Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Carpenter
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and creating things with my hands, whether it was building something in the garage or capturing a moment through a lens. My journey into filmmaking and visual arts really started when a close friend and mentor, Caleb Morris, taught me the fundamentals of videography. Which from what I remember was filming my first wedding back in 2014.
I started taking on small projects—everything from shooting events to making videos for friends—and slowly began to build a client base. I’ve tried to take my business full-time more than once, and I definitely fell on my face a couple of those times. But each time, I learned something new and came back stronger. What I’ve realized is that the more I want something, the harder I’m willing to work for it.
Along the way, I’ve had a ton of support from people who believed in me and gave me real opportunities and introduced me to the right people which in this industry is crucial!
I’ve also leaned into what sets me apart: my focus on detail and color, my ability to tell a visual story, and the experience I bring to my clients—not just in the final product, but in how easy and enjoyable I make the process. Over time, I’ve built up a strong portfolio, some great long-term client relationships, and a brand that reflects both who I am and what I care about.
Today, I run Cole Carpenter Visual Arts full-time and work with a mix of brands—many of them local, and some of them clients-turned-friends. Every project is a chance to keep leveling up, and I’m grateful to be doing something I genuinely love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I think that’s part of what makes it all worth it. Like I mentioned before, I tried going full-time a few times before it actually worked, and those early attempts were tough. There were times I took on projects I didn’t love just to pay the bills, and moments where I seriously questioned if I could make it doing this full-time.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the creative side with the business side. It’s one thing to be good at making videos or taking photos—but running a business, building client relationships, managing your time, and staying consistent with quality takes a whole different mindset.
I also had to learn patience. In the beginning, it’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not moving fast enough. But I’ve realized that growth takes time, and the best thing you can do is stay focused on your own path and keep showing up.
Through it all, one of the biggest blessings has been the support of my wife, Brittany. She runs her own full-time local business, Desert Roots, and truly understands the grind. Having a partner who not only supports you but also pushes you makes a huge difference. She’s been my biggest fan and motivator, and being on this journey with someone who’s building something of their own has made the hard days easier and the wins even more meaningful.
That kind of support—along with people who believed in me early on—played a huge role in helping me stay the course and grow into what I’m doing now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a full-time filmmaker and visual artist running my own brand, CCVA (Cole Carpenter Visual Arts). I specialize in cinematic photo and video content for a variety of clients—ranging from local restaurants and small businesses to product-driven brands, especially in the automotive and outdoor space.
A big part of what I’m known for is how I capture detail and color. From the beginning, I’ve focused on visuals that feel rich, intentional, and immersive—whether it’s shooting in a dimly lit garage, studio space, event space, business or capturing golden-hour shots of my Tacoma out in the desert.
A small piece of my work also involves sponsored content with brands that support my build. Everything on my truck—from the suspension to the wheels, lighting, tires, and wrap—is from companies I work with directly. I actively use their products and create ongoing content that highlights them in real-world conditions. It’s not just staged—I’m out there actually running the gear and showing people how it performs.
What sets me apart is not just the look of my work, but the way I work. I make the process collaborative and easy for my clients. I care just as much about the experience as I do the end result, and I want the people I work with to feel like they’re part of something creative and dialed-in. The heartbeat of my business is creating long-lasting working relationships. If we do a project together once, I want to be your guy until I retire or my back gives out!
I’m especially proud of how far I’ve come—from small, scrappy shoots to building a brand and a business that reflects who I am and what I’m passionate about. Every client, every project, and every mile on the truck has been part of the journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Dayton is the people and the creative energy. There’s a strong community of small business owners, artists, and makers who really support each other. It feels like everyone’s rooting for each other to win, and that’s something you don’t find everywhere. I also love how many solid local spots there are—from coffee shops to restaurants to music stores—and a lot of those places are owned by people I’ve had the chance to work with. That kind of connection makes the work I do feel even more meaningful.
As for what I like least—I think Dayton has so much potential, but sometimes it feels like it takes a while for momentum to build here. There’s so much talent and drive in this city, but we don’t always get the spotlight we deserve. I’d love to see more investment in creative spaces, better support for local entrepreneurs, and a stronger push to keep things growing and evolving.
That said, I’ve built my business here, my community is here, and I’m proud to be a part of what’s happening in Dayton. There’s a lot of good here—and I think the best is still ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colecarpentervisualart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colecarpenter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CCVA-media/featured
