MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEANDRA ARJONA-JACOBI

Our member in the Spotlight this week is Entrepreneur Filmmaker, Videographer, and Mother of two, Leandra Arjona-Jacobi. Last year she founded Studio HER, an all-female identifying & non-binary creative collective and project agency focused on film, video, photography, and creation ‘beyond’. She works passionately to help create space outside the boxes we create in life, and to use visual storytelling to bring people together.

As the Club for Creativity, we’d like to start by asking you to create a self-portrait.

I may be cheating a little here but I would like to use this portrait created by a dear and talented friend of mine. For me this image fits me to a T. It is me 100%

What kind of creative pursuits did you follow as a child?

I created LOADS of stuff at home in art & crafts, because my mother is a fine art artist & teacher we had everything at home to get that flowing. Next to that, I did dance classes, musical lessons, and classical piano lessons.

Since I became a mother myself, I realize how much energy my mother invested in making that all happen for me and nourishing my creativity.

Who is your current art/design crush or inspiration?

Every day has a new color and so many things and people in any one day inspire me. More than the influence of any one artist or designer - although there are many- it’s life in general, that I get my inspiration.

Inspiration hits me hardest when it’s combined with a specific moment; a surprise of creation along the way of life’s flow. But mostly, I learn and get inspired by the stories and experiences of other people. That is what I’m passionate about.

What music will we find on your playlist?

Everything and anything. I am a playlist maker. They are usually listed on my mood but they have definitely taken on a life of their own now.

Rather than naming any songs, why don't you just listen to two of my favorites at the moment: Chillen & Lekker Gaan

Briefly describe what you do as a Videographer & Entrepreneur

I started my freelance company in 2010 straight after my studies. As a Videographer, I develop concepts and campaigns and work as (Self-Shooting) Director, Camera Operator, and Editor. I often collaborate with other freelancers, combining strengths and expanding the creative horizons of a project to make a project truly shine.

One year ago I founded Studio HER, an all-female & non-binary creative collective and project agency, to take this to a next level. We work to help promote more diversity behind the scenes, sets, and beyond and create a sisterhood for visual storytellers.

At the moment, I’m mainly responsible for everything that is needed to get projects and collaborations off the ground, setting up the right teams, and partnerships, and expanding our representation online.

What gets your creativity flowing?

Working together with other inspiring artists and creating more balance behind the scenes. We founded studio HER to do just that, by adding female energy to the industry of visual storytelling. With Studio HER we’re building a community of creators in film, video, photography and beyond, exchanging and sharing knowledge and by creating content for projects that matter.

Which of the campaigns/projects you’ve worked on makes you the proudest?

I can mention a few but for very different reasons.

Over the years I have been working on a project documenting the stories of different women to portray the many different faces of Motherhood and to show that there is no one way to be the “best parent.” There is no black and white and I believe we all have our own path. If you choose to be a CEO working 12 hours a day, travel the world with a campervan, or move to the countryside and sell your crops. It’s all ok. For our own sake and the overall evolution of humankind, we need to open up our minds. Being a parent is one of the choices you can make and there are endless possibilities in the ‘how’. This series will show all those ways to help to navigate outside of the boxes that we create for ourselves. This is an ongoing project which is very close to my heart and as a cheeky side note - we are also looking for partnerships at the moment!

With Studio HER one of the highlights was a light and fun project creating visual content for “Down the Rabbit Hole.” This was the first ever project we did together as a complete collective, in total 25 of us. It was amazing to see how instantly we connected as a crew and the diversity of imagery we could create by simply having so many of us walking around with our cameras, interacting with the festival, and having fun.

In terms of your career, what are you most excited about for the near future?

Everything involving Studio HER. At the moment we’re mainly focused on setting up more partnerships that share our vision and work to create an even bigger impact together on all levels.

Mainly I'm very excited to be working on our goals together with a steady team to bring Studio HER to the next level. We’re rebuilding our website, hosting our first Studio HER Party/ exhibition in June in collaboration with The Other Side, and starting off soon with our very own campaign telling the world what we’re all about.

What do you see as most important for the future of creative growth in your industry?

I’m excited about bringing more female energy, balance and overall diversity to video/ film/content making. But I think the actual change will come from involving everyone to help tell our stories.

In many ways we are all responsible for the way our society functions and has been built so far, it’s the system. But I believe we’re ready to trust that we all want more diversity behind the scenes - and therefore in front of it too. It doesn't make sense to point at each other or pass the blame, let’s just create cool things, move forward and change together.

The female gaze and a diversified gaze are essential to the future creation of imagery and story, especially when it comes to telling stories right. By making space for more diversity in our industry we make sure we access all perspectives, resulting in more openness, curiosity, and wisdom for everyone.

This is especially important for our children who will witness and be influenced by the images we create.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

Create things about topics that are close to your heart. First comes passion, the rest will follow.