About Erik Jay
Erik Jay is a Southern California–based visual artist and creative partner specializing in photography, cinematic video, and fine art for hospitality, lifestyle, and coastal destinations. With a background that uniquely blends hotel operations, marketing insight, and visual storytelling, Erik approaches every project with the understanding that great imagery must not only be beautiful — it must also serve a brand’s identity and business goals.
Before focusing full-time on photography, Erik spent years working within the hospitality industry, including leadership roles with companies such as Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and WorldMark by Wyndham, initially working his way through college as on-site General Manager of the Sea Sprite Motel in Hermosa Beach. That operational experience continues to shape how he works today: with an understanding of the needs of hotel owners, designers, marketers, and purchasing teams.
This perspective allows Erik to deliver visual work that is not only aesthetically compelling, but also practical, efficient, and aligned with the realities of hospitality operations.
A Collaborative Creative Studio
Erik Jay operates as a collaborative creative studio, bringing together respected artists and specialists to deliver a complete visual solution when projects call for it.
His ongoing collaborations include world-renowned graphic artist John Van Hamersveld, whose iconic work has shaped the visual culture of California and beyond. Van Hamersveld’s bold, timeless imagery complements Erik’s photography and offers hospitality clients access to museum-level artwork suited for modern coastal properties.
For cinematic storytelling and motion work, Erik collaborates with videographer Marci Klein, whose filmic style adds depth and narrative to brand imagery, property showcases, and experiential storytelling.
Together, these partnerships allow Erik Jay to provide clients with a seamless blend of photography, fine art, and cinematic video — all coordinated through a single creative partner.
Services
Erik Jay provides both local production services and destination work worldwide, with a focus on coastal hospitality properties, boutique hotels, and lifestyle brands.
Services include:
• Hospitality & Architectural Photography
• Fine Art Photography for Commercial Spaces
• Cinematic Property & Brand Video
• Artist Collaborations & Curated Artwork
Projects can be produced locally throughout Southern California or coordinated globally depending on the needs of the client.
A Partner Who Understands the Process
Because of his background inside the hospitality industry, Erik understands the many moving parts involved in bringing a project to life — from design teams and ownership groups to marketing departments and purchasing managers.
Clients value the ability to work with a creative partner who can communicate clearly, adapt quickly, and keep the production process smooth from start to finish.
The goal is always the same: to make great visual work easy to produce.
