SNS Presents: Jacob Consenstein

New York City has been through a lot, but looking at the bright side of things has always been part of the Big Apple’s DNA. And when it comes to our latest guest, Jacob Consenstein, it’s about Manhattan as the muse of his creations. The multitalented artists’ insatiable desire to continue his craft as a photographer has made him, almost, a “street journalist” in the everchanging city, building the foundation for his sheer endless inspiration. Known for his campaign work for the likes of Reebok, NOAH, adidas, AT&T, or Converse, Jacob’s latest adventure pays homage to known and unknown creators in his documentary-style “Artist Series.” His work mixes powerful colors with a certain intimacy and complexity, and what better way to get an insight into his personality than asking the homie for a chat? Right. Check out the interview JP made with Jacob Consenstein below.

JP: First off, Happy New Year! I see you're off to a great start, you just released another volume of your “Artist Series”. You have done a few of them now how did that come about? You have some really great/inspiring profiles highlighted.

Jacob Consenstein: Thank you, I’m gearing up for another year of steady creation and progression. Wiki, who I just featured for the last Artist Series (number 015), and I released that segment with the intention of starting 2021 strong.

I started the Artist Series towards the end of 2019. The concept came about organically. A part of my mission with photography is to contextualize the current status of creation that surrounds me. I frequently find myself deeply inspired by my peers both by their art and their stories. I wanted to give those people another outlet to speak. To speak with not only by displaying their work but a snippet of how our connection is a microcosm of a larger web of connections. That large web is what I am attempting to capture. In that way giving viewers context of what is being made from the micro of a singular artist to the macro of a whole city. Right now all of the artists I feature are New York based or New Yorkers. I intend to do 100 segments within the city. The long term plan is to eventually circuit throughout states and countries conducting sessions of the Artist Series.

JP: How much influence does the city have on your work? You capture NYC in a unique way and it is evident in your work.

Jacob: New York City in particular Manhattan is one of my first and most influential inspirations. It continues to be the reason I photograph. The moment you step foot out of your home you see something for the first time. The city allows me to experience and witness something new at every turn every day. The diversity of experiences that I gain daily deeply influences my work. Others who live in less economically and culturally diverse places do not get that privilege nor that perspective. I am attempting to share this with the people who interact with my photography. My connection with the city - it’s streets and habitants - is extremely intimate and that is reflected in my photos. The way I capture New York is MY way, the things that humble me, that have built me into who I am and that will continue to actualize who I am meant to be.

JP: If you didn’t have this connection would you still be taking photos? I can sense a lot of passion is involved in what you do.

Jacob: Most definitely! I don’t know what else I would be doing other than photography. There was a long period of time I felt like I was not exceptional at anything. I had a hard time in school, my hobbies that I enjoyed such as illustrating and basketball I did not excel at. Photography found me, lifted me up, and sent me down a clear path. I picked up a camera and never put it down. The first rolls of film I developed and scanned made me feel exceptional for the first time. I knew I could dedicate my love to photography in that moment. My connection to photography is not only rooted in my inspirations but more deeply in my sense of purpose.

JP: It’s always fulfilling when you get those film rolls back, it's a one of a kind feeling!

Some of your more recent work includes New Yorkers throughout the early days of NYC shutdown due to covid/pandemic. What was that like for you? You have some amazing portraits of New Yorkers throughout that time.

Jacob: Yes! The beginning of lockdown in New York City was challenging. When all non essential businesses started closing their doors in March I lost my job. This was the first time without a day job since getting out of high school. Having a lot of free time was something that felt foreign to me. Those first months of quarantine I took that free time to take photo walks taking all the precautions I could. My friend Snoeman encouraged me to be out and about to observe the city in its unprecedented state. To be with the people that continued to inhabit the city despite the dangers COVID presents - essential workers and the people who didn't have the means to leave was very special. Photographing during those moments and those people was surreal. During that time I built a large collection of portraits and scenery capturing just that. Those photos are a celebration of those people and an ode to our resilience as a city.

JP: How much more did those people and seeing this first hand make you appreciate being a New Yorker?

Jacob: I've always been a very proud New Yorker. Resilience and comradery are part of the DNA of New York. To see those aspects enriched during the pandemic made me extremely proud. I feel very connected to the city, this definitely strengthened my appreciation.

JP: I think many New Yorkers can agree with you on this!

What is brewing for this year? Anything you can let us in on?

Jacob: For sure! Like I said, lots of new features for my Artist Series. You will be seeing less personal work from me this year on social media. I am working very hard on telling and solidifying my story with my personal work behind the scenes. More commercial gigs, look-book, editorial work, and footwear shoots of course!

I think many New Yorkers can agree with you on this!