We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steven Eloiseau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have STEVEN with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my father, who raised my brother and I on his own while working three jobs. I watched him juggle all these responsibilities—coming home exhausted, but never once complaining or letting up. His ability to balance multiple jobs while still being there for us was nothing short of remarkable. He showed me that hard work is about resilience, dedication, and showing up every day, no matter how difficult. His unwavering commitment to providing for us, despite the challenges, inspired me to adopt the same mindset in everything I do—pushing through, no matter the circumstances.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a photographer and creative director, and what I find most exciting about my work is the ability to draw inspiration from my personal experiences to create something meaningful. Through photography and creative direction, I’ve had the chance to tell stories and capture moments in brand campaigns that resonate on a personal level.
Currently, I’m working on a project called Here For The Art, an annual immersive art exhibit where I showcase my own artwork while providing a platform for other talented, multifaceted artists to present their work. It’s an experience-driven event that allows us to connect with the community through creativity and artistic expression, and I’m excited to keep expanding it year after year.
I’m a firm believer that art lasts longer on a wall than on a screen, which is why I also offer prints for sale on my site. There’s something timeless about having a physical piece of art that can be experienced daily, and I strive to create work that resonates and endures beyond the digital space.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a photographer are resilience, creativity, and vision.
Resilience: Watching my father work three jobs while raising my brother and me taught me the value of hard work and persistence. There are always challenges and setbacks, but pushing through them is what helps you grow. For anyone early in their journey, embrace the challenges as opportunities to learn and strengthen your craft. Keep going, even when it feels difficult.
Creativity: Creativity fuels everything I do, from brand campaigns to my annual Here For The Art exhibit. To develop this, I draw inspiration from personal experiences and find ways to tell stories that resonate. For those just starting, I’d say focus on finding your unique voice. Tap into your personal experiences—they’re a rich source of creativity that no one else can replicate.
Vision: Having a clear sense of direction and purpose has been essential to my success. Vision helps you stay focused on the bigger picture and make decisions that align with your goals. For beginners, my advice is to take the time to define what you want your work to represent and how you want to impact others. Your vision will guide your path and keep you grounded as you grow.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been embracing the mindset of always being a student. I’ve learned the importance of putting pride and ego aside and truly being open to learning. Being a “sponge” means absorbing knowledge from everyone around you—whether they’re peers, mentors, or even those newer to the field. People come into our lives for a reason, and they can offer insights that help us move forward, often in ways we don’t expect.
Asking questions and seeking guidance has not only helped me grow but has also taught me the value of community and collaboration. Equally important is the willingness to help others. By sharing what we know, we create a cycle of support that benefits everyone. Growth comes from being humble enough to learn and generous enough to teach.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,justseauyouknow.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/steve__e
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveneloiseau
Image Credits
Headshot: Esston Benjamin
BTS Photo: Chris Yang
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
