Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob.
Hi Jacob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2021, near the end of the pandemic, I was working at a salon when a friend opened a restaurant in New Smyrna Beach. I began helping with photography and social media, which eventually led to managing the restaurant for two and a half years. During that time, I organized events, curated ambiance, and built community—especially with artists from the nearby Hub on Canal. When Jane’s Art Center transitioned under the Hub, I was offered and accepted a gallery management position. Though my background is in retail and hospitality, my passion for art and creating meaningful spaces naturally led me to this role, where my focus is on fostering community through creativity as the Community and Curatorial Director.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In this role, I face new challenges every day. Without formal gallery training, I’ve learned the importance of listening—gathering feedback before making decisions and understanding what the community wants to see and share. Much of my work has been self-taught, guided by my practice as a painter and a commitment to learning. Whenever possible, I take classes from our local artists to better understand their creative processes and strengthen our sense of community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My personal art practice is still evolving. I’m not yet focused on publicly exhibiting my work—I’m in a stage of exploration, discovering what truly resonates with me as an artist. I began with photography, studying hairstyling to improve my portrait compositions, which sparked a deep love for photographing people in a natural, journalistic style. My goal eventually shifted toward painting portraits, allowing me to create my own subjects and characters.
Through this process, I’ve taught myself to paint using online resources, driven by curiosity rather than perfection. I enjoy learning new techniques, even when I’m unfamiliar with the terminology, and I value the therapeutic nature of creating without pressure. Ultimately, my strength lies in my openness to learn, my passion for connection, and my drive to build the kind of creative community I want to be part of. Starting this artistic journey later in life has made me especially proud of how far I’ve come—and how much I continue to grow.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out is to be patient with yourself. I stepped into this role unexpectedly, but it turned out to align perfectly with what I had envisioned. Stay curious, keep learning, and take things day by day. Listen more than you speak, and make sure you’re surrounded by the right team. Learn a bit about every part of your field—especially the administrative side—and practice balancing creativity with business. Most of all, stay open, patient, and willing to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehuboncanal.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehuboncanal/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/janes_art_center/
Image Credits
All photos belong to me, Jacob Coronado
