Eric Sedeño is an online personality, art director, and illustrator based in New York City. With nearly one million followers across his platforms including TikTok and Instagram, He started posting on TikTok in 2020 and continues to create content that is both entertaining and relatable. With his newfound platform, he created his own candle company with the mission of helping feed America. Eric also has a new weekly podcast, “Gay & Afraid,” in which he discusses a range of topics, from mental health, coming out stories, dating, and more.

Razor “Anarchy” shirt by SEARCHANDCOMEUP
Knitwear by Vivienne Westwood
Heartlock Necklace by 9th Avenue
Silver necklace by Eytys
Skirt by Reuben’s Planet
Boots by Eytys

What did you want to be when you were younger?
When I was really young I wanted to be a dentist or an orthodontist. It’s funny to look back on now because if you think about it, I always wanted to make people smile.

What is your first TikTok that went viral?
It was right after I got broken up with. I had just gotten a new haircut and grown a mustache and I made a video about how someone had called me intimidating. I really don't see it that way so it was just a bunch of sarcastic rebuttals and in many ways it was just me being annoying alone in my room, but for some reason people liked it.

What kind of content do you post on TikTok?
Mainly humor. I love making people laugh. It’s been my goal on the internet just to bring people joy, and I think that a lot of my videos accomplish that.

What encouraged you to start posting on TikTok?
Free time and the pandemic. I spent a lot of time alone in my room when I was working from home and I had nothing to do but entertain myself. I started posting because I needed somewhere to put all my good energy when I felt like my work wasn’t the place for my humor.

What is it like to have such a large following on TikTok and other social media platforms?
It’s actually so nice. People will come up to me from time to time and say the nicest things about how I make them laugh and how they feel like I'm their friend. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be this person so I am super grateful that this is where the universe has taken me.

**Left:**
Sweater by Thom Browne
Shorts by JADED LONDON
Boots by Eytys
Necklace by VITALY
**Right:**
Razor “Anarchy” shirt by SEARCHANDCOMEUP
Knitwear by Vivienne Westwood
Heartlock Necklace by 9th Avenue
Silver necklace by Eytys
Skirt by Reuben’s Planet
Boots by Eytys

How did your life change when you started gaining a following on TikTok?
Honestly, I pretty much live the same life. I think it has definitely changed and gotten more glamorous with events and opportunities like this, but I still have the same friends and do to the same things. I just get the chance to see more of the world at the same time, and I am super grateful for that.

What is the process of coming up with content ideas and creating content on TikTok?
Boredom is my biggest ally. I love being at home with nothing to do and just having fun on the internet. Honestly, when I am busy and my brain gets clustered, it’s harder for me to just make fun videos. But for the most part, my best videos are concepted and executed in less than 10 minutes.

Tell us about your podcast, “Gay & Afraid.”
Yes, I am super proud of “Gay & Afraid.” It’s such a fun time. The name was born out of this moment in my life where I was a boy scout and all the other kids turned to me while we were sitting around the fire and asked, “Are you gay?” In that moment, nothing filled my body but feeling fear and gay. It’s a moment that will stick with me forever. So, on my podcast I try and get a sense of who people used to be as a kid and if they have moments in their life they will never forget.

Why did you want to start a podcast?
I love talking to people, but if you look at my social media I am always alone. It just seemed like the perfect opportunity to show people that I can do more than just make a video alone in my room. Also, it’s a great way to make new friends.

**Left:**
Knitwear by Racer World Wide
Boots by Eytys
Pants are Vintage
Necklace 9th ave & VITALY
Earrings by AMBUSH®
**Right:**
Sweater by Thom Browne
Shorts by JADED LONDON
Boots by Eytys
Necklace by VITALY

Tell us about your candle company, “Groove Gives,” and its mission.
My brother and I started “Groove Gives” because we wanted to help create positive change in the world. We had an idea to make something that would bring good into people’s home. It’s so crazy to think that if all of the things we bought did some good, we would live in a happier universe. So, when someone buys a candle, we give meals to someone in need. We have effectively donated over 15,000 meals already and we cannot wait to see how many more people we are able to help.

In addition to having a large following on TikTok, as well as your own podcast and candle company, you are also an art director and illustrator. Tell us about these roles.
I used to be a full-time art director in advertising before I quit my job. I never thought that the internet would take over my life and change my life the way it has. A big part of me misses creating graphics and illustrations all the time, but I am making it my mission to design more in this next year of my life. In honor of my birthday this year, I am selling a zine and some merch that I designed for the first time. My dream is to make graphic design more a part of my life again.

What is your favorite TikTok you have ever posted?
I think right now, my favorite has to be my “Jacob Black if he slayed” TikTok. I think that sparked something in me to just be sillier and go with my gut when I have a dumb idea. Making videos like that actually makes me laugh so hard and I think that it gives me a chance to think differently and have more fun.

How would your friends describe you?
The same as always. I actually just had a little birthday dinner with all my good friends and they told me that they think I am exactly the same as I have always been. I know that doesn’t sound crazy, but I think that it’s really easy to get swept up in things and I am so glad to hear that all of my good friends think of me as exactly the same.

What are some of your hobbies?
I think the internet has been my biggest hobby for a long time. It’s kind of shifted into a job sometimes, but really it’s just my favorite pastime. Outside of that I love graphic design, watching the real housewives, and going on runs. I am thinking about doing the marathon next year.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is the most intimidating question that someone can ask. I don’t know if I see myself doing anything crazy, but my dream would be to have a little graphic design company where people come to me to do their branding and come up with fun designs for them. I also think that Groove will be a huge success and the internet will always be a huge part of my life, but who knows. Life is too short to think that far ahead. I’m just going to have fun while I can.

Social Media.
Instagram: @ricotaquito

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Producer: Zapman Creative Haus
Photographer: Felipe Zapata-Valencia
Cinematographer: Peter Chapman
Talent: Eric Sedeño
Fashion Stylist & Lead MUA: Rory Alvarez
Hair Stylist: Francheska Nieves @hair.by.francheska
Editorial Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Mariana Apostolatos, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine