Meet Erik Otto | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik Otto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For as long as I can remember, I found the act of creative expression to be a fundamental aspect in my life. From watching my parents stress over money, I never wanted to feel locked into a career for the sole purpose of working to pay bills. Having a sense of purpose was important to me and I was fortunate enough to realize early on how I could serve others with my creative work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work comes from a deep desire to better understand my purpose and role in this finite moment we call life – it’s an outward result of an inner journey. I remind myself each day to remain humble and hungry, but most importantly curious, and what makes me most proud is how I have turned challenges into opportunities and managed to always pivot during times when most people would have easily given up. Resilience, patience, and grit can not be taught and can only be earned through applying oneself over and over again. Faith without works is dead and I’ve never been the one to wait for opportunities to come to me. No one is ever going to remember the times I failed and only the times I succeeded, so even when the pain of something feels overwhelming, I accept that it’s a necessary part of my growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up in the outdoors a beautiful California has made me a nature loving person at heart, but nothing excites me more than immersing myself in bigger cities. I currently live in New York City which can feel like the center of the world at times. Everyone knows the greatest hits, so my favorite thing to do is to set off on bike or foot with no real agenda and let the chaotic rhythm of it all guide you into experiences you never could have planned. I live in the middle of Chinatown so I often like to share with others the history and local spots that are unique to that area. Typical places I like to hang out are roof tops, parks, all along the waterfronts, and my wonderful Brooklyn studio. If I have to step foot indoors, I often look for places with either a pool table or a dance floor.

In my 5 years here and I can almost guarantee I have seen more of this city than even people who grew up here. I like to explore (a lot) and have biked every bridge and borough. When I first moved here, I would take each subway to the end of line, get off at the last stop, and slowly walk home gaining a new perspective each time — it’s a form of urban hiking and anyone who hangs out with me long enough will be doing some of that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom for reminding to me live from a place of selfless love. My high school art teachers for pointing me in the right direction. My college teachers and peers for encouraging my wild ideas. My first business partner Deny who taught me graphic design and how to run a business. The SF Bay Area for its influence in developing my creative and entrepreneurial spirit. All my first clients and collectors who took a chance on me. And my long list of mentors and professional life coaches past and present, Jonathan Fung, Jack Halloway, Graham Loft, Matthew Chen, Olivia Ongpin, Justin Martinkovic, Deborah Munk, Toula Mylonakis, Maya Hayuk, Tony Rivera, Ali, Debra, and my brother.

Website: www.erikotto.com

Instagram: erikotto

Linkedin: erikottostudio

Facebook: erikottostudio

Image Credits
Tatum Mangus, Chris Willmore, Jonathan Kishimoto, Brad Caberto, & Shaun Roberts