We were lucky to catch up with Lanre Ako recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lanre thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
From the moment I picked up a camera as a kid, pursuing creativity in filmmaking and photography felt natural, but it wasn’t always easy. My parents encouraged me to do something different, to express myself, from a very young age. By age eight, I even had a little website where I’d post videos I’d filmed on our family camcorder. Nobody really watched them, but I fell in love with the process of filming and editing just for the fun of it.
But bringing a camera around, especially after moving to a new city and school, didn’t exactly make me popular. I remember getting picked on, kids asking, “Why are you filming? That’s so weird. No one’s going to watch that.” It was seen as “cringe” to do anything out of the ordinary. That attitude followed me all through middle and high school. I kept making vlogs, videos with friends, and trying to build an online following, but I learned to do it quietly. The teasing made me feel like I had to hide my passion, so for a long time, it was just my “weird little hobby.” By college, I’d almost given up on it entirely. I couldn’t see how I’d ever make a career out of creative work, especially when people around me would joke about anyone trying to make videos.
It wasn’t until I started working in the music industry that I got the courage to give it another shot. I saw artists posting recap videos of shows, and I thought, “I could do that—I have the skills.” So, I finally put myself out there and posted a video, a recap of a music festival I’d shot for free. The response was incredibly surprising—people were commenting things like, “I didn’t know you could do this! This is great!” Ironically, some of the same people who’d once mocked others for trying were now asking me if I’d film their parties. That response was my spark; it gave me the confidence to keep creating without caring what people thought. From there, everything changed. I went from filming little frat parties to working with major artists and brands, and now it is my full-time job – something I could’ve only dreamed of when I was younger.
Looking back, I wish I’d ignored my hesitations and the people who made fun of me back then. If I had done that earlier, before receiving praise for that music festival video, who knows how much further along I’d be today. I’ve learned that people who look down on others for trying something different are usually the ones afraid to try themselves. Whatever you’re passionate about—videos, music, acting—you’re going to be awkward and cringe at first, and that’s just part of the process. Every artist goes through it. The only way to succeed is to keep creating, keep improving, and be proud of your work, no matter what anyone else says.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I feel the best way to describe myself is a full-time content creator. That term has historically been a bit cheesy, but in today’s day and age, content is king. And those with the skills to create should be proud to wear that badge.
I specialize in photo and video production, creating high quality media for musical artists and brands. Everything from tour documentaries, interviews, and vlogs to high-energy recap videos, from multi-cam coverage productions to consumer tech reviews and engaging short-form social content.
I don’t put myself in a box – I apply my skills to anything that has to do with content and multimedia. If you have an idea, a vision, a message to convey, anything… I will bring it to life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my clients’ reactions when they realize their vision has come to life. I know what it’s like to have an idea without being sure how to make it happen or if it’s even possible, so getting to witness that satisfaction when it all comes together is genuinely my favorite feeling.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
If there are artists you’re inspired by and want to learn from, don’t hesitate—just reach out! A simple DM can go a long way, and most people are surprisingly open to helping out. I used to think successful people were unapproachable, but discovering that they’re often willing to connect and share insights made a huge difference for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lanreako.com
- Instagram: @lanreako
