We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jono Madison. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jono below.

Jono, appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I would say the biggest challenge I see to profit in many forms is that everyone who’s anyone wants what I do for free. They want the polished commercial worthy imagery I can and have produced or at the most minimalist 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 and 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 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 the time it just becomes “content” on their pages.

If I had a dime for how many have slipped into my DMs, proposing a form of “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 will 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. In addition, it also doesn’t help that our economy is in the can and rotting, I’ve sat with many other artists who 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. 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!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

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

I provide my clients with a unique experience with imagery, ether it’s a stellar portfolio full of amazing headshots or diving deep into bringing a a fashion editorial or story to life. Many are fond of my sensual side of my photography and have created a huge body of work from it. I feel what sets me apart from others, is 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 expression. To the potential clients I would offer my fullest ability to create to a vision without limitations, with the note that everything is shot tastefully. To the ones who have followed my art throughout the years, thank you, for allowing me to entertain you with my imagination. Without your constant cheering and thoughtfulness I probably would still be here but wouldn’t be as grateful for your love.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I would say, giving that personal touch to make 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. I have thankfully been on the road with a few clients, who have trusted my abilities and know what I can deliver, which comes from trust and bond that’s created from loyalty.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

From the time I knew what I wanted to do, I wanted to create, I also wanted to have someone who was my special person. One I can talk to and be my emotional support system, and who doesn’t? I have kissed a ton of toads, none really made the cut, and one who was incredibly verbally abusive more towards to what I was creating. I kept living a double life, one that was for my art and one I had to make someone else satisfied. For too many years I tried to make it work but I knew it could never be a reality to possibly have both. After waking up and realizing I truly wasn’t filling fulfilled, I made a choice to close a chapter in my life to pursue my art, because that ultimately made me happier. It has also made me into a completely different person, one who loves himself and his art more than one person thinks of it. To that particular relationship, it has made me feel so grateful, for the opportunity to grow, mature, realize how to love myself and how to treat others. Fortunately, I have since found an incredible prince, one who loves me and appreciates what I do.

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 a hell of a lot more fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jonophoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonophotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonophoto/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jono_photo
• Other: www.jonophoto.com/links

Image Credits
Jonathan Mark Weber Sammy Elliott Aaron Valenzuela Devin Walker Elijah Van Zanten Mark Young Nicky Doll Bilal Zahran Michael Zakar Zak Zakar