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

Hi erica, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I am.
And most people might find that vain or off putting, but no, I am the most important factor behind my success. My belief in myself, my dedication to my craft, the long hours I put in, the focus on my mental, physical, and emotional health, it’s all me. No one is going to put in that work but me and no one benefits from that work more than I do.
My success (or lack there of) is completely dependent on me.

And after that comes the most supportive community a girl could ever ask for.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a hybrid – a professional creative operating in that sweet spot of art & marketable business strategy. I accidentally started my career in an ad agency. What was supposed to just be a marketing job turned into full photo + video + social media marketing + strategy and media production. That was 14 years ago and I’m still kicking ass at it so I’m doing something right.

I love a good editorial. There is something about creating magazine-worthy imagery for art’s sake and then seeing it published multiple times in digital and print that is absolutely incredible feeling.

It makes me feel like art matters. And seeing my art, my vision, my crazy genius and OCD be valuable for business is something I am so proud of. Like, what do you mean my photos got your business generating millions and fulfilling your wildest dreams?! That’s crazy, and I love it.

There is power in visuals, in media, in storytelling, and in strategy and I love harmonizing those things together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ahhhhh, I don’t want to tell the secrets or my favorite places will get crowded 😂
But honestly, anywhere in Little Italy, Hillcrest or Mission Hills for the vibes, and if you’re looking for real Mexican food, never go to the places that have an instagram lol. Hole in the walls are the best.
A perfect day would be a morning bike ride around Coronado, grab a coffee + dessert at Hinar, spend the day strolling up and down downtown, Little Italy and Seaport just for the vibes. I’d grab some flowers at Allens flowers, probably a shrimp sandwhich at Point Loma Seafood then head to the beach for an afternoon beach therapy session. Grab a book and some snacks and lay out in the sun until we want real food and go somewhere for dinner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shoutout Giselle Rocha – she’ll never tell you, but she is an absolutely incredible multi talented artist. She made my latest logo which I absolutely adore. 14 years in business and I’ve hated all my logos, this is the first one I loved. She listens, she arts. And I’m so incredibly thankful for her.

Website: https://altstd.co

Instagram: @altstd.co

Image Credits
all me baby!
Photos by Erica Benson of Alternative Standards

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