We end up living in a world of limitation and not a world of possibility.
Creating a high profile career in fashion and lifestyle photography is gratifying, but what it took from me to get there is the real gift.
During the last ten years of creating this career, I’ve learned a few things that might be useful to the up-and-comers. In this collection of episodes I break down the process that I used to make a living with my art. These tips go beyond my world of photography and transcend into any creative venture.
The lessons can be useful if you’re into illustration, fashion design, fashion blogging, music, performing arts, writing or any other creative hustle. Think of it like the DNA of a creative professional. Think of it like the building blocks of inspiration.
This is the tenth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art.
Our internal thought process dictates the way we show up in the world.
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/how-to-create-a-career-in-art-emotional-intelligence-game” title=”How to Create a Career in Art – How To Build Your Emotional Intelligence” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/57_EmotionalIntelligence_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]
We end up living in a world of limitation and not a world of possibility.
Creating a high profile career in fashion and lifestyle photography is gratifying, but what it took from me to get there is the real gift.
During the last ten years of creating this career, I’ve learned a few things that might be useful to the up-and-comers. In this collection of episodes I break down the process that I used to make a living with my art. These tips go beyond my world of photography and transcend into any creative venture.
The lessons can be useful if you’re into illustration, fashion design, fashion blogging, music, performing arts, writing or any other creative hustle. Think of it like the DNA of a creative professional. Think of it like the building blocks of inspiration.
This is the tenth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art.
Our internal thought process dictates the way we show up in the world.
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/how-to-create-a-career-in-art-emotional-intelligence-game” title=”How to Create a Career in Art – How To Build Your Emotional Intelligence” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/57_EmotionalIntelligence_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]
We end up living in a world of limitation and not a world of possibility.
Creating a high profile career in fashion and lifestyle photography is gratifying, but what it took from me to get there is the real gift.
During the last ten years of creating this career, I’ve learned a few things that might be useful to the up-and-comers. In this collection of episodes I break down the process that I used to make a living with my art. These tips go beyond my world of photography and transcend into any creative venture.
The lessons can be useful if you’re into illustration, fashion design, fashion blogging, music, performing arts, writing or any other creative hustle. Think of it like the DNA of a creative professional. Think of it like the building blocks of inspiration.
This is the tenth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art.
Our internal thought process dictates the way we show up in the world.
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/how-to-create-a-career-in-art-emotional-intelligence-game” title=”How to Create a Career in Art – How To Build Your Emotional Intelligence” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/57_EmotionalIntelligence_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]
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One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is building their website, offers, or marketing before they’ve ever clarified their brand identity. They hire web designers before they’ve defined their vibe. They write sales pages without knowing the feeling their brand is meant to transmit. But everything — your website, your photos, your content, your brand world — should stem […]
For most people, a photoshoot is about looking good. For Nicky Clinch, it became a mirror for transformation. Nicky is a master maturation coach, author of Surrender, and co-leader of the Emanate Mastermind. When she came to me, her brand was successful—multiple seven figures, sold-out programs, a global community—but something wasn’t resonating. She had reached a plateau. […]
Los Angeles is packed with creatives. But when it comes to personal brand photography, Nick Onken stands in a category of his own. He’s not just snapping pretty pictures. He’s crafting transformation. With a focus on visual storytelling and strategic brand elevation, Nick’s shoots go far beyond portraits. Every session is a creative collaboration—designed to […]
Introduction Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness and bestselling author, was ready to elevate his personal brand with a visual identity that matched his next chapter of leadership. He had already built a massive platform. But he was stepping into a deeper, more embodied version of his brand—one that integrated emotional intelligence with […]
Leadership isn’t just something you declare — it’s something people feel the moment they see you. And in a world where your first impression often happens online, your photos need to do more than look good. They need to position you as a leader. A personal brand shoot isn’t about winging it with cute outfits […]
Let’s cut to it: The cost of a personal brand photoshoot depends on one thing—the level of transformation you want to create. You can hire someone to take nice portraits. Or you can co-create an identity-elevating experience that reshapes how the world sees you. So… How Much Does It Cost? At the top of the […]
If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or speaker looking to stand out online, then you know photography is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But hiring the right personal brand photographer can feel overwhelming. With so many options, styles, and price points, how do you find the perfect fit for your vision? Let’s break it down […]
Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]
If you’re building a brand in Austin, you already know—this city has a vibe. Creative. Wild. Soulful. Free. But when it comes to personal brand photography, not all photographers can capture that essence. If you want photos that go beyond headshots and into transformation… Nick Onken is the name to know. Austin Roots. Global Vision. […]
A great photo is more than just perfect lighting and good composition. It’s about capturing your subject’s truest essence—that confident, authentic, magnetic self that already exists inside them. My job as a photographer is to bring that forward. Over the years, I’ve built a toolkit of both physical and psychological tools that help guide clients […]
Introduction In today’s hyper-visual world, the first impression you make online can determine whether someone trusts you, hires you, or skips over you. Your brand photography is often the first point of contact—and if done right, it can immediately communicate authority, confidence, and influence. This is where my Elevated Realism™ style of personal brand photography […]
What to Look for in a Personal Branding Photographer Choosing a personal branding photographer isn’t just about skill. It’s about trust. Storytelling. Presence. You don’t just want someone who takes great photos. You want someone who can see who you really are—and reflect that on camera. Look Beyond the Lens A great personal brand photographer […]
Why Visual Consistency Is the Secret to Building Brand Authority Online In a world built on scrolls, swipes, and split-second judgments, your visuals speak before you do. Your audience doesn’t read first. They feel. They feel your energy through colors, composition, and frequency long before they engage with your message. That’s why visual consistency isn’t […]
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.
I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here.