Jacob Haag shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jacob, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I thrive on structure and routine, so my mornings stay simple. I start with about 10 minutes of yoga to loosen up and wake my body. Then I take a quick shower, get ready, and make breakfast while I read news and sports headlines. On my walk to the office, I clear my head and set my priorities.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Jacob Haag, a videographer and editor based out of Philadelphia, PA. I have a strong passion for content creation and capturing moments in everyday life. It is my dream to travel the world and film all corners of the earth, showing off the beauty this earth has to offer. That passion for creating has led me to work for a boutique creative marketing agency in Philadelphia, Grayson Sky, where I work as the Lead Editor in their media team. What I love about working at Grayson Sky is being able to work on a wide variety of projects and editing different projects that sharpen my toolbelt as an editor and stretch my creative talents. At Grayson Sky, I get to experiment and stay on the forefront of the creative industry, which has really helped develop my skills in the 2 years I have worked there. Throughout my time working there, I have continued to pursue my passion for directing music videos and telling the stories of underground artists from up and down the East Coast. I love being able to create stunning visuals that pair perfectly with the lyrics artists write for their songs. I continue to take what I learn about marketing and branding from my day job and apply it to creating my own personal brand and developing my music video portfolio.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world had an opinion, I was a kid with a ball at my feet and grass stains on my knees. Soccer was my first language. What I loved most wasn’t the spotlight of a goal, it was the split-second before it, the pass that unlocked the defense and let someone else finish. I learned I felt more pride setting up the play than taking the shot. That small realization stuck with me. I started noticing how much joy I derived from helping teammates shine, organizing the field, and reading what people needed, making it easier for them to succeed. Somewhere in those assists, I figured out who I was. I’m at my best when I help others score.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that holds me back most is judgment. I still wrestle with it all the time, especially when it comes to sharing my work. I worry about people’s opinions, about what they will think of a cut, a shot, or an idea that felt right in the moment. That anxiety keeps me from posting on social media as often as I want. It also slows me down on making more videos for my personal page, even when I know creating consistently is how I grow. I am working on it, but the truth is I still hesitate at the “publish” button more than I would like.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to a lifelong project of proving a simple belief true: “You can do anything in life as long as you believe in yourself.” That line isn’t just a motto for me; it’s the lens I use to choose hard things and then stay with them, however long it takes. In my work, it means pushing for the best version of an idea, testing my skills, and learning the parts I don’t know yet. Outside of work, it looks like training my mind and body through exercise, building discipline one workout at a time. I’ll sign up for challenges like running a marathon to see if I can meet them. Every time I keep a promise to myself, that belief gets stronger, and I get a little closer to who I’m trying to become.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell is that I made life a little lighter for the people around me. I tried to meet everyone with a smile, to bring some joy into every room, and to be the person who made hard days feel a bit more manageable. In my work and in my everyday interactions, I wanted that same spirit to show up: steady, kind, and contagious. I hope they remember that I kept smiling through the trials and tribulations, not because everything was easy, but because I believed optimism is a gift you give others. If my legacy is a trail of small moments where someone felt seen, encouraged, or simply happier, that is enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jacob.haag
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-haag-8a709521a/
- Youtube: Directed by Jacob Haag
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