What does it take to turn a small-town kid into one of the most influential photographers in the world? For Jeremy Cowart (jeremycowart.com), it wasn’t talent, wealth, or connections—it was curiosity, resilience, and a passion for creating.

Every great story follows a three-act structure. It begins with a problem, hits a turning point in the middle, and resolves with a powerful ending. It’s called a Story Arc, and it’s the framework of every true story—including Jeremy’s.

Not long ago, I attended the Story Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where Jeremy shared his remarkable journey. His story proves that no matter where you start, you can create something extraordinary too.

Act 1: The Problem

Jeremy grew up in a small town outside Nashville, Tennessee. He didn’t think he was smart, struggled to pay attention, and made poor grades. Teachers labeled him a poor listener, and his classmates didn’t see him as someone destined for success.

But in 7th grade, Jeremy discovered something that changed his life: he could draw. Whenever he created, something came alive inside him. Art gave him purpose, and he began to take it seriously.

When it came time for college, painting was all Jeremy knew. His parents, however, encouraged him to pursue a more practical career:

"It’s going to be hard to make a living as a painter. You should look into graphic design and computers."

Reluctantly, Jeremy followed their advice—and it set him on a new path.

Act 2: The Turning Point

In college, Jeremy fell in love with Photoshop while studying graphic design. After graduating, he landed a job at a high-end ad agency. But just a year in, he was fired. His boss told him to find another career.

Instead of giving up, Jeremy worked at a few more ad agencies, but he quickly realized the work wasn’t fulfilling. Around that time, he had friends in the music industry, and he began designing album covers and websites for them.

Then came the twist.

A friend suggested, “You should buy this new thing called a digital camera.” Armed with a 3-megapixel Canon G-1 camera and a book called Digital Photography for Dummies, Jeremy started taking portraits of his musician friends for fun. To his surprise, big record labels began paying him for his work.

Act 3: The After

Jeremy’s photography career took off. One day, he competed for a major record label account against celebrity photographers represented by a top Hollywood agent. And with his 3-megapixel camera, Jeremy got the job.

The Hollywood agent called Jeremy, saying, “I’d like to represent you. Your work is amazing.”

Within weeks, Jeremy was shooting for E! and FOX, working with music legends like Sting, and photographing some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Since then, Jeremy has published four photography books, had his work featured in major publications, and attracted over a million followers online. The Huffington Post called him The Most Influential Photographer on the Internet.

What Made Jeremy’s Story So Compelling?

As I watched Jeremy share his story, I realized something important: Jeremy didn’t start with special talents, insider connections, or cutting-edge gear.

What he had was:

• Curiosity: A desire to explore new tools like Photoshop and digital photography.
• Resilience: The ability to ignore the voices telling him to quit.
• Passion: A love for creating that set his work apart.

Jeremy’s story reminds us that success doesn’t come from a perfect start—it comes from the willingness to learn, adapt, and push forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

The Takeaway

Your story might feel like it’s still in Act 1, filled with challenges and uncertainties. But just like Jeremy’s, your story arc can lead to something incredible if you focus on doing great work, one step at a time.

You don’t need the best tools, the perfect connections, or a flawless start. What you need is curiosity, passion, and the commitment to hone your craft. You could be the next Jeremy Cowart. You could create at a level that gets attention.

Your Call to Action

Do Great Work, and People Will Find You.Your next chapter starts now. Reflect on your unique talents and passions, embrace the challenges ahead, and fall in love with the creative process. Your story is waiting to be told. How will you write it?

Visit paulstevenforrest.com for tools, resources, and insights to help you create a story worth telling.