We were lucky to catch up with Ed Rosas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ed, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

I had the opportunity to work with a local writer in my community. She was looking for an illustrator to design her children’s book. It was a passion project that she wanted to serve her community with, especially the youth. I’m a believer of being of service with your talents to serve your community and this project aligned well with me. Her budget at the time was limited but I agreed to take on the project regardless. I’m blessed to say that we completed that book and she hired me again to illustrate her second children’s book!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been an artist for as long as I could remember. After years of artistic training in school I was left to my own devices in the “real world”. While working security one night at 1800 Lucky in Miami, I knew I needed to make a change. Up until that point I had this self serving mentality of wanting to be a famous artist. God had shown me other wise. I decided to be of service to my community with my artistic talents. One of my favorite Dj’s, Oscar G, was spinning music one night and I gifted him a custom illustration. A week or so later he presented an art opportunity that changed the entire trajectory of my career.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I strategized the building of my social media around two principles: post work that aesthetically fits my brands identity and post work that is complete. It has wavered here but that’s the formula. I also utilize some of the revenue from my commissions to pay for advertisements on Instagram. My advice for those just staring is this, do your homework. Take a look at the leaders (top, middle, and low tier) of your industry and how their social media is functioning. Take notes on the similarities and differences. Once you’ve done all of that, throw away your notes. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You can approach the building of your social media in two ways: through trial and error or planning. Pick one that suits your temperament and run with it. Over time you’ll figure what works for you. At the end of the day its a marathon not a sprint.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.edillustration.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edillustration/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edillustration.art
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuCbKNQGAb4BTnyefWWM8tw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Profile Photo Shot by: Valerie Chaparro Yacaman

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