We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quintin Hinojosa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Quintin below.

Quintin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was eight years old, I think my parents started to see me as a little human with interests and ideas. That year, my dad asked me what I wanted for a present. It was the first time I got to choose my own “big gift.” For me, it was a no-brainer. I had wanted a guitar for months and decided to cash in my chips.

For context, my father raised me on the classics—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, The Eagles—you name it. He took me to concerts where the same fifty-year-old rock stars were larger than life, and I wanted to be just like them. It felt right. That is, until I actually had to learn to play the guitar.

After six boring lessons and an eight-year-old’s attention span, that acoustic Yamaha guitar found a new home in the closet.

Fast forward two years. My uncle—the most lovable alcoholic you could ever know—found his way into my parents’ guest room for the summer. One day, while digging through the closets for reasons still unknown, he stumbled upon my dusty, out-of-tune, kid-sized acoustic guitar. He grabbed it, walked into the living room where I was probably watching cartoons, and yelled,

“You didn’t tell me you were learning guitar!”

“I’m not really anymore,” I responded.

He wasn’t having it. He sat me down, showed me a D chord and a G chord, and said—words I’ll never forget—

“Q, you can make a thousand songs with these two chords. And for each chord you learn, you can make a thousand more.”

That was it. I was hooked. Doomed to be obsessed with music. Then film. Then visual art. Then photography. Then writing. Then design. You name it—if it was a form of expression, I wanted to understand it. It all started there. Those two chords changed the trajectory of my life entirely. I didn’t know it then, but art was going to be what I lived for.

Uncle Javier passed away from cirrhosis of the liver in 2007. I remember listening to Bell Bottom Blues by Derek and the Dominos in the waiting room before saying goodbye. To this day, when I hear it, I feel grateful that he was in my life. His candle burned at both ends, but without him, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today.

Quintin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a film photographer, design coordinator, musician and creative director, currently in the process of launching my own freelance design company. My journey into the creative world started with music—an obsession sparked by a simple lesson on two guitar chords. That passion for artistic expression evolved into an interest in visual storytelling, leading me to photography, design, and creative direction.

As a film photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, timeless imagery that tells a story beyond the frame. I believe in the tactile, intentional nature of film—every shot matters, and that discipline carries over into my approach to design and branding.

In my role as a design coordinator and creative director, I focus on crafting visual identities, branding strategies, and compelling creative solutions for businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. My work spans graphic design, brand aesthetics, web and print media, and conceptual direction. What sets me apart is my ability to merge classic artistic principles with modern, cutting-edge design—creating work that feels both timeless and innovative.

The biggest thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that my approach is deeply personal. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Every project is a collaboration, built on understanding the essence of a brand or idea and translating it into visuals that resonate.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to bridge multiple disciplines to create cohesive, immersive experiences—whether through photography, branding, or design. As I launch this company, my goal is to help people bring their creative visions to life with authenticity and impact.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society thrives when artists are valued and given space to grow and create. To support a thriving creative ecosystem, we must recognize the arts as essential and invest in funding, grants, and arts education. As a film photographer, design coordinator, and creative director, I see firsthand how creativity shapes identity and connection. Discourse and thought-provoking works can change the fabric of society. Recognizing art as a driving force for change—not just something to listen to or look at—is how we flip the script. We should share ideas and bring more people into the fold instead of fostering pretension and elitism. Anyone can create; it’s up to each individual to find the vulnerability and the medium through which to do so. Through collaboration, we can help one another find that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want people to be inspired to be themselves. I want to show an unabashed spirit for creation that is contagious and hard to neglect. Ultimately, I just want to make cool shit. That’s what every artist wants—to be proud of who they are and what they can do. I’m as self-critical as the next person (probably more), and sometimes it’s hard for me to see the beauty in what I create because of my perfectionist tendencies. But by letting go of that feeling and sharing the gift of excitement and authenticity with others, we can spread a positive outlook on art and life. Of course, I want to make money, be comfortable, and provide for myself and my future family—I won’t pretend that’s not part of what drives me. However, being able to share a bit of myself, my vision, and my ideas—that’s what it’s all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jqhphotography.com
• Instagram: @jqhfilm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephqhinojosa/
• Other: My Design Studio website is in the works. Would love to send that to y’all in a few months when it drops!

Image Credits

@jqhfilm / jqhphotography.com