Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Chene.
Hi Ethan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Optic Studios out of a deep love for storytelling and visual design. As a Douglas Anderson School of the Arts alum, creativity and discipline have always been part of my foundation. Building Optic was about more than just creating. It was about connecting. I saw a real need for businesses in my local community to have their stories told with clarity and purpose. That’s been my focus from day one: to support local entrepreneurs and nonprofits, highlight their missions, and help them grow through strong visual identity and smart strategy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Starting a creative business means wearing a lot of hats. Creative, strategic, and operational roles can all be overwhelming at times. I’m still in the thick of it, figuring things out as I go. There were moments early on, and still today, when balancing client work with backend systems, financial planning, and growth feels like a stretch. Building trust as a new studio and proving value in a saturated market takes time. But every challenge pushes me to stay focused on what matters most: creating work that genuinely supports the people and missions I care about.
We’ve been impressed with Optic Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Optic Studios is a creative studio rooted in visual storytelling. We specialize in supporting businesses with multimedia solutions, including photo, video, drone work, web design, and social media management. Our style blends modern aesthetics with a timeless, intentional feel. What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our ability to craft visual content that not only looks good but actually supports the mission behind it. We’re known for creating visuals that feel personal, high-quality, and strategically aligned with each client’s goals.
Our brand is built on clarity, connection, and creativity. We’re proud of how we’ve been able to help local businesses and nonprofits build their identity and share their stories in ways that feel authentic and impactful. Whether it’s a cinematic brand video, elevated product photos, or a clean, conversion-ready website, everything we do is tailored to serve the people we work with. The goal is not just to impress, but to actually move the needle.
At the core of Optic Studios is a commitment to supporting others. We’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to build real value, one story at a time.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Jacksonville. As someone who was born and raised here, I have a soft spot for my city and always will. The energy here is shifting. You can feel it. New ideas, new businesses, and new communities are taking root, and I want to be part of building that future.
Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t like about it. Like any city, there are things that could improve, but I see that as part of the process. Growth takes time, and I’m excited to be here while it happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.optic-studios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chene.films
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticstudios
