Nion Radio With Nick Onken

I took one of my favorite pictures of all time with just myself and the subject, and that’s something I’m always trying to chase to get back to. Today on the show I’m talking to one of my favorite photographers of all time, Jeff Lipsky. Jeff and I met when one day I just hit him up and asked him to get coffee. Since then we’ve become friends and I admire his work a lot. Jeff is an awesome, personable guy, which is why he is able to shoot his subjects so well. He’s passionate about staying true to himself, and tries to stay open to inspiration. He also works hard to continue to do personal projects, which I think is so important. Listen in to hear us geek out about cameras, talk about his path to becoming a photographer, and talk about how to push yourself out of your comfort zone while staying true to yourself. If you’re passionate about something and you love something, no matter what, you’re going to be successful at it.  Some things we learn in this podcast: The amazing people Jeff has shot [3:40]

We have a responsibility as humans to help make the world a better place. My career in photography started because I decided to give back. Here's how it happened... In 2009, I connected with my friend Adam Braun. Adam started a charity to build schools for kids in developing countries. He called the organization, Pencils of Promise. We connected and he invited me to Laos. He couldn’t pay for the travel, but something about his passion for the project empowered my decision to pay my own way and fly out to meet him. For six days, we traveled through the jungles of Laos. We shoot STUNNING imagery for Pencils of Promise. I never did any of this with the intention of getting anything back. Six months later, just after my travel book launched, Adam and I did a gallery show with the images from our Laos trip. During the event, Adam hooked me up with his brother who was promoting an unknown kid named Justin Bieber. Ever heard of him? Justin is just one great example of many of amazing people I've become friend

We all have times in our life that we were on fire, we were kicking ass. As a creative, sometimes it’s hard to break old habits, to build a new version of yourself that is anchored in success. But that’s what Andy Murphy does. Or rather, that’s what he helps multimillionaire CEOs, world class athletes, artists, MMA fighters, and Saudi royalty do. Andy is a mental peak performance coach, he uses neuro linguistic programming to reprogram the subconscious mind. According to Andy, it’s crucial to live your life from the inside out, and to do that you have to understand hat your mind controls every fiber of your being. So your mindset, your success, your attitude - it’s all up to you. If you’re into self development and becoming the most successful version of yourself and the most optimized human you can be, you’ll love this episode. Thanks for listening. If you get the inside right, what happens is the outside world just mirrors it. Some things we learn in this podcast: What is neuro linguistic programming

It’s about creating the lifestyle you want to live and building a business around it. 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 twelfth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. As much as the craft is important, the business is important as well. Some things we learn in this podcast: Why money isn’t an end all [2:05] H

It’s great to have been relevant back then and to still be going right now. Relationships are important. Nurturing your relationships and being reliable and creative can help you create an empire. It certainly helped D-Nice do just that. He started out his career as a musician in the 90s just as the rap and hip hop scene was coming up. But when he wanted to make a change, it was the people that he knew that allowed him to build a career as a creative entrepreneur and photographer. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s now a DJ too. The life of a DJ allows him access to take some incredible behind the scenes pictures. D-Nice is the kind of creative that many of us could only wish to be, but his goal is to give back by inspiring the next generation of hip hop. Take a listen to today’s episode to hear about how he changed his path, the importance of his friends, and what he wants his legacy to be. I figured out early on it wasn’t enough for me to just be an artist. Some things we learn in this podcast: What it

Every time you do something new and you practice, you’re learning. 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 eleventh installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. It’s a daily decision, every minute, to create. Some things we learn in this podcast: Why you have to embrace your creative journey [2:00] Why your journey should

I think a lot of people’s success is going to come from standing for something. In this age of technology, it’s easy to lose that sense of empathy, to feel disconnected and alone even while oversharing. That’s why Brian Sirgutz is trying to change the way we connect. Founding member of Causecast and former SVP of Social Impact and Innovation at Huffington Post, Brian wants to change the world, balancing giving and getting to empower the experience of human connection. Brian is a brilliant mind when it comes to impact and technology. He is all about being the best person you can be, so that you can change the world. And he believes that integrating empathy into your art and into technology can make the world a better place. Brian is a truly empathetic, inspirational person, with a unique, sweeping perspective on the state of the human experience. I can’t wait for you to hear this interview. Thanks for listening. Is too much connection, is too much information, is too much access a bad thing? Some things w

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. Some things we learn in this podcast: Our minds are the most powerful tool we have [2:05]

If you try to create for everybody, you will reach no one. As an artist, your style, your point of view, your lens is what people come to you for. It’s your voice, it’s what you have to say. And you have to harness that voice. You have to cultivate it. You have to figure out what it should say. That’s what I’m talking about today with Todd Henry, the founder of Accidental Creative. Todd is the author of three books, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and his new book Louder Than Words, which is coming out next week. On today’s episode, we are talking about all aspects of creativity: the necessity of unnecessary creating, the interdependence of an artist and audience, and how artists push limits. His company helps creative people build brilliant ideas, and he is an expert in imagination, inspiration, and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about owning and developing your creativity. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode. Let’s go. We always sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of efficien

Fill your time with people and things that inspire you. 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 ninth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. People that are doing cool shit like to hang out with other people that are doing cool shit. Some things we learn in this podcast: You are the average of the 5 people you hang ou

Fashion is an industry, but style is for everybody. We have all had trouble accepting ourselves the way we are. Sometimes, people use clothes and fashion as a way to cover up who they are, or to beat people to the punch of putting them in a box. But fashion can also be impressive, thought provoking, and a way to get what you want. That’s what I’m talking to Stacy London about today. If you haven’t heard of Stacy, you are missing out. She is a veteran TV host, having been on What Not to Wear for ten years, and just recently launching her new show Love, Lust, or Run. But she’s also a stylist, an author, and a woman with an infection sense of energy and authenticity. I can’t wait for you to hear her story of battling multiple diseases, hunting for her perfect job, and how she’s changing the world, one outfit at a time. For all the negative messages that loop in all of our heads about what we’re not, I try to use style to dislodge that kind of negativity. Some things we learn in this podcast: What the titl

You have to be proactive in your learning, development, and relationships. 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 eighth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. What you bring to the table is what you’re going to get in return. Some things we learn in this podcast: Don’t let your mind be closed when it comes to who yo

Why be normal? Go for something special. Go for something tremendous. Amazing stories run in the Braun family. I am good friends with Scooter and Adam Braun, and over time have gotten to know their father, Erv Braun. Erv is an incredible man with, of course, an incredible story. His family fled Hungary after the Holocaust and the Hungarian Revolution, and eventually moved to Brooklyn. In New York, his parents embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, and there must be something in their blood, because his children are all passionate and smart too. But that’s not all: they were also raised to be fearless, heartfelt, genuine people. Yes, Erv is a sports and adrenaline junky and a fun loving guy, but he also is an inspiring man with lots of secrets to share. Thanks for listening. Let’s dive in. When you teach your kids about all the things you want them to be, if you don’t include that there’s a bigger story than just who they are, you’ve missed something. Some things we learn in this podcast: Father of Adam,

You don’t want to rent your life, you want to own it. 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 seventh installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. Every moment you’re not working at your capital job is time, money, and energy that you can be putting into your craft. Some things we learn in this podcast: The biggest leap of

'Must' feels like being in love: when you know you just know. As artists, it is important to allow ourselves the time and the space to create. This is what artist and author Elle Luna calls play. And where does she play? In the sandbox. Creating a sandbox is key to creating art. Another key is recognizing the difference between "should" and "must." To create authentically, we need to have the strength to relinquish "should" to make room for the "must." I find Elle’s philosophies on art and play fascinating and inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to hear them. She has a toolbox full of ideas and exercises all designed to pull you into your art and creativity. Let’s leap into the sandbox that is this week’s interview with Elle Luna. The creative journey is a battle, and ultimately you’re battling yourself. Some things we learn in this podcast: How she fell into the art world [2:10] Stepping into the world of graphic design [3:00] Thee difference between should and must [6:20] Using money to buy time

If you try to be all things to all people, you will never rise to your greatest possibilities. 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 sixth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. You’ll discover more about yourself artistically the more you create. Some things we learn in this podcast: The importance of developing a

When you hit rock bottom in life, you’ll be left with two things: the integrity of your word, and your relationships. Surrounding yourself with inspiring people is a great way to push yourself. Creating those connections and investing in relationships can truly change the world. That’s what Jayson Gaignard thinks, anyway. He founded the Mastermind Talks, an exclusive, inspirational event that builds community among entrepreneurs. Placing quality above quantity when it comes to his own connections, Jayson has some unique and awesome theories on how we spend our time and energy. Find out who inspires him, how he got off the entrepreneurial “hamster wheel” to jumpstart the Mastermind Talks, and why he values his relationships so much. This interview is stellar, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Let’s jump in. Amazing people become increasingly amazing over time. Some things we learn in this podcast: Why service based businesses are hard to scale [3:40] How he ended up a quarter million dollars in deb

Creating is a conscious choice. 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 Fifth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. I challenge you to create authenticity in your life. Some things we learn in this podcast: How I created the Create Your Moments social tag [1:30] The importance of leaving space for spontaneity [2:00

In order to live your dream, there’s a lot of sacrifice that has to be made. Street culture has been around for almost twenty years, but is still evolving and growing. A combination of hip-hop, punk rock, and skate, the culture is a perfect amalgamation of creative, independent lifestyles. No one knows this better than Jeff Staple, the founder of Staple Pigeon, Staple Design, and Reed Space. In this week’s episode, I’m talking with Jeff about how he went against the grain and risked disappointing his family to start his businesses. This man is a brutally smart businessman with an adventurous spirit, and that comes across in his wise words about work and life. I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode and maybe be inspired to quit your day job. I believe that you scientifically, metaphysically cannot make others happy if you yourself are not happy. Some things we learn in this podcast: How his traditional Chinese family affected his path [3:40] Why New York is an attractive city for creatives [4:1

No matter where you come from, you still have to put in the hard work to master your craft. Part 4/15 How to Create a Career in Art: The 10,000 Hour Grind 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 Fourth installment of my 15 part series on how to make a career in art. There is always going to be a next level. Some things we learn in this podcast: