A Secret Creative Life - The One With Erik Larson

Our guest today is proof that there is no single path to a creative life. For more than four decades, Erik Larson has built a remarkable career as both a professional designer and an underground filmmaker.Entirely self-taught, Erik has written, directed, shot, and edited colorful, irreverent, joy-filled films with the same group of collaborators he began working with as a teenager in Chicago. Along the way, he built a successful career as an art director and creative director, proving that there is more than one way to create a life in the arts.We talk about:Making films without film school, funding, or permissionBuilding creative trust with collaborators over 40 yearsSelf-doubt, imposter syndrome, and getting older as an artistLGBTQ+ history, visibility, and creative braveryLetting go of perfection and putting the work into the worldPlus: Super 8 films, thrift store costumes, fake names, secret creative lives, and a standing ovation at the New Beverly Cinema.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if their unconventional path still counts. It does.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Wizard of Oz https://amzn.to/4wabROlThe Devil in the White City by Erik Larson https://amzn.to/4gKboOnLars Erik Films on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larserikfilms/Lars Erik Films website https://www.larserikfilms.com/Lars Erik Films on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@larserikfilmsSome links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.About The Art ConfidentialThe Art Confidential is a podcast about how the art world really works. Hosts Jacqui Fehl and Andreina Bates sit down with artists, gallery owners, consultants, and other insiders for candid conversations about building a creative life—from studio practice to sales, exhibitions, and the realities behind the scenes.Follow the show so you never miss an episode exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s art world.Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartconfidentialWebsite: https://theartconfidential.com