We recently connected with Erica Almquist and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Specifically when it comes to my music, I definitely wish I had started releasing songs much sooner. I only began putting music out in 2022, even though I had been writing and working on music since I was a pre-teen. For a long time, I was hiding behind the camera — afraid of being seen, judged, or even just perceived as an individual (thank you photography for being my hiding place). I didn’t yet have the courage it takes to share something as personal as music.
I think one of the hardest things in life is simply starting. Once I got over that hurdle, it became easier to try new things — new hobbies, new skills, new opportunities.
Ironically, when I finally started releasing music, I was also beginning my first corporate job and slipping into one of the hardest periods of depression and burnout I’ve experienced so far. I began sharing music at a time when I felt the least authentic in my daily life, and in a lot of ways, it saved my life. Music forced me to be seen, to accept judgment, and to begin breaking the cycle of seeking outside, human validation and constantly people-pleasing.
At the same time, I do believe in divine timing. If I had started earlier, I might not have met the incredible people in my life now, and my music might have taken a completely different path. So while part of me wishes I had started sooner, I also trust that it happened exactly when it was supposed to.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Well, hello. My name is ERICA (Erica Almquist). I’m a producer, composer, singer-songwriter, and creative photographer based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
My debut project, Salty: The EP, is available on all platforms and tells a story of heartbreak, resilience, and personal triumph. I’m currently working on my second music project, with a tentative release planned for Fall 2026. No spoilers yet!
Alongside music, I run my photography company, Erica Almquist Artistry, where I specialize in commercial and creative brand photography. My work focuses on lifestyle and fashion imagery that incorporates bold color, movement, and expressive posing.
At the core of both my music and photography is the same goal: offering a unique perspective on the world we live in. Through music, I explore personal stories and emotional nuance; through photography, I help brands visually express their identity in a distinctive way.
I also have a strong background in project management and production, which has led me to what I like to call “organized creativity.” I’m most proud of my ability to communicate clearly, build creative worlds, and bring complex visions to life.
Ultimately, my goal is to build a music label or creative collective, and I see every project I take on — whether in music or photography — as part of the foundation for that future.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, yes and yes… where do I even start? I am such a bookworm. I’m currently reading The Courage to be Disliked, it’s all about Adlerian psychology and I have never, ever felt so empowered. It’s all about understanding how to find freedom, being content in life and how to escape the past and live in the present. Think we could all stand to read it. I also loved Not Nice by Aziz Gazipura. As I said, I’m a recovering people pleaser and this book singlehandedly (okay alongside some therapy…) has helped me to reshape how I view interpersonal relationships, communication and how putting my needs last actually damages my relationships. Definitely two reads I would suggest for any entrepreneur!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Feeling closer to God. You can replace that with feeling closer to the divine, the universe, Allah, whatever is your thing. I always feel closest to my Creator when I myself am creating. As I get older, I’m getting a lot more comfortable with admitting that. Creating is true magic. That feeling when an idea pops in your head and it comes out on paper or in a visual or a music video is the most rewarding and amazing feeling one will ever feel. I honestly feel so bad for anyone who doesn’t ever get to experience this feeling…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericaalmquist.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/erica.almquist – instagram.com/0fficiallyERICA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaAlmquistPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@0fficiallyERICA
- Other: Tiktok: 0fficiallyERICA
Image Credits
DSC05657 & DSC05299 – Obsidian Moments Media LLC
IMG_3684 & IMG_3666 – Sha Rogers
BA4A0250 – RVP Photography
FINAL_4179 – Erica Almquist Artistry