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

Hi Danny, what are you inspired by?
People who think differently. Following through on weird ideas inspires me. We all have ideas that we talk ourselves out of – these are the ones I want to explore and see what they can turn into. I like intriguing questions and a willingness to take a chance. People supporting people, and businesses supporting businesses.

What should our readers know about your business?
Umico is about supporting artists and creatives. For the most part we are printing, scanning, and framing for artists of all stages. We also work with locals who are gift-giving or decorating their homes. It took us a few years to find our spot here in Atwater Village, and so far we are loving the community. We are extremely detail oriented here. We work until the job is done. We are open to communicate with potential clients 7 days a week. We respond to DMs (@thisisumico) and reply to e-mails the same day we see them. We listen to our clients and guide them the best we can. As a results-based business, we want our clients to be happy with the work they receive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Underground Museum, Residency Art Gallery, VSF if there’s a Calida Garcia Rawles show. Eso Won + Skylight. A stroll through Atwater for sure.

El Sauz for breakfast burritos. Rocco’s in Los Feliz for an eggplant parm hero. Foster’s Freeze for a snack and then a martini at Billingsleys.

Quick pitstop at The Reel Inn and a bang bang at Prime Pizza if they’re not coming from NY. Gen for the lunch special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first started, I was finding that other small businesses were not trying to work with or support us. There were no partners to be made. It took a while to figure out who wanted to work together and who didn’t. I think of small businesses in the same industries as vessels in the sea (海) who can ride the same currents and get to the same place. So shouts to those on the team, those we work with, and the friends who have been supportive since before the umico existed.

Website: www.thisisumi.co

Instagram: @thisisumico

Other: dk@thisisumi.co

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