one Black Behind Bars at the Gantt Center in Charlotte, North Carolina that closes on September 21st, 2025. The main things I wan’t potential clients to know is that my quality of work is unapologetic and powerful but balanced at the same time. Stark contrasts of black and white with an underlying energy of creative freedom.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom to be my genuine self without the oversight of a HR committee and corporate systems telling me what I can and can’t do,
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal of my creative mission is the legacy of my children knowing that I did everything I could to provide a non traditional path to freedom and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alvincjacobsjr.com
- Instagram: acjphoto
- Facebook: Alvin C Jacobs Jr
- Twitter: acjphoto
- Youtube: Alvin C Jacobs Jr
Image Credits
Ricky Singh
The Infinit Ryda