“If you treat it like a hobby, it will stay a hobby. If you treat it like a job, it becomes a job.”
Bullet holes covered the walls while the children played around…
Shai Dahan was in Palestine and he wasn’t supposed to be there. No one would have been able to help him if they found out he was Jewish. Being Jewish in that part of the world can be dangerous. He had to be careful not to show his tattoos. After all, his arms are covered in hebrew letters.
He wasn’t there to create problems, he was there to paint a mural.
Welcome to episode 29 where we talk about what it took for Shai Dahan to get to the top of the game as a street-style graffiti artist. This episode is about passion projects, working for yourself, creating a life built around flow and passion.
It’s powerful stuff with an amazing surprise at the end. Thanks for downloading ShopTalk creatives. We hope you enjoy it.
“To me, LA is the mom in this story and I’m bringing my paintings to her to say, ‘Hey! Look what I made while I was away.'”
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/shai-dahan” title=”Shai Dahan – Why Art is the Common Language Between Diverse People” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/29_ShaiDahan_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”de4b9b” ]
Some things we learn in this podcast:
- About the art history roots and LA nostalgia
- The challenges of working as a creative in a large commercial environment
- The story of Deck Yourself – Skateboard art project
- Lessons on the art of marketing
- How to evaluate the importance of money when choosing jobs
- Tips for accessing flow when in down times
- How to get your first solo exhibition and why make it outrageous
- Processes for creating a collection for a gallery exhibition
- The story of painting as a Jew in Palestine
- Art education and what inspired Shai’s festival
- The mentality of “Go Big or don’t do it at all.”
- Powerful perspective on the lifestyle of a dedicated artist
- Plus, much more…
Links mentioned:
- Learn more about the Underbelly Project and Stoked Mentoring
- Other mentioned street artists: Banksy | JR (TED) | Blue | Sam 3 | Shepard Fairey
- Learn more about the Bedouin ethnic group
- See Shai’s work on The Vacant Wall
- Check out the amazing designs and get a shirt from East 39
- Music Credit: Arabic Hip Hop by JaySupProd
LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE
CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION
“If you treat it like a hobby, it will stay a hobby. If you treat it like a job, it becomes a job.”
Bullet holes covered the walls while the children played around…
Shai Dahan was in Palestine and he wasn’t supposed to be there. No one would have been able to help him if they found out he was Jewish. Being Jewish in that part of the world can be dangerous. He had to be careful not to show his tattoos. After all, his arms are covered in hebrew letters.
He wasn’t there to create problems, he was there to paint a mural.
Welcome to episode 29 where we talk about what it took for Shai Dahan to get to the top of the game as a street-style graffiti artist. This episode is about passion projects, working for yourself, creating a life built around flow and passion.
It’s powerful stuff with an amazing surprise at the end. Thanks for downloading ShopTalk creatives. We hope you enjoy it.
“To me, LA is the mom in this story and I’m bringing my paintings to her to say, ‘Hey! Look what I made while I was away.'”
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/shai-dahan” title=”Shai Dahan – Why Art is the Common Language Between Diverse People” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/29_ShaiDahan_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”de4b9b” ]
Some things we learn in this podcast:
- About the art history roots and LA nostalgia
- The challenges of working as a creative in a large commercial environment
- The story of Deck Yourself – Skateboard art project
- Lessons on the art of marketing
- How to evaluate the importance of money when choosing jobs
- Tips for accessing flow when in down times
- How to get your first solo exhibition and why make it outrageous
- Processes for creating a collection for a gallery exhibition
- The story of painting as a Jew in Palestine
- Art education and what inspired Shai’s festival
- The mentality of “Go Big or don’t do it at all.”
- Powerful perspective on the lifestyle of a dedicated artist
- Plus, much more…
Links mentioned:
- Learn more about the Underbelly Project and Stoked Mentoring
- Other mentioned street artists: Banksy | JR (TED) | Blue | Sam 3 | Shepard Fairey
- Learn more about the Bedouin ethnic group
- See Shai’s work on The Vacant Wall
- Check out the amazing designs and get a shirt from East 39
- Music Credit: Arabic Hip Hop by JaySupProd
9/17/14
29: Shai Dahan – Why Art Is The Common Language Between Diverse People
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
GET THE DETAILS
GET THE DETAILS
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
PODCAST
BRAND INTELLIGENCE
CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE
LIFE INTELLIGENCE
masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
“If you treat it like a hobby, it will stay a hobby. If you treat it like a job, it becomes a job.”
Bullet holes covered the walls while the children played around…
Shai Dahan was in Palestine and he wasn’t supposed to be there. No one would have been able to help him if they found out he was Jewish. Being Jewish in that part of the world can be dangerous. He had to be careful not to show his tattoos. After all, his arms are covered in hebrew letters.
He wasn’t there to create problems, he was there to paint a mural.
Welcome to episode 29 where we talk about what it took for Shai Dahan to get to the top of the game as a street-style graffiti artist. This episode is about passion projects, working for yourself, creating a life built around flow and passion.
It’s powerful stuff with an amazing surprise at the end. Thanks for downloading ShopTalk creatives. We hope you enjoy it.
“To me, LA is the mom in this story and I’m bringing my paintings to her to say, ‘Hey! Look what I made while I was away.'”
[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/shai-dahan” title=”Shai Dahan – Why Art is the Common Language Between Diverse People” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/29_ShaiDahan_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”de4b9b” ]
Some things we learn in this podcast:
- About the art history roots and LA nostalgia
- The challenges of working as a creative in a large commercial environment
- The story of Deck Yourself – Skateboard art project
- Lessons on the art of marketing
- How to evaluate the importance of money when choosing jobs
- Tips for accessing flow when in down times
- How to get your first solo exhibition and why make it outrageous
- Processes for creating a collection for a gallery exhibition
- The story of painting as a Jew in Palestine
- Art education and what inspired Shai’s festival
- The mentality of “Go Big or don’t do it at all.”
- Powerful perspective on the lifestyle of a dedicated artist
- Plus, much more…
Links mentioned:
- Learn more about the Underbelly Project and Stoked Mentoring
- Other mentioned street artists: Banksy | JR (TED) | Blue | Sam 3 | Shepard Fairey
- Learn more about the Bedouin ethnic group
- See Shai’s work on The Vacant Wall
- Check out the amazing designs and get a shirt from East 39
- Music Credit: Arabic Hip Hop by JaySupProd
9/17/14
29: Shai Dahan – Why Art Is The Common Language Between Diverse People
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT
masterfully aligning perception and reality through personal branding
GET THE DETAILS
Hey! I'm Nick.
PHOTOGRAPHER
BRAND ALCHEMIST
TEACHER
At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia.
GET THE DETAILS
infuse your vision with a fresh breath of creativity and vitality
LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE
CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION
read the latest
Let’s put it this way: If you want stiff headshots in a gray suit against a beige wall — probably not. If you want a photoshoot that feels like an editorial spread, emotional breakthrough, and creative awakening all in one — then yes. Nick Onken is very good at what he does. What Makes Nick […]
Most First-Time Brand Shoots Miss the Mark — Here’s Why If you’re preparing for your first brand photoshoot, you’re likely focused on the obvious: outfits, lighting, maybe even the perfect smile. But what actually makes a photoshoot land is much deeper — and most people don’t know what to look for. And unfortunately, that’s why most first-time […]
The Problem With Traditional Brand Photograph Most brand photos are surface-level. They might be polished. Perfectly lit. Technically solid. But they lack soul. They don’t make you feel the person. They don’t communicate energy, depth, or identity. They look good — but they don’t resonate. And that’s a problem if you’re a thought leader, coach, speaker, author, or […]
If you’re searching for the best personal brand photographer in New York, one name rises to the top: Nick Onken. Blending editorial sophistication with emotional storytelling, Nick’s work goes far beyond headshots. His Elevated Realism™ approach captures your highest self — magnetic, polished, and unmistakably you. 📍 A Photographer Who Knows NYC Intimately Nick spent 15 […]
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. […]
About the Blogger
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.
