Conversations with Jordan Capili

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Capili

Hi Jordan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
During this time, I observed how content creators interacted with the camera. I noticed they were just like me, saying “um” and stuttering. The beauty of it all was in the editing—you can make anything look perfect. This realization led me to start creating my own content on TikTok. I decided to quit my job, with no plan other than giving myself three months to see any progression. If I didn’t, I would go back to a full-time job.

I initially posted vlog-like content for the first two months. Around the same time, I got into hiking and rock climbing. My climbing videos started to gain traction, so I decided to focus entirely on creating climbing content geared toward new climbers. Most climbing content was about the strongest climbers doing cool things. I thought, why not bring more of my personality into it and approach climbing content differently?

It has now been two years, and I’ve been lucky enough to partner with brands like REI, Degree, Rungne, and some other awesome brands.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say my journey of creating has been anything but smooth. Content creation and the climbing community don’t always go hand in hand. Some people view it very negatively. At times, I have to deal with backlash questioning why I am creating content when I am at an intermediate level of climbing. Another struggle is basing my content around a sport I am still learning. It can be difficult to perform at my best while also worrying about whether my camera is in focus or properly framed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sure, here’s a cleaned-up version:

My work is in creative direction and videography. I’ve created content for some big social media names, as well as companies like Liquid IV, Nike Health and Wellness, REI, Degree, and eBay. Most of my work is in the event space, creating recap videos for social media. I am most proud of working with REI, as it was the first brand I collaborated with on my own content, making it very special to me.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I would definitely say I learned a lot about myself during COVID. All that time alone made me look inward. Before the pandemic, I was working full-time as a barback, not going to school, and had no real plans. When COVID hit, I realized I needed to change something. So, I bought a camera on a credit card I couldn’t afford and watched as many YouTube videos as possible to learn how to use it and tell stories. This eventually led to a part-time job as a social media manager, where I ended up shooting all the content for that company in-house.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordancapili/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordancapped

Image Credits
Image credit – Philame Galicia