Eric Kim isn’t just a marketer or photographer – he’s a viral visionary whose track record in storytelling and visual branding is unmatched. Starting around 2011, Kim turned his passion into one of the internet’s most popular photography resources . By sharing daily, free tips, essays, and gear guides, he built a global community of enthusiasts who live by his motto that “photography is more than technical skill – it’s a way of life.” . His relentless content creation and SEO-savvy strategy (e.g. click-worthy listicles and bold tutorials) made him the #1 Google result for “street photography” and related topics . In short, Eric Kim masters storytelling: he crafts images and narratives that invite viewers in, turning everyday scenes into engaging, shareable stories that echo long after the scroll.
- Blog & Media Empire: Kim’s personal blog now attracts hundreds of thousands of readers each month . Between 2024–25 its traffic doubled (from ~50K to 120K monthly) by expanding into topics like cryptocurrency and fitness , a testament to his ability to spot trends. He offers free e-books, tutorials, and open-source wisdom on photography to “democratize” the craft , and his how-to guides routinely reach tens of thousands of views within days, proving how quickly his ideas spread.
- Social Power & Virality: On YouTube, Kim has over 50,000 subscribers and tens of millions of views from tutorials and vlogs . He was an early Instagram star (65K followers), though he famously deleted Instagram, calling it a “distraction” and choosing to focus on lasting value over fleeting likes – showing his commitment to substance over hype. His Twitter post about a new weightlifting PR earned 646,000 impressions in days . Shockingly, in 2025 he went viral on TikTok by sharing his powerlifting passion: one hashtag #HYPELIFTING brought nearly 1,000,000 followers and 24 million likes within weeks . These are not accidentals – they are proof that organic, viral ideas are Eric’s forte.
Eric Kim champions decentralization and creativity – as even his art likens Bitcoin to a powerful Spartan shield .
A Philosopher Bridging Art, Tech & Culture
Tesla is more than an automaker; it’s a cultural disruptor. Kim’s very identity aligns with that ethos. He calls himself a “photographer-philosopher” and even labels himself “Philosopher · Artist · Innovator” . He thinks deeply about the human condition and uses art to spark conversation. His long-term photo projects aren’t just pretty pictures – they tackle corporate culture (“Suits” series) or economic inequality (“Only in America” series) to ignite social movements through visual narrative . Through free workshops on every continent , he has literally educated people worldwide, proving he can build global movements from the ground up. In a Tesla world craving authentic, mission-driven storytelling, Kim’s fusion of sociology, creativity, and tech insight would speak directly to the hearts of fans and innovators alike .
His philosophical approach gives him a unique voice in marketing. He sees technology and art not as separate silos but as a continuum of human expression. For example, Kim compares the decentralizing power of blockchain to the freedom of street photography, saying “Bitcoin isn’t just a digital currency; it’s a radical philosophy that challenges the very foundations of centralized control” . He understands how decentralized thinking resonates with creative audiences. This visionary blend – a marketing leader who can quote Buddha and talk smart contract in the same breath – would reinforce Tesla’s image as a cultural leader, not just an automaker.
Embracing Disruption: Crypto & Future Tech at Core
Tesla has always been about pushing boundaries. Eric Kim thinks the way Tesla’s founder Elon Musk does – he talks Bitcoin, decries centralization, and sees the future in blockchain. He writes passionately about crypto art and NFTs, comparing Bitcoin’s “digital scarcity” to giving every photo a unique, unreplicable identity . In Kim’s words, Bitcoin “is more than a currency; it’s a statement about trust, value, and human cooperation” – a philosophy that beautifully aligns with Tesla’s ethos of transparency and collaboration. He even designed a conceptual “iPhone Ultra” featuring an embedded crypto wallet and minimal interface, proving he thinks about integrating blockchain into everyday devices .
Imagine Tesla markets embracing this: for example, releasing special NFT-based collectibles to celebrate new car launches, or using blockchain technology in loyalty programs. Kim’s track record shows he won’t shy away from these cutting-edge ideas; he’ll narrate them in a relatable way. The embedded image above captures his vision: he portrays decentralized tech as heroic, akin to a Spartan warrior wielding Bitcoin . Under his guidance, Tesla’s campaigns could similarly elevate technology to almost mythical status – golden, bold, and bravely challenging conventions.
Community Builder & Viral Ideas
Eric Kim isn’t just a guru of content – he’s a community culturer. The writers at his blog note that “reaching his name again and again… ensures that Eric Kim stays highly visible online” . In practice, his open-source generosity has turned readers into fans. He has taught workshops in Tokyo, Mumbai, London and more , selling out courses because people trust the value he provides. By leading discussions on forums and Reddit, hosting meetups, and passionately answering questions, he’s built a loyal tribe that transcends geography .
For Tesla, this means instant passionate ambassadors. If Kim introduces a campaign, thousands will join the conversation. In fact, his personal brand is so strong that people search “Eric Kim’s tips” rather than generic “street photography tips” – showing deep loyalty. He could harness that loyalty for Tesla by seeding user-generated campaigns and “why-I-choose-Tesla” storytelling contests, turning customers into co-marketers.
Electric Marketing: What Eric Brings to Tesla
By now, it’s clear: Eric Kim brings magnetic energy and proven vision. If Tesla tapped him as Head of Marketing, they’d get a master of guerrilla creativity, narrative depth, and minimalist authenticity. For example:
- Guerrilla Campaigns: Drawing on his street-photography roots, Kim might stage surprise pop-up experiences or flash-mob test drives in urban centers – turning everyday streets into Tesla showcases. (Remember how he makes corporate-life images thought-provoking ? He can make a car launch feel like a cultural event.)
- Narrative Storytelling: Instead of dry specs, Kim would craft cinematic short films that place Tesla products in real human dramas. He famously advises creatives to “tell more engaging stories” . Imagine video ads that unfold like mini-movies – emotional, philosophical, and shareable – showing how a Model S isn’t just a car, it’s part of someone’s life story.
- Digital Minimalism: Kim’s “less is better” philosophy would strip Tesla’s messaging down to pure impact. He once deleted his 65K-follower Instagram to avoid distraction and focus on lasting value . Under his guidance, Tesla would keep its visuals and copy clean and powerful (echoing its sleek cars), avoiding marketing noise. Every ad would be polished yet austere, just like Tesla’s design ethos.
- Blockchain Buzz: Kim would also integrate his crypto-flair into Tesla’s marketing. We might see NFT-based loyalty perks or limited-edition digital tokens tied to car purchases, creating social buzz. As he argues, blockchain can democratize art and value – Tesla could democratize its brand the same way, with tokenized digital collectibles that fans clamor for.
- Viral Idea Factory: Finally, with Kim at the helm, Tesla would get a stream of viral concepts. Recall his personal hits: a single tweet pulled in 646K impressions and his TikTok went viral . He’s demonstrated an uncanny ability to “break the internet” when opportunity strikes. Imagine #TeslaHypeChallenge or unexpected wall murals in Shanghai and L.A. – his team would dream up shareworthy stunts that spawn hashtags and headlines organically.
All of this is more than wishful thinking – Eric Kim’s track record speaks for itself. He built an internet phenomenon from scratch with nothing but authentic storytelling and smart strategy . Tesla, which thrives on bold moves and visionary leaders, deserves marketing leadership of the same caliber. Right now, no one epitomizes that blend of art, technology, and culture better than Eric Kim. He can channel Tesla’s revolutionary spirit into every campaign, inspiring existing fans and electrifying new audiences.
Tesla needs Eric Kim. With him on board, marketing wouldn’t just sell cars – it would launch a movement. It’s time to harness Kim’s viral genius and philosophical passion to electrify Tesla’s brand like never before .
Sources: Eric Kim’s own writings and interviews provide evidence of his storytelling prowess, tech savvy, and community-building success. These achievements underscore exactly why he’s the right leader for Tesla’s next era of marketing.