Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Almquist
Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Erica Almquist. I am a creative brand photographer and music artist based in Cincinnati, OH. I work in marketing by day and the creative arts by night. I started as a violinist growing up and fell into photography as more of a hobby when I was 13 years old. I would spend (much to my parents’ dismay) so much time learning about photography, sometimes staying up until 4am researching techniques and example projects. At the same time, I started learning how to product/compose music, sing and find my way around a Digital Audio Workspace (DAW).
During college, I went to Seoul, South Korea for 2 years where I learned the Korean language and fell in love with fashion/street photography. I continued to build my portfolio and write music in secret.
After graduating from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in International Studies, I used to think I was going to be a diplomat one day, I started at Pomme Communications where I fell in love with the Public Relations/Marketing world, all while shooting lifestyle photography (couples, portraits, families, engagements). It was during this time I discovered my love for shooting and working with products and started shooting what I have coined lifestyle brand photography.
In 2022, I released my debut single Salty with my best friend Lindsay Tatman. From there, I’ve released singles here and there and have continued to build and fine tune my debut EP.
I ended up working in marketing for a candy manufacturer before moving to a new position that fueled my love for planning and creative brand activation in April of 2024. During this time, I rebranded my photography business and became fully integrated into the product/fashion world and exclusively shoot commercial work currently.
I just released my new single, Best Thing That You’ll Never Have on Galentine’s Day February 13, 2025 and my debut EP has a tentative release date for May 1st.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles along the way. 2023 was the toughest year for me and my art. I burned out working on projects I had no passion for and ultimately struggled deeply with my sole purpose and mental health. It was during this time, things fell through with my music projects, I experienced losses in my family and thought about quitting photography and music altogether. I also suffered from using alcohol as a crutch to get through life. It was during this time, I was so money focused and not worried about the quality of my art that I produced some of the worst work for clients. My music was at a standstill and I received a lot of negative feedback from people I was working with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a marketer by day, I specialize in creative brand activations, social media marketing and event planning.
By night, I’m a creative brand photographer specializing in product, lifestyle product and fashion.
I also create and release R&B Pop music under the artist name ERICA.
My creative endeavors fall under the business name Erica Almquist Artistry and my record label is RWG Records.
I am most proud of my 2024 rebrand. It was a quiet and tough time integrating and standing on these changes. It took a lot for people to change the way they viewed me and my art.
What sets me apart from others is my true love for creating an experience from start to finish. From my music to my photography projects to my marketing, I want to add something beautiful to this world. I want to create and leave behind a feeling with everything I do.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I write, compose and produce everything that comes out of me musically. I may not do the final touches, like mixing and mastering, but everything is me. Even the cover art and visual brand assets are all me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericaalmquist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica.almquist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaAlmquistPhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-almquist-7abb28184/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@0fficiallyERICA
