We recently had the chance to connect with Jakob Takos and have shared our conversation below.
Jakob, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning every day from my marketing team. I spent most of my career freelancing or subcontracting, so being part of a consistent team the past year has been a whole new experience. We’ve tackled everything from raw creative ideas to full campaigns, and I’ve learned so much from their perspectives. It’s motivating to grow alongside people who push me and inspire me. I’m grateful to be surrounded by such a dope driven team Sal, Frank, Devin, Ali, and Dan!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an audio and visual artist born and raised in Jupiter, Florida. I specialize in capturing authentic moments that connect people to a place, a story, or a feeling.
My work as a photographer has been recognized both locally and internationally in 2023 I was named one of Palm Beach County’s top photographers and videographers, and my images are featured in the travel book 111 Places in Palm Beach That You Must Not Miss, now in its 4th edition.
I direct creative campaigns and make marketing strategies through The Lithium Agency, where I’ve had the opportunity to shoot and direct award winning work, including a music video that earned Best Pop Music Video and Best North America Music Video at the 2025 International Music Video Awards.
I approach photography as a way of being present in the right moments capturing authenticity whether it’s food, editorial portraits, or live events. My goal is always for the work to stand on its own as a true reflection of people and experiences, uplifting the best in each. What makes my work unique is that it’s never just about taking a picture or writing a song it’s about documenting life and telling stories in ways that feel both honest and timeless. For me, every project is another way to live out my purpose to create and connect.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
For me, that person has always been my wife Tia. We met when we were 15, and she’s been my best friend and the perfect partner ever since. Growing up together and knowing we’ll grow old together is something I’ll always treasure. From the very beginning when I first met her with a guitar in my hand she’s supported every dream, idea, and aspiration I’ve had in life. She’s the smartest person I know, and I genuinely love spending my time with her.
This past June we celebrated spending half our lives together with our honeymoon in Europe, where I captured some of my favorite photos and created a new video project, Two Hours of Photography in Two Countries that showcases all the photos throughout our travel along with cinematic videos to tell the story. No words just photography, instrumental music and vibes now on YouTube. That trip, and the chance to create a project during it, felt like the best reflection of my recent growth as a photographer documenting a whole new environment while still being very much in the moment. The best part was sharing it with her it makes it all the more meaningful.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I wouldn’t call it a fear as much as an internal struggle I’ve always wrestled with self-doubt and with putting myself and my work out there. For a long time, I felt like my art had to fit what was popular or trending in the fast pace world of social media content, and that mindset holds me back sometimes
What I’ve learned is that keeping your direction and purpose true to your heart can act like a compass it helps you rebalance and stay grounded.
Small example, I’ve been inconsistent with sharing my work on YouTube because I thought it should follow a certain format. But as I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve realized that what matters most is letting the work stand true on its own by creating what I’m proud of, staying curious, and experimenting in ways that fit me.
I recently put a lot of time into my photography video I mentioned before and really enjoyed that process. I’ve found inspiration from other photographers online like Teo Crawford, William Verbeeck, Roman Fox, and of course Peter McKinnon that have been able to share their experiences and showcase their work well.
Moving forward, I plan to share more consistently in a way that feels authentic, without burning out my creative energy.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The ideas I rely on most outside of my own come from two places my marketing team and my wife. My team is made up of people from different backgrounds, and that diversity is what makes our collaboration so valuable. Our work brought us together, and it’s been amazing to bounce ideas off each other, whether it’s for a client campaign or one of my own passion projects. They constantly give me new perspectives I wouldn’t have reached on my own.
And then there’s my wife she’s a creative herself and has been by my side since we were teenagers. She’s helped me with everything from website design to photography ideas. She has this way of telling me exactly what I need to hear, even if it’s not what I expected, but that honesty has always been a gift. She’s been my best source of ideas and inspiration, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone I hope my work shares a story. Whether it’s the Palm Beach book I photographed, my YouTube portfolio, the music videos I’ve directed, or the songs and images I’ve made through the years. I want all of it to stand as an example as an inside look into Jakob Takos.
I’ve lost friends and family over the years, and whenever I revisit their art, music, or creativity, it speaks volumes about them in ways words never could. I hope my work does the same that it continues to connect with people, carry forward a voice, and remind others of the power of creating and connecting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jakobtakos.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/takenbytakos
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jakobtakos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakobtakos
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xuVEGpNBty6JKNmP2aHWY
Image Credits
@TiaraTakos
