We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Yacoub a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jonathan, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
It’s ironic that this is the question I landed on, I was literally just having a conversation about this the other day at a graduation party. 99% of Coptic Egyptian American lads are either a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or dentist. That’s not an exaggeration. So when I tell people from my community what I do for a living, it always raises eyebrows. Choosing an unconventional career path can certainly come with its own set of complications and struggles, especially when it deviates from societal expectations or cultural norms. In many cultures, including the Egyptian community, there can be strong expectations regarding career choices. Stepping away from the common professions may invite skepticism or disapproval from family, friends, and the community at large. It can be challenging to navigate conversations and justify your choices, particularly if they do not align with the perceived stability and success associated with more conventional careers. Unconventional career paths often lack the same level of recognition and validation compared to more traditional professions. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, as your achievements and contributions may not be as widely acknowledged or appreciated by society.
Apologies for the tangent. So! When did I first know that I wanted to pursue this? It wasn’t until I was sitting in an interview for dental school. I didn’t feel forced or anything, but growing up I felt some level of pressure to pursue one of the careers I mentioned earlier. I completed all the dental prerequisites, took the DAT, and applied to various programs all over the country. During an interview, they made it abundantly clear that I would have to put my photography business behind me during this next vigorous phase of my life. I had a realization of reality right then and there. Between the cost of tuition (which is absolutely ridiculous these days) and the opportunity cost of not running my wedding photography business, it just wasn’t worth it. I mean that from both a monetary and a life fulfilling point of view.
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?
Hello Friends! My name is Jonathan Adel William Yacoub, it’s a pretty long name, but long names make you distinguished and dignified right? I’m Egyptian, my family comes from a long line of pharaohs and royalty. I’m totally kidding, that’s not even remotely true. I am an artist, professor, and entrepreneur; I run a photography business where I mostly document weddings & portraits, I teach several courses a semester down at Riverside City College, and I own a handful of short / long term rentals. We have this adorably designed Airbnb out in Joshua Tree. Strongly recommend you check it out!
Throughout my journey as a creative entrepreneur, I have been fortunate to pursue my passions in the realms of photography, art education, and real estate. When asked about what I am most proud of, I find it to be the culmination of multiple achievements: the ability to thrive in these unconventional professions, where talent, dedication, and a willingness to take risks are essential.
The foundation of my pride lies in the realization that I have managed to transform my passions into successful sources of income. Operating a photography business requires not only technical skill but also a keen artistic eye, the ability to capture fleeting moments and evoke emotions through imagery. As an art and photography professor, I have the privilege of inspiring and guiding young minds, fostering creativity and igniting a passion for the arts. And through my ventures in real estate, I have cultivated the skills necessary to manage my passions effectively, creating comfortable and memorable experiences for guests. As my college students would say, the whole thing takes a ton of “rizz” (Which I guess means charisma haha)
What makes these achievements truly significant to me is the unwavering belief I have had in myself. It takes courage to deviate from conventional career paths, to forge a unique and fulfilling professional journey. I am proud of the determination and resilience I have displayed, refusing to settle for mediocrity and instead choosing to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.
Yet, my accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my loved ones. I am grateful for the encouragement and faith bestowed upon me by my friends and family, who recognized my potential and pushed me to exceed my own expectations. Their belief in my abilities has been an invaluable source of strength, spurring me forward during times of doubt and reinforcing my conviction that success is attainable through perseverance and self-belief.
In essence, my proudest achievement lies in the amalgamation of my unconventional professions, each requiring a unique set of skills and a tenacious spirit. This multifaceted journey represents my unwavering commitment to my passions, as well as my ability to transcend societal norms and create a fulfilling and prosperous life. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the unwavering support that has accompanied me on this extraordinary path. It’s not all fun and happy times though, there have been plenty of moments of self doubt. Each day is it’s own adventure.
I will always continue the never ending pursuit of honing my craft. With every day that passes, I want to gain more knowledge, skill, wisdom, adoration, and expertise in my pursuits. I’ve dedicated most of my adult life to adopting this art as a lifestyle. I’ve invested my soul in attempt to perfect this craft. It defines me, and I don’t take that lightly.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
To best support artists, creatives, and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society can take simple yet impactful steps. One fundamental action is to pay the full price for their services. Recognizing and valuing the artistic contributions and expertise of creatives by compensating them fairly is crucial. It allows artists to sustain their livelihoods and invest further in their craft. I’m all for giving a friend or acquaintance a discount if they don’t have the financial means, but come on, if you got the money. Pay a man! <3
Additionally, society can engage in supportive actions that don’t involve monetary transactions. Sharing artists’ work on social media platforms or through word-of-mouth can amplify their visibility and reach. By spreading the word about their talent and creations, we contribute to expanding their audience and opening doors to new opportunities. That shit is free. Smash that bell, leave a like or re-share something haha.
Small gestures can make a significant difference. For instance, displaying artwork, attending exhibitions, or participating in creative events shows support and appreciation for artists’ work. These acts validate their efforts and inspire them to continue pushing the boundaries of their craft.
In my personal experience, I have also found joy in creating and distributing free promotional materials, such as stickers, to friends, family, and clients. Encouraging them to slap these stickers on their belongings helps generate exposure and sparks conversations about the artist’s work. These seemingly small acts can have a cumulative effect, creating a ripple of support within communities.
Ultimately, supporting artists and creatives involves a combination of financial investment, sharing their work, and actively engaging in their artistic endeavors. By doing so, society cultivates an environment where artists can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to the world.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I am happy to announce that NFTs are finally dead haha. As a professor I teach a plethora of random courses. I taught a seminar at Claremont Graduate University’s MFA program called “How artists can survive in a digital world”. This was right after the height of Covid-19. I had an extensive lecture on how NFT’s worked and how artists could take advantage of what felt like free money at the time. I am guilty of trying to pursue this myself, I attempted to squeeze the NFT cash cow and ultimately failed. The market was so saturated at the time!
It brings me great joy to finally omit those slides from my lecture this fall. The market for NFTs has finally perished! I am primarily a digital artist, but nothing beats physically holding your artwork. That tangible nature is unparalleled.
I have been trying to put together a new course on AI art though. Now THATS a discussion worth having.
Contact Info:
- Website: jonathanyacoub.com
- Instagram: @jonathanyacoub
Image Credits
Photo of myself captured by Jordan Voth