Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerick Carino.
Jerick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, as a videographer and photographer, I would like to say that it all started way back when I used to be a graffiti writer. During that time, I decided that I wanted to try and make graffiti videos of my work so I used a little camcorder that used tiny VHS cassette tapes and I would just film my process of me painting. I would also try and take cool artsy shots of my pieces back then with my dad’s old film camera because the thought of having pictures of my work on 35mm film was cool to me.
As the years went by I got better and better developing an eye for composition when I would film and take photos of my graffiti which would eventually lead me to be coming to an actual videographer and photographer. I am also a producer, ever since the late ’90s and early 2000s, my brother would make beats on his Akai mpc1000 and fruity loops and I’ve never thought anything of it because it was just regular part of my life. But as time went on and I started to fall in love with hip-hop more, I would just listen to beats all day.
Funny thing is I fell into a phase where I was rapping for a couple of years but found out quickly that I’d rather be a producer instead. I’ve now done multiple shows around my town and met very talented likeminded people, and that was all thanks to supportive hip-hop community in San Diego. If it weren’t for everyone in Park & Wreck Collective and HipHopWeds, I’d still be making beats in my bedroom.
So at the end of the day, I would like the say that, in general, helped me figure out my career path as I chose to pursue my passion as a cinematographer. Now I’ve filmed multiple weddings, shot for local businesses, done tons of music videos, and now I’m slowly trying to get into documentary work and short biographical videos of locals here in San Diego.
And as for my name “Carinoe,” it is just my last name because I wanted to represent my family’s name Carino, but I added an E to my name as a tribute to my old graffiti name which also ended with OE. It’s pretty silly, but the OE in my name is also supposed to represent my youth back when I was a teenager drinking a lot of Old English beer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a photographer and producer has been a pretty smooth ride so far. But being a videographer is a different story. When I first started out, I would quickly find out that people try to become your friends just to get a quick video instead of appreciating all the time and creative thought process that I would put into it.
There are also a lot of times where I’ve lost important files for clients, batteries dying out on me, losing memory cards, gear breaking down on me, and working with tons of difficult people. It sucks, but I hustled my way up to get the gear I wanted and try to keep myself motivated. There were even times when I wanted to quit and just sell all my gear, but one of my good friends told me it wasn’t a good idea.
My batteries still die during shoots though haha. I remember a few years back when I used to work at my first job, I would juggle my freelance gigs with work and one day I asked for a day off in advance because I had an upcoming gig, and my boss texted me something along the lines like “You will never get anywhere filming low budget porn videos” … I was going to film a wedding.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Carinoe story. Tell us more about the business.
I used to hustle hard trying to get my name out there as a freelance videographer which helped me get all the gear I wanted and help connect me with potential clients, but nowadays I just do it because I love it. But if you get asked to do a serious video, then we can take it to the business side of it.
I’m really particular on who I work with nowadays, but on occasion, I would just film music videos and videos for local businesses. I guess you can say I specialize in music videos, but I’m currently trying to grow out of that and film more documentary work.
Compared to other videographers, I guess I’m known for a very quick turn around and filming with the least gear possible. I’ve never liked the idea of carrying thousands of dollars worth of gear on me. Don’t get me wrong, gear does help a lot, but it also has its limitations especially if your a run and gun videographer like me.
To be completely honest, I’m never proud of my work. I may like it, but once I’m done with it, I’m already focusing on my next project. I guess what sets me apart from others is that I try to capture a lot of movement in my shots, and I really try to focus on the composition and rule of thirds. And I’d like to say my editing style is a bit different from others.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I had any luck. People don’t know this, but I try to keep my self motivated by taking on tons of projects because I just want to quit most of the time.
But every time I look back to how it all started for me, I just keep it pushing, and it has always paid off.
Pricing:
- Photography prints – $150-$300
- Videos – $150-$2,500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vimeo.com/carinoe
- Email: jerickcarino@ymail.com
Image Credit:
Nanzi Muro, Glorissa Rodriguez
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