The Profitable Creative

Joe Van Wyk is a photographer, designer, and storyteller whose passion for visual art and the outdoors began at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. After earning a liberal arts degree and an MBA, he transitioned from business to creative work in photography, videography, and design.

In Austin, TX, Joe created Street Portraits, a photo series that led to a benefit art show for a homeless shelter. Mentored by street photographers like Thorsten Overgaard and Eric Kim, he later launched a YouTube channel focused on urban street photography and storytelling.

Joe’s professional experience spans brand marketing, publishing, and commercial media. At the City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation, his photo of a therapeutic climbing wall won the 2023 NRPA magazine cover contest. In 2024, he published The Mindful Photography Field Guide, helping people use smartphone photography to foster mindfulness and connection.