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

Alright, Jake thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

the journey is always my favorite opposed to the destination. early on, i fell in love with the process and was always encouraged to dive deeper. i genuinely believe in this creative world that you can’t cheat experience and time. there’s no quicker route but there is a route more dedicated or more committed. I agree we all have the same 24 hours in one day but for me, giving up my social life and dedicating countless hours throughout the day is what worked for me and sped up my rate of success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

my name is jake tovar, i’m a wedding, portrait, film, commercial photographer from bakersfield ca and also reside in the central coast of san luis obispo. i’m beyond proud of the relationships i build with clients and friends. for me, not a lot is surface level and i try and approach things very personally and genuinely. i love people and portraiture and being a people person goes hand in hand. i’ve also never been more in love with anything else more in my life. i try and also approach things more nontraditionally as far as poses, outfits and overall vibe. i’m proud of what i’ve built this life into but i also believe that there is always room for growth.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

i think about life and one of my favorite aspects of it is love. the love we have for friends, family, careers, hobbies, partners, soul mates. love or the lack of love is what drives me to do more, to do better, to dive deeper into my craft and relationships. i always ask myself, “what sets me on fire”, “what kind of perspectives or shoots make me feel ultimately fulfilled”, the answer to that is always love. i always encourage people to fall in love with the process rather than the destination.

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

everyone is a critic. everyone will have two cents to give you regardless if you ask for it or not. in one of my favorite Jay-Z songs, Already Home, i quote “And as for the critics, tell me, i don’t get it, everybody can tell you how to do it, they never did it.”

coming from a traditional background of a hardworking class, i didn’t have the luxury of family members enriched in art, music or a freelance artist lifestyle. the best thing my family did was show me love and support and not be stubborn with their opinions.

if there’s any advice i’d give to non-creatives is to show love and support. sure love and support may not translate directly to sales but it sure does make it way harder when your loved ones don’t support and love you.

as creatives, we are emotional, passionate, colorful and there is way more than one solution to the equation. comparing professions is only a flaw especially when those professions are on the opposite ends of the spectrum like engineering, tech and medicine.

spread love like violence and maybe this world would be a better place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacobetovar.com/
• Instagram: @jaketovar.co / @motvdjake

Image Credits
photo of me by @stevenmschultz