Jonathan Zoeteman: What It Really Takes to Create for the Long Haul

Artist Date

As we wrap Season 1 of Artist Date, we’re closing out with a deeply grounding and thoughtful conversation with Calgary-based photographer, writer, and creative entrepreneur Jonathan Zoeteman. A Canon ambassador and co-founder of the creative community Socality and House A31, Jonathan shares insights on burnout, creative flow, and why the long game matters more than ever in our fast-paced world.

In this episode, Nicole and Jonathan dive into how staying connected to curiosity, rest, and rhythm can help us avoid burnout and build more meaningful creative lives. From his first photo of a future NHL goalie to hosting large-scale community events with Canon, Jonathan’s journey is a testament to following your passion, building community, and staying true to yourself—without rushing the process.

What to Expect:

• Jonathan’s early beginnings in photography and creative community building
• The origin and evolution of Socality and the power of in-person creative experiences
• Reflections on burnout, sustainability, and building “recovery systems” as a creative
• Writing on Substack and using personal reflections as creative practice
• The difference between creative output for validation vs. curiosity
• Becoming a Canon ambassador and the value of loyalty and long-term vision
• Why the “slow burn” is often the most rewarding path

Key Quotes:

“What are the things we need to do in life that bring us back into the flow, keep us in that river—which is where we're most creative, where we're most aligned?”

“Photography found me. I never said I wanted to be a photographer. But looking back, I realize the signs were always there.”

“You can’t live a meaningful creative life long-term without solving your own problems first.”

“Creativity isn’t rocket science. It’s showing up, making something, shipping it—and doing it again.”

Connect with Jonathan:

• Instagram: @jonathanzoeteman
• Substack: @jonathanzoeteman
• Socality Events: @socality

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Thank you for joining us for Season 1! We’ll be back in September with a brand new season full of honest conversations, creative truth-telling, and stories to inspire your next big leap. Until then, take time to rest, refill your creative well—and maybe even go on a few artist dates of your own.