We were lucky to catch up with Joey Kobana recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If there was one thing that I’d start over and do differently, it would be to study my craft when I developed an interest. My advice to those who are starting something they’re passionate about is to not only to test the waters but do your research online to sharpen up your skills. I could’ve been further ahead if I learned more instead of only focussing on one skill. Even though I had a late start I on somethings, I am currently catching up on the things I’ve always wanted to sharpen my skills on.

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 Joey Kobana and I’m a videographer and photographer based in Chicago, Illinois. In my junior year of high school, I started creating funny videos, to show my classmates. When I realized they enjoyed watching them, it inspired me to create more. I began to fall in love with the art of editing and all that went into it. Eventually I wanted to take it serious and purchased my first camera from a fellow photographer at my church. He explained that I could film and photograph with the camera. I figured since the camera could do both, I might as well learn photography too. In 2016, both services were available to clients. I’ve filmed promo videos, music videos, weddings, funerals, etc. Photography became natural because in my eyes it worked hand and hand with video. From the moment I masted both, I realized that it’s not about the how equipment you have, but its about the eye you have to bring creativity to your craft. Having these skills has taught me so much about people. For example, some clients might not be easy to work with and no matter what they do, you can’t lose your cool allowing them to take you out of character. The key is to kill them with kindness and take care of them. At the end of the day you have a job and service to do. I have several opportunities to film/photograph different companies, fly to different states, and meeting some amazing people.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Although word of mouth exposure is great, I believe that social media has been my best source to attract new clients. For example, whenever I post my best content on either my Instagram or Facebook, its my way of attracting and advertising to my followers. The results of this leads to my followers reaching out to me because they need a video shot or photos taken. Also, my followers would send my work to other people who are looking for services such as mine. Social media is free advertising to promote your product, and the good thing is, it can reach everyone. I’m all about networking with people, whether it’s online or in person. I’m doing whatever it takes to expand and enlarge my business, because its not about what you but its who you know.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding things about being creative is that everyone you’ve worked with has a piece of your creativity in their life. For example, if you’re a tattoo artist who’s well known, then you’d mostly likely have clients roaming the world with your art on their bodies. I was telling a friend I had a wedding to film one weekend, and they said, “wow, the couple trusts you with one of the most important moments of their lives.” I replied, “you’re right, it’s such an honor. With that being said, i’m always tough on myself on how I film things and how I edit them. There have been so many clients who approached me saying their previous videographer/photographer didn’t do a good job and still took their money. I wanted to be the one they could put their trust despite what others have done. Clients like these have thanked me numerous times, because I wanted to make sure they were satisfied and taken care of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoKoProductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoKoProductions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialJoKoProductions
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/joeykobana

Image Credits
All photos taken by Joey Kobana