Meet Jakob Takos | Audio & Visual Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jakob Takos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jakob, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Work-ethic. There’s something about the discipline and dedication one can give to their craft that resonates with me. With how fast media and technology has grown, it can be distracting at times to stay focused. Social platforms are great to highlight and showcase the work of others, but with the over saturation of everything going on all the time 24/7 it can be frustrating and overstimulating too. I’ve got to work with some incredible people and a big common denominator they all share is their devotion to their passion. I am not sure who said it, but I was told earlier in my career, “hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.” The work ethic of the people around me inspire me to always do my best.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Audio and Visual creator based in Jupiter, Florida. It all started with music for me when I picked up the guitar at the age of 10, which turned into my greatest passion. In 2019, I released 5 singles and 5 music video under the album title called “Create to Connect.” The two key components in my life are the ability to create and connect with others. Each track I worked with different musicians in the area which was all documented to capture the creative process. This was my first time releasing any type of original music. I have been over critical about my work and let alone myself that I knew the only way to get over that is by putting my work out there. Not in the fear of being judged, but more of me always asking myself, “is this good enough?” That project taught me early on that done is better than perfect since perfect will never be done. I use to look back and cringe at some of the videos and songs, but confident in who I am now I see all of it as growth and development as an artist.

Fast forward to today, I took the same mentality and found a core group of guys with a similar mindset and started “Jakob Takos & The Connection.” We have a three track EP out now called “Sunshine Soul” that spotlights our eclectic sound ranging from indie folk rock to beach rhythm blues. We just finished recording Volume 2 to encapsulate the full sound which should be coming the end of this year.

Representing myself through music later turned into representing individuals and businesses when I picked up a camera. I started slowly being a freelance photographer and videographer which opened more doors than I would have ever imagined. I was the photographer for an international tour guide series called, 111 places in Palm Beach That You Must Not Miss” This illustrated guidebook series presents cities, regions and even whole countries from a different and personal perspective. This was created by locals for locals and experienced travelers. The book is written by Cristyle Egitto a Palm Beach local and I took the photos to represent her writing. Hard work went into this and I learned so much during the whole process in the mist of a global pandemic. You can find it at any major book store or all online. This is something I did not know I could do nor had in me, but I had the support from others that saw something in my work I could not see myself. Fast forward to today, the book is doing so well that it is on its 3rd edition soon to be released.

Through being an independent working musician, I was sharpening my tools with media, public relations, and branding this whole time. This has lead me to primarily specializing in lifestyle and commercial work. To offer a tailored services for certain clients, I created Nothing Negative. This is where a small team and I work on creative concepts and branding strategies for businesses and entrepreneurs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Depends on the weather! Living in South Florida mother nature can be unpredictable at times, but regardless we always have a good one. Start the morning off with some Pumphouse Coffee to get fired up and maybe something tasty from Soul Rebel right in Jupiter. Go to the beach, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and anything that is just being outside and active is a must. If the beach or water is not the move, theres some parks and trails around the area. Always another option is get on the highway and drive further into South Florida to see what else is happening. I obviously love music so depending who is playing where and when, that is the next plan and working around that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t agree more with that! Taking the time to slow down and express gratitude towards my community is just a part of the journey. I have moments where I sit back and thank certain people for taking a chance and giving me opportunities. The list has so much and continues to grow, but my wife has been the backbone to my progress since the start. Being a creative herself, she has the incredible ability to simplify my complicated ideas in my mind and guide them into action. She has been more hands on with the branding side of my business and I would not be anywhere today without her. I second guess myself sometimes, but I can say that with the most confidence she has helped me in more ways than many could.

I also want to show my gratitude towards my clients who have given me a chance at the start years ago! Shoutout to Fischman Outdoor, Pumphouse Coffee and Soul Rebel.

Huge shoutout to my bandmates
Billy Doom, Marco Olortegui, Mike Guido and Royal Hayes for always being such a good team and some talented musicians! Makes me want to be a better musician every time I play.

and in my business Geo Lehn has played a huge part in the growth. He is a certified drone pilot, wedding videographer, director and one of my best friends. We just finished producing a short film that will be released on October 6th. This is one of the most serious projects we have been involved with and I can say it wouldn’t be anywhere without Geo.

Website: jakobtakos.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jakobtakos

Facebook: facebook.com/jakobtakos

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7i8LcvEwQiy84DKmgsz0TA

Other: FOLLOW ME ON VERO – https://vero.co/jakobtakos

Image Credits
Maris Lifestyle Photo Studio