Nico Jakoby’s works are all about pure emotion. Soft and delicate they show the beauty of everyday life, the coincidences and trifles. We asked the German photographer, illustrator and designer for an interview and chatted to him about if everyone is born with a creative streak, spontaneously shots being the most honest ones and his aversion of “standing still.”
Hello Nico, thanks for your time! What do you want to capture in your pictures? Emotions, stories? Or just something visually appealing?
First of all, I want to capture a moment and the emotion to it, the atmosphere… and yes – the story. I share these pictures/stories either without many words or with my thoughts and emotions that I had during the photo-shoot and I hope that this will trigger an emotion for everyone else who is looking at them.
Is creativity something we are born with or we pick it up from our upbringing?
I think every person is born creative. In a variety of ways and in all kind of arts: music, painting, lettering, photography, design… the possibilities are huge! How much we show of it depends on how much room we give our own creativity and whether we keep fueling it.
How do you work? Do you have a final picture in mind while shooting or you just go with the flow?
Every project starts with a coffee and a chat with the person who then gives you so much faith to create something new together. I never have a finished picture in my head. Neither in photography, nor in illustrations. A mood – yes, but the idea of “making a perfectly planned image” would only narrow me. Most of the time, my quick snapshots are my favorite pieces. The spontaneously created ones are often the most honest and natural ones therefore I love them the most.
“These “little things” that surround us everyday, we should remember much more often. Just take the time and watch out for details you might like.”
Aside from portraits you also have a lot of lifestyle images in your portfolio and you also focus on the beauty of the details of daily life. F.e. a shadow, or a citron. What fascinates you about capturing typical situations and moments on camera?
I love different forms, colours, contrasts, lighting and details… they inspire me in every part of my life. These “little things” that surround us everyday, we should remember much more often. Just take the time and watch out for details you might like. For myself, all these things are a priceless gift.
Do you see social networks as a blessing or a curse for art and people? Or a bit of both?
It is a question of how you use it. I use it as an inspiration and motivation. To see how many artists there are, the great works they create and how easy it is to chat with them, talking about art, opinions or just how good the burger restaurant was, is definitely a blessing. But the hunt for likes and followers because everybody thinks „this makes me a better person“ is totally dumb and a curse. That´s not the concept of „social“.
Let´s face it –being an artist and designer is never that easy. What keeps you motivated; what drives you to do what you are doing?
Yes, that’s right. Actually, the answer is quite simple. I’m motivated by the joy of the counterpart if I present something that we created together. There’s nothing worse than “standing still” for me. And this aversion always drives me to try new things and if you do what you love, the motivation is always high.
Your favorite hideaway spot in Kempten?
That’s clearly the Iller. A river flowing across Kempten. As a born Bremer, any kind of water, lakes & rivers (even a full sink) have something very reassuring for me.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hopefully in the middle of my friends and my family.
With my camera.
Anywhere. No matter what.
Are there any ethics you live by?
Do what you love & Be nice (it‘s a small world)!
nico-jakoby.format.com
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