Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cetera J. Jacobs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cetera, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

For me, taking risks has been a major part of all I have accomplished and will accomplish in the future. I have moved to a new city alone multiple times, taken opportunities that were out of my comfort zone, said yes to things I felt under qualified for and much more. Most recently, I took the risk to take a year off during one of the most successful times in my career to volunteer for a year. I am currently serving out a year commitment in Jerusalem/The West Bank (Palestine) where I work in schools as a teachers aid and much more. It has been such a fulling and life changing experience. Of course I was hesitant because we all know a year away from the entertainment business can have a negative effect on your career. But I would choose this path again and again.

I will say, the biggest risk we can take is believing in ourselves and having faith that we can accomplish anything. If we are not willing to risk and take chances on ourselves how could we possibly look to others to do so. Truly believing in myself and visualizing everything I want to accomplish while understanding that I must continue to push through and forward because faith without work is dead has brought me a long way. I am very proud of myself and how far I’ve come and risk taken played a major role.

Cetera J., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Photographer, Creative Director and Production Coordinator . In photography/CD, I specialize in Music & Lifestyle. I am looking to gain more experience doing Portraits & Editorial. I have aspirations on becoming a Travel content creator as well. Within the TV and Film industry, I work as a Production Coordinator, Assistant and more.

I was born and raised in Loudon, TN. I studied at Middle Tennessee State University before attending Columbia College Chicago, where I graduated with a Degree in Cinema Arts + Science. Although I studied Producing for Tv/Film, I was a part of The Recording Academy’s “Grammy U” program, an Ambassador for Codeblack Films and also did an externship with UTA. I have been blessed to work on many sets, red carpets and award shows.

At this moment, I am most proud of the many opportunities I had this past year as well as coming abroad to volunteer. I had my first major brand opportunity working with NIKE EYBL and Metelus Studios as a DIT Tech/Photo Editor. I went on my first tour with MTV Wild N Out as Tour Coordinator. Remey Williams released his debut album ‘08105’ which I shot the album cover for. I worked with Mya and her incredible team multiple times and so so much more. I am also proud of the volunteer work I am doing in Palestine and how I have grown to love the people here, they have been so welcoming and hospitable. I know this experience will change me for the better as well as inspire me to do more.

In the future I hope to grow into more creative directing roles, get more travel opportunities, move up in the tv/film industry, be offered more opportunities to work with music artists, start a non profit and much more.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There are so many things that drive me to continue down this journey as a creative. First, I believe the art of story telling and capturing moments is very important in the world. We are able to bring stories, people places and things to life and give them a voice. I love that as a creative we are really able to push our minds a little further each time. Second, I love how it can be very universal from music to tv to art galleries, the world is often brought together by something rooted in creativity. My personal drive is I want to showcase how much the world has to offer, but also bring light and awareness to the oppressed, less fortunate and stories we would probably never know about. I want to travel the world and show its beauty, the good bad and the ugly.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely! I feel that our dreams and goals can at times seem too big for non creatives to grasp and fully believe in. Not that its from ill intent, but from being more focused on stability vs happiness and at times allowing that to box them in. This industry can be go-go-go one week and dead the next, and it doesn’t always guarantee a steady pay check every two weeks. As creatives, its more than just money for us, this is something we are passionate about and most importantly something we have faith will workout for us because this is our gift to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alignedvisuals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ybt.cetera/

Image Credits
Cetera J. Jacobs