Daily Inspiration: Meet Justin Comandatore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Comandatore.

Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey really stems from a drive to build and create, starting from humble beginnings in Aurora, Ohio. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, earning my degree in Electronic Media Production. I always wanted to push my limits, so after graduation, I moved to California. There, I started shooting professional photography for several major companies.

Eventually, I partnered with some friends from back home to work at a creative agency, where we produced everything from high-end brand content to large-scale festivals. But no matter how much success I found out West, I always felt a pull to bring that experience back home. I recently moved to Beachwood because I am deeply passionate about building up my own community. Today, I serve as the Marketing Director for the Salerno Group, leading the marketing strategy across their diverse portfolio of restaurants, event spaces, and cannabis brands.

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?
The road was never smooth for me. I started with no funds. Moving to the west coast, I had two suitcases and a couple thousand dollars. While doing event photography, covid hit and destroyed my cliental. Through every hardship, I remembered what it felt like to start from the bottom and made any position I was currently in feel like less weight.

You have to always keep pushing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started shooting content in high school. I used to produce the morning announcements and make funny videos for school projects. I was enrolled in a special program called excel tech which gave me an opportunity to focus on broadcasting. I am most proud that I never stopped creating and expressing my passions through photography, videography and design and created a career out of it.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A lot of my resources I use to help me are actually completely different than my passions. I watch a lot of comedy podcasts that take my mind away from the stress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studiocytrus.com
• Instagram: studiocytrus
• LinkedIn: Justin Comandatore