Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Kaufman.

Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a very small town in Central Pennsylvania. Attended North Carolina State University for their College of Design and was recruited to play soccer there as well. After graduating, and realizing I couldn’t make any money as a professional soccer player, I started a design firm in Raleigh North Carolina. The company had Fortune 500 clients as well as Indie record label clients.

Eventually, the lack of larger and more interesting clients had me leaving Raleigh for Los Angeles. Soon after my arrival in LA, I landed at Deutsch – one of the top ad agencies in the country.

Deutsch gave me the opportunity to expand my photography and design into live action work. I am currently the VP, Director of Content at Deutsch, which basically just means that I’m a commercial director. I’ve shot pieces for brands like Volkswagen, Target, Sprint, and Taco Bell.

I get to collaborate with incredibly smart and inspiring people; agency creatives, producers, editors – it’s a long list. I love what I do.

Has it been a smooth road?
It is a highly competitive creative scene here in LA, but I can’t say that I’ve had to face any more adversity the next person. It’s just been a lot of simply putting in the work; doing your homework, logging crazy hours, and fighting for your ideas.

When you look back, what are you most proud of?
I’m not sure I’ve had a “proudest moment” yet. I’m still working on that.

Every story has ups and downs. What were some of the downs others might not be aware of?
It seems like there are always struggles in a creative field. Whether it’s a personal struggle with the creation of good ideas, or struggles with clients and co-workers to get those ideas sold through. Having said all of that, I think you’re pretty lucky to have a job as a creative, having to deal those issues.

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
I love LA. It gets a bad rep in my opinion. I’ve been lucky with the people I’ve had a chance to work with, but this city is filled with smart, passionate, and creative people. That’s not to say that it’s easy. All of those talented people make it extremely competitive. It can be both intimidating and inspiring at the same time.

Contact Info:
Website: erickaufman.photography