Joe of two trades

JOE MAKENI, 27, is an engineer with the knack for photography. He spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA on how and why he branched into media production.

Q: What do you do for a living?

JM; I am a professional photographer and also run Frontline Media, a media company.

Q: What does your job entail?

JM: Taking photographs is just a small part of it. My job entails a lot of marketing and putting my work out there to attract clients. When I am not shooting or editing, I am sending quotes and proposals, or making new contacts.

Q: Shed some light on your work history?

 JM: I first worked as a computer lab administrator at Strathmore School from 2005 to 2006. I then moved jobs becoming a civil and structural engineer at Apex Systems Consulting Group that lasted from 2011 unto last year. I then left to direct Frontline Media.

Q: What do you love about what you do?

JM: The ability to create and actualise what I see in my mind. I love the creative freedom that most clients give me, as it helps to challenge my creativity. I also love the fact that I am my own boss, and so I get to have control of my time and what I do.

Q: Are there challenges in your line of work?

JM: Yes, there are. Generally, there is a lack of standards in the industry. There are no set minimum requirements in terms of creativity, education equipment, technical capability, and skill level. All these have implications on the level of service offered and the creative’s portfolio. Most clients will just compare quotations without looking at the portfolios. Have a look at a few bill-boards and you will see what I mean.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your background?

JM: I am the second born among four siblings. We moved to Nairobi from Busia when I was seven. I was a happy but quiet introverted child; the one who got along with everyone. I was also very curious and mischievous and I would get my siblings into trouble every so often.

Q: What was your childhood dream?

JM: For a long time my dream was just to grow up. I thought older people were cool and they could buy whatever they wanted. My school had a distant view of the Wilson Airport and its flight path and so like the other kids in school, I also wanted to be a pilot. As I got older, however, things changed.

Q: What did you study in college?

JM: I studied Civil and Structural Engineering at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology from 2006 to 2010 graduating with Honours.

Q: How has your degree helped you in your day-to-day job?

JM: Engineering taught me a lot of project management skills which I use every day. My attention to detail was also greatly enhanced both in school and the one year I practised engineering. The greatest gain was the fact that five years of studying what is considered the widest engineering field, tremendously opened my mind. I have an understanding of how the world works.

Q: Any advice for youth who want to follow your career path?

JM: Take your time. Do not rush. Buying a big camera does not make you a photographer. You have to invest a lot of time in it before it bears fruit. I started taking photos in 2005 and I only monetised the skill in 2011. I still have a lot to work on, and I do not think learning ever ends; it is continuous circle.

Q: What are your future plans?

JM: My plan is to grow Frontlite Media into a 360 Degrees advertising agency. I am also keen on venturing into the tourism sector.

Q: What do you do for fun?

JM: I play squash, go for camping or shoot personal projects. A good movie or documentary also works for me.