Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric LaChance.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Eric LaChance, and I just turned 24. Originally, I’m from Portland, Oregon. Growing up, I was always fascinated with cameras and technology. I’d constantly borrow my dad’s old VHS camera to film home movies with friends whenever I could get my hands on it. That early curiosity evolved into filming music videos and passion projects around downtown Portland in high school.
A friend and I eventually decided to try and start our own unofficial “production company”, even though we had no idea what we were doing at 16. We went door to door and business to business in downtown Portland, asking if anyone needed help promoting their brand or products. While we didn’t find much success back then, that experience built the foundation for everything that came next.
After high school, I attended the University of Oregon, where I dove headfirst into the world of video production. I made it my goal to say “yes” to every opportunity and find ways to get my foot in the door. I asked as many questions as I could, eager to learn about entrepreneurship, storytelling, and what it takes to start a business. I even set up informational interviews with anyone willing to share insight or advice. That drive eventually led me to become the lead videographer, editor, and creative director for the Honors College. I graduated with a degree in Cinema Studies and Business in 2024, but deep down, I knew I wanted to build something of my own rather than work for someone else.
Not long after graduation, I took the risk of skipping the traditional “real” job path and moved to San Diego to start my own LLC and creative production company, Upland Visuals — a name that originally began in high school when my friends and I made music videos that never quite went anywhere. I decided to keep it as a reminder of where it all started.
Since then, Upland has evolved into something much bigger than I ever imagined — spanning brand marketing, creative direction, and video production across all realms. It’s been a journey of constant growth, creativity, and learning, and I’m still just as excited about storytelling now as I was holding that VHS camera for the first time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and it hasn’t always been successful either. Moving to a new city with no safety net, no financial help, and no guarantee of a steady paycheck was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. While many of my peers were settling into stable jobs, I was taking a leap of faith, by betting on myself and my vision.
There were times when I didn’t know when the next project would come in or if I’d be able to sustain what I had built. It took discipline, patience, and a lot of hard work, saving every dollar, spending wisely, and constantly reminding myself that this path was worth it.
Over time, that uncertainty became fuel. It pushed me to grow, adapt, and trust my creative instincts. Looking back now, those challenging moments were the most important ones, they built the resilience and belief in myself that I needed to keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in everything from creative production and direction for brand campaigns to brand marketing, videography, post-production, and social media management. What I’m most proud of is being completely self-taught. I built my career through experimentation, curiosity, and a willingness to take unconventional paths — and that approach has led me to collaborate with brands and agencies like Netflix, Google, Yerba Mate, Steady.gg, and Vermilion Pictures, among many others.
What sets me apart is my versatility. I’ve always seen myself as a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the creative space, someone who can take a project from concept to completion, whether that means directing and marketing a social campaign, shooting and editing a commercial, or building a social strategy. Early on, I was told to “find a niche,” but I’ve found strength in doing the opposite.
Now more than ever, with the rapid advances in technology and the creative industry constantly evolving, being able to adapt and wear multiple hats has become crucial. My ability to shift gears, take on different roles, and bring a cohesive vision and knowledge to every stage of creative process/pipeline is what has shaped my journey and continues to define my work today.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’d say the most important quality behind my success is adaptability. From the start, I’ve never been afraid to dive into new challenges, learn new tools, or step into unfamiliar roles. Being self-taught forced me to constantly figure things out on my own, and that mindset has stuck with me.
In a creative industry that’s changing faster than ever, especially with new technology and AI reshaping how we work, the ability to adapt, evolve, and stay curious is everything. I’ve learned not to dwell on how things used to work in the market or industry, but instead to immediately adjust to the changes, even if I preferred the “old ways.” At the end of the day, that doesn’t matter when you’re running a business in today’s world.
Success isn’t about mastering one skill; it’s about being open minded enough to grow with the craft, think differently, and find creative solutions no matter the situation.
Pricing:
- All projects are fully tailored to each client’s needs and the scope of the work. I encourage anyone interested to reach out, I’d love to creatively discuss how I can help bring your vision to life and support your specific goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uplandvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericxlachance/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-lachance-aa2333267
