We were lucky to catch up with Jono Madison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jono, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Absolutely, being able to be a full time artist is so much more rewarding than working for a company that doesn’t care about your happiness, let alone pay enough to keep you happy. I have considered a few regular jobs, entering the post covid world as a newly graduated artist it was a completely different wold. Which contributed to needing a more consistent form of income, it became a reality that I wasn’t able to do what I was doing already for so long and having to find a new form of dependable income. Then having to compete for a spotlight in something I undoubtedly have zero passion for, that really hit home. The matter of putting that tender love and magic in, with the agreed to compensation, and zero reassurance to an advance into the role is grounds for anyone to look for what will make you happy at the end of the day. I will say that I am grateful that I was able to find a job, period, because the job market is hard for everyone nowadays, it’s just finding something that’s going to make you happy is what is important. The amount of time and effort I’m applying with knowing what I’m capable of and worth made me strive for my happiness. Deep down what makes me happy today, is that situation of working a regular job isn’t me. However, needing something that’s going to pay the bills, must be fulfilling to myself. Because today I’m doing what I love, and that’s art.
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.
Hello! I’m Jono Madison, a Los Angeles based visual artist and photographer with well over a decade of experience. My work is defined by my philosophy I call ‘painting with light’ by carefully bringing together techniques with pieces of life, turning every frame into a space that feels like a fantasy brought to life. This approach is deeply rooted in my studio arts background, where I utilize bold color with experimental lighting techniques and craft high-end immersive imagery.
Professionally, with a focus in fashion, commercial, motion, where collaborations with styling and glam teams bring unconventional visions to life. The approach is prominently featured in with my anthology of male study, a collection that explores the human form through artistic narratives. Within these studies, the body is treated as a sculpture, using light to pull subjects into an intensified world that balances editorial elegance with a signature touch of dark humor.
My work has been featured in various premier publications and involves collaborations with global brands such as People, Paper, and DNA Australia, and I have had the privilege of capturing high-profile figures including Vice President Kamala Harris. Whether producing commercial campaigns or intimate portraits, the goal remains to create a lasting, colorful impression through a vision that refuses to be limited.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My ultimate mission is to solidify my place within the global art world while wholeheartedly giving back to one of my communities. I view my creative journey not just as a personal pursuit, but as a platform to mentor and inspire, using my vibrant “painting with light” philosophy to bridge the gap between commercial success and community impact. By sticking to my guns as an artist and refusing to limit my vision, I aim to create a legacy of unyielding authenticity that empowers others to embrace their own unique perspectives and submerge themselves in the power of creative storytelling. This commitment requires more than just artistic skill; it demands the courage to remain vulnerable, ensuring that every piece created is born from personal truth rather than external trends or expectation. Along with honoring my unique perspective, I aim to turn my artistic journey into a testament of resilience, allowing myself to be free and letting my creativity flow without constraint.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my career is the synergy between mentorship and creation, I am fueled by the ability to be a role model for others while sustaining my own practice and professional independence. I find the greatest fulfillment in a balanced artistic life, one where I can empower my community through education, remain a prolific creator of my own work, and achieve the financial stability that allows my vision to thrive. In the long run, being able to give back to uplift the next generation of artist, with enlighten new and traditional techniques to help fine-tune their craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonophoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonophotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonophoto
Image Credits
Jonzu Jones
Jason Scaceres
Aaron Valenzuela
Rogelio Escobar