Meet Soren Blomquist Eggerling | Filmmaker & Clothing Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Soren Blomquist Eggerling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Soren, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Most people can’t tell since I don’t have an accent, but I’m from a tiny town in northwest Minnesota called Hallock. When I meet people who say they’re from a small town, I don’t believe them, since they’ll usually say something like 5,000 people live there (Hallock has a population of 900). Growing up, I always wanted to get out of Hallock, but today, it’s a part of my life that has given me a unique perspective. It’s tough when everybody in your hometown knows your business, but it also reminds you to be kind and considerate to others. My Hallock roots also remind me that there are millions of different subcultures across the world, which helps disabuse me of the mentality that the way I live my life is the only way to do it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Recently, I’ve been finishing up my degree at CSUN, so I’ve been focusing on narrative short films, which is ultimately where I want to head in my career (making features!). Last year I shot and directed a short called Release that I’m hoping to eventually submit to film festivals.

My girlfriend, Paige Shannon, is also a singer/songwriter, and I’ve been working hard on a music video for one of her recent singles. It’s a special project for me because we actually went back to my hometown in Minnesota to film it, and the town is a central part of the storyline. I’m color grading the video right now, so it will be out in the very near future.

I’ve taken a hiatus from making clothes to focus on my film aspirations, but already have plans in motion for my next pieces. Just focusing on what’s on my plate before I take on another big endeavor.

Outside of my creative work, I’ve been doing a lot of production work at NTWRK and on TV sets. Working around others with more experience than me, and on projects with bigger budgets, is probably where I’ve learned the most about what it takes to make it to the next level with my own work.

The journey to get to where I am today has been a long one, but I’m proud of myself for working hard and persevering through the challenges thrown my way. When I started working on sets at 18, I had unrealistic expectations for how quickly success would come, but at 24, I’m more comfortable than ever about where I’m at and what I’m doing.

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.
When I’m able to, I love going out to eat. Some of my favorite dinner spots are Osteria La Buca – I’d highly recommend the carbonara and salted caramel budino – and Monty’s, which has the best vegan burgers and chicken in town.

I like to hike too. My favorite spot is Fryman Canyon. I’d say it has one of, if not the best, views of the Valley. There are some great trails at Griffith Park as well.

Other than that, I’d say the other main way I spend my free time is going to the movies. Unfortunately, the Arclight in Hollywood has been closed since the start of the pandemic, but I’ve been hitting up the new Regal theater in North Hollywood a lot. It has free parking which is a big plus.

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’ve received a ton of motivation and encouragement form my girlfriend Paige Shannon. She’s a musician, so it’s great to have someone to push me to do more creatively, and vice versa. She’s also my collaborator – we’ve got a couple music videos in the works and I shoot or edit her cover art. We’re able to bounce ideas off and be completely honest with each other, which is invaluable when you’re an up-and-coming artist.

Website: https://www.stayaliveclothes.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sorenhigher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayaliveclothes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLrAr6XnWvhF3bsdFLvQ7dA

Image Credits
Soren Blomquist Eggerling