Meet Ari Cogen | Content Creator & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ari Cogen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ari, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is the fuel behind everything I do. To me, it’s all about betting on yourself when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. At 14, I made a decision that would shock most families, including mine. I told my parents I had no intention of going to college. Instead, I wanted to turn my passion for creating videos into a career — an idea that felt completely foreign, even unacceptable, to my family. Over the next four years, tensions at home ran high and there were many arguments about my future. But by 18, I was ready to take the ultimate leap and knew I had to give this crazy dream of mine a shot. I moved across the country to Los Angeles with a car packed full of my belongings, $7000 in my bank account, and a little too much delusion running through my head. I had never lived alone, didn’t know a single person in LA, and had no idea how I’d make ends meet. I left behind the comfort of home, my best friends, and for a time, even the support and belief of my family. Looking back, it was the most unrealistic thing an 18-year-old could do. But that risk forced me to grow, adapt, and rely on my own instincts. Each risk within this life-changing decision taught me lessons and provided growth in ways no safe choice ever could. Risk is a catalyst for transformation. Without it, there’s no evolution — just comfort. These bold choices have shaped both my career and who I am at my core. The biggest risk isn’t just moving across the country or betting on a dream — it’s not taking a risk at all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I romanticize life in every way possible. Every experience feels vivid and deeply felt — emotions I translate into my work through music, color, and sound. My goal is to give people a feeling when they watch my videos. I want it to feel like you’re looking at a memory you can almost touch or relive — to evoke nostalgia, to capture the magic of an ‘endless summer’ and the spirit of ‘forever youth’. Instead of chasing what’s popular or trending, I’ve dedicated years upon years to develop a signature style — one so distinct that viewers immediately know it’s mine. I could’ve found success sooner by following trends, but it would have felt disingenuous. From a young age I knew the kinds of videos I wanted to create and the kind of audience I’d have. Through countless hours of experimenting with different filming and editing techniques, borrowing inspiration from other creatives, and just putting in the reps, I’ve slowly created a style that’s entirely my own. I’m super proud that I stuck to my vision. I always believed that if I stayed true to myself, I’d eventually find an audience that connects with who I really am — not just someone chasing the next viral moment. When I was 13, sitting in my room after school watching my favorite YouTuber’s, I was so inspired by them to travel the world, go on wild adventures with my friends, document my life and create art through my camera. That inspiration was so strong that it led me to being who I am today. That inspiration was so strong and has impacted my life in a million ways, and I’ve always known that I wanted to instill that feeling to others through my actions and content. It’s never been about pleasing an algorithm. It’s about creating something that feels alive — art that feels like a memory you can step into.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First things first we’re starting off at Urth Caffé on Melrose. Call me basic, but it’s my favorite food in LA. It gives me main character energy when I go. We’re ordering a Spanish Latte Granita, Strawberry, Mango, and Watermelon Smoothie, and the Breakfast Burrito. Then drive the PCH to Malibu – windows down blasting music, and hang out at El Matador or Leo Carillo Beach to swim, tan, and play spikeball. For lunch we’re getting subs, snacks, and a coffee from Jackson Market, one of the best hidden gems in LA. If it’s Sunday, we’re hitting the Melrose Trading Post and Crossroads for thrifting. I love driving on Mulholland or through the Pacific Palisades during sunset and stopping at an overlook to take in the views. For dinner, it’s either Jon and Vinny’s, JOEY, or Spruzzo. After that, we’re starting out the night with some drinks at Tiny’s or EP & LP and then we’re turning up at Dirty Laundry with the gang. Can’t forget about including a day in Laguna Beach. Table Rock Beach, walking the town, fire roads for sunset, and dinner at Starfish. That’s wraps.

Honorable mentions: skating the palm tree roads in Beverly Hills, picnic at Lake Hollywood Park, running on the beach in Marina Del Rey, and cafe hopping doing “work”.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my mom and my dad. As I’ve grown up and spent some time living on my own and supporting myself, I have such a newfound deep appreciation for the way these two humans raised me and the childhood they provided me. I thank them for the values they instilled in me, encouraging me to try new things, letting me be confident in who I am and expressing myself freely. My mom, Hope – for introducing art and creativity in my life. A teacher, artist, and business owner; she developed my entrepreneurial qualities by watching her run and grow a business, and opened my eyes to the art of creating through scrapbooking and photography. My dad, Michael – who is my biggest role model. A firefighter, nurse, and flight paramedic; he has taught me how important the hard things are, how to change my perspective, and express gratitude towards the little things. He developed my love for challenging myself, physically and mentally. He inspires me every single day to continue working hard towards every single one of my wildest dreams. These two people have forever been my biggest supporters, even when there was a time where my decisions felt hard to support. They keep me going every single day and I have so much love for them. I am so privileged and blessed to have a loving mother and father present in my life and it’s something I never take for granted.

I also want to shoutout my Instagram community. Over the last 8 years, I have built the most supportive group of people from all around the world. I’m truly so grateful for every single person who has followed along my journey and shown belief and support towards my dreams. You guys truly keep me going.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aricogen/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-231250765?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aricogen