By SGN | 6 Jun 2025
When José Jeuland moved to Singapore in 2016, it wasn’t for work—it was for love.
He met his wife, Shanthi, while splitting his time between the United States and France. Their bond led him to relocate to Singapore to build a life together.
“She’s Singaporean, and when we decided to create a future, Singapore naturally became our home,” he says.
What started as a personal choice soon sparked a new professional journey. Just two years after settling in, José founded Coco Creative Studio, a commercial photography and video production house known for its polished visuals and powerful storytelling.
While José built the studio from the ground up, Shanthi launched its sister company, Coco PR Agency. Together, they created a unique ecosystem based on shared ambition and mutual support, blending life and work seamlessly.
Now based in Singapore, José continues to blend precision with heart in every frame. Whether directing a campaign or capturing the quiet strength of documentary subjects, his mission remains clear: to tell stories with honesty, clarity, and soul.
Adjusting to life in Singapore
For José, settling into Singapore meant diving into its fast-paced and colourful culture.
Growing up in the quiet countryside of Brittany, France, José’s early years were shaped by the stillness of rural life, surrounded by farmland, open skies, and a close-knit community.
Life moved at a slower pace, and creativity often came from solitude and introspection. So, moving to the fast-paced, hyper-connected cityscape of Singapore was a striking change.
“Adjusting to life in Singapore was a mix of excitement and learning,” José reflects. “It’s such a vibrant, multicultural city with an energy that’s completely different from where I grew up. The tropical climate, the food, the architecture; everything was new, and I found it refreshing.”
But beyond the surface-level differences, there were deeper shifts to navigate, especially within the creative industry.
In France, José was used to a creative culture steeped in tradition, where artists often worked independently and followed well-worn paths. In Singapore, however, he was thrown into an environment that was fast-evolving and collaborative—one that encouraged experimentation and crossover between different fields.
“Working here is very collaborative,” he explains. “In France, creatives tend to be more individualistic, focusing on their own process. But in Singapore, teamwork is central. There’s a real emphasis on co-creation, and that took some getting used to.”
He found himself drawn to the city’s burgeoning start-up culture, where innovation was not just encouraged but expected. Joining local photography networks and creative meetups gave him invaluable insight into the Singaporean market and introduced him to a community of like-minded storytellers.
“Meeting other creatives helped me understand how things worked here and opened up a lot of collaborative opportunities,” he shares. “There’s so much energy and openness in these spaces. It really pushed me to adapt and grow.”
Over time, José embraced the cultural contrasts and began weaving them into his own artistic approach.
“Living in Singapore has helped me evolve in ways that would’ve been much harder to achieve back in France,” he says. “It’s taught me to balance my roots while embracing the pace and diversity that Singapore offers.”
Creatively, the multicultural backdrop of the city has been a major influence. Being exposed to such a rich mix of perspectives has inspired him to experiment with bold visuals, blend different styles, and craft stories that speak across cultures.
“There’s a real appreciation here for both heritage and innovation,” he adds. “That duality has shaped the way I work, with a respect for detail, but also a desire to push boundaries.”
Starting from scratch: Building Coco Creative in Singapore
When José first arrived in Singapore, he didn’t have a studio, a client base, or an established network in the local creative scene. What he had was a vision and a quiet determination to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Launching COCO Creative Studio in 2018 was equal parts risk and reward. In the early days, José had to navigate the challenges of entering a saturated market while still building his portfolio.
Competing with more experienced creatives meant going the extra mile, such as delivering consistently strong work, investing carefully in better gear, and slowly earning the trust of agencies and clients.
“I had to be very disciplined financially,” he recalls. “Each step, whether it was buying equipment or renting a bigger space, took time and planning. But I had a clear vision, and that kept me going.”
His persistence paid off. Today, Coco Creative Studio is recognised as one of Singapore’s leading commercial photography and video production houses, known for polished visuals and emotionally resonant storytelling.
The studio has worked with an impressive range of clients, including The North Face, Electrolux, and Publicis Health, and continues to attract brands that value strong creative direction and a refined visual identity.
José’s photography has also been featured in publications like National Geographic and The New York Times Style Magazine.
His personal projects, such as Haenyeo, which documents the lives of Jeju Island’s iconic female free divers, and Longevity Okinawa, a series exploring the lives of Japan’s longest-living communities, have received acclaim for their honesty and cultural depth.
While José thrives on independent execution and continuous self-improvement, immersing himself in Singapore’s start-up culture has sharpened his instincts as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
“The city’s fast pace and collaborative energy have pushed me to refine my creative process and adapt quickly to the diverse needs of clients, whether local or global,” he reflects.
A day in a life in Singapore, from a French perspective
No two days are ever the same at Coco Creative Studio, but one thing remains constant for José Jeuland: his dedication to his craft.
On most weekdays, José starts his day early, arriving at the studio by 8 a.m. When there are shoots, he’s often on set as early as 6 or 7 a.m. “In recent months, we’ve had shoots almost every day, so it’s been very hands-on and intense,” he shares.
The studio’s work flows through four main stages: pitching ideas, pre-production planning, production on set, and finally post-production editing and delivery. Some days are spent drafting proposals and storyboarding concepts. Others revolve around directing and camera work. When the shoot wraps, the focus shifts to editing and fine-tuning the final product.
Despite the demanding hours—often 12 to 14 a day—José has found a way to balance work with the vibrant life Singapore offers. Living close to East Coast Park, he often unwinds with a run or a bike ride there. “It’s important for me to stay connected to nature and the community. East Coast Park is one of my favourite spots in the city,” he says.
Creatively, Singapore’s rich art scene has been a constant source of inspiration. “The museums and art events here are fantastic. There’s always something new to discover, though I wish I had more time to explore them all,” José laughs.
Assimilating into Singaporean life has been a journey of curiosity and appreciation. Over the years, José has embraced some local quirks, picking up bits of Singlish such as lah and leh through casual conversations. “It’s part of the local charm, and I love how it adds flavour to everyday communication,” he explains.
Food has been another joyful way for him to connect with Singapore’s culture. “The food here is incredible! I’ve grown to love local favourites like chicken rice and laksa. There’s always something new to try.”
What’s next for Coco Creative Studio
Now, after nearly a decade in Singapore, José is expanding his creative footprint internationally. Coco Creative Studio is opening a new branch in France, allowing the team to take on bigger and more ambitious campaigns across continents.
Singapore will remain the heart of the business, a base that José credits for shaping his creative and entrepreneurial journey.
Alongside growing the studio, José is exploring new passions. One exciting project is launching his own gin brand, Mystique. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says enthusiastically.
For creatives finding their way in Singapore or anywhere else, José’s advice is simple: stay committed, stay hungry, and never settle. “Give your best work and keep pushing your limits. Success comes from hard work, a clear vision, and the courage to adapt.”
“Moving to a new place—whether for love or career—can open doors to growth, connection, and fresh creative horizons. My story is still unfolding, with Singapore playing a starring role in the chapters yet to come,” he concludes.
About José
José Jeuland is the Founder and Creative Director of Coco Creative Studio, a leading production house in Singapore and Paris. Specialising in commercial photography, video, and VFX, he has worked with top brands like Adidas and Hilton, with his work featured in National Geographic and The New York Times Style Magazine.
Connect with him.
