Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Lopez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Eric, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?
2009-10 Was my first year in college. I had no idea of what exactly my goal was. One thing I did know, “art”, was my beginning. I grew in the graffiti/ skateboarding culture as a kid.
Once I started taking “college” classes, Art classes was an easier route due to familiarity. From what I remembered, an art teacher(now retired) told me about what was happening across the campus. A while after that info, I started taking automotive repair classes.
2012 is when I was offered a internship at Honda R&D Inc. in Torrance, CA.
I did 4mos here. This is where I learned about another side of the industry. Prototype, concept, etc.
This is when I learned that I can combine cars with art.
This internship introduced me to a different way of working and applying and creating skill.
Four months after the end of this internship, I had another internship lined up after this. This was with BASF The Chemical Company in Buena Park, CA.
The man and instructor there gave me the opportunity to learn and fail. The man there gave me the motivation and spirit to grow. The man there helped me and gave me hope to better myself.
The reason I was able to grow this relationship, was dues to Brent Kooiman. Another man that helped me, believed in me, trusted me, pushed me and eventually put me in a position where I can grow.
During this internship, I learned to learn, I learned to fail and I learned to understand.
I took a lot. Balancing an internship, school, personal projects and sometimes work.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
2009-10 Was my first year in college. I had no idea of what exactly my goal was. One thing I did know, “art”, was my beginning. I grew in the graffiti/ skateboarding culture as a kid.
Once I started taking “college” classes, Art classes was an easier route due to familiarity. From what I remembered, an art teacher(now retired) told me about what was happening across the campus. A while after that info, I started taking automotive repair classes.
2012 is when I was offered a internship at Honda R&D Inc. in Torrance, CA.
I did 4mos here. This is where I learned about another side of the industry. Prototype, concept, etc.
This is when I learned that I can combine cars with art.
This internship introduced me to a different way of working and applying and creating skill.
Four months after the end of this internship, I had another internship lined up after this. This was with BASF The Chemical Company in Buena Park, CA.
The man and instructor there gave me the opportunity to learn and fail. The man there gave me the motivation and spirit to grow. The man there helped me and gave me hope to better myself.
The reason I was able to grow this relationship, was dues to Brent Kooiman. Another man that helped me, believed in me, trusted me, pushed me and eventually put me in a position where I can grow.
During this internship, I learned to learn, I learned to fail and I learned to understand.
I took a lot. Balancing an internship, school, personal projects and sometimes work.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Here are a few sources where I have been able to grow and learn from.
Books. I’ve never finished a book in my life. I don’t even think I’ve finish a third of one. In the past year, I’ve been collecting books. Strategy, business, philosophy and even relationship based books. Some have been gifts.
YouTube. For te past 6-7 years, I’ve been watching business people’s content. It will vary from branding, management, marketing and so on. There’s countless of ideas and perspectives.
Podcasts. This is just an addition to YouTube. If it’s not music, it’s a helpful podcast while driving or working.
Lastly, Chat GPT. I ask questions through here to filter and have a direct answer. I then research further if needed.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
This one is all over the place. Some equipment and material was saved through a few years. At first, I rented a storage unit where I would store things that had value in a studio setting. Sometimes I’d be gifted things and I would use that to try to make extra money and build and maintain for when the time came.
Eventually I had a several thousand to set up shop. I did get support from my friend who now is full time and othered in building this. It took a few years to build the cash and during those years also build the experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecolortoonstudio.com
- Instagram: @thecolortoon
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ericlopezroman
