Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Erik Ratka @erikratka

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I am a Houston, Texas native. I’m 25 and I got into Rap and Hip Hop when I was 15. My journey definitely has been one with many ups and downs. I have recently in the past year and 6 months have found great success through online and social media and have been making moves.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

My posts and pictures always reflect my music and positive, uplifting, motivational words. I feel we live in a world and time filled with a lot of negativity and hopelessness. Not everyone has as much as positive outlook as I do so I try to be that guy who can do that for people. My movement is #CatchAPositiveWave ?✌?️ it’s all about inspiring and uplifting others wether you know them or not, just randomly do it vs pushing someone down.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is my real birth name, no need for gimmicks or nick names, my name Erik Ratka is unique and I post the way I am, feel, think. This is all me.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I only use the filters from Instagram, if that. I like to keep it real with my followers. There is not much editing.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Yes, @marquistrillshow. MarQuis Trill is a famous instagramer, DJ, Rapper, Director, Photographer, social media mogul, YouTuber, and very big on Twitter @6billionpeople with like 4.3 million followers. We met over Twitter and he really loved my song BlessedFlow and featured it on his mixtape along big names Sauce Walka of the Sauce Twinz, doughbeezy and more. We have done over 200k downloads worldwide and over 40k plays on soundcloud. I have opened for YMCMB and recorded the remix to my song BlessedFlow with Clay Perry of the legendary Houston Label SwishaHouse. Marquis trill has inspired me and gave me a big lift that has helped me soar.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Just be you. Don’t try to hide “imperfections” or be anything you’re not. You are beautiful the way you are, smile… Even when life doesn’t smile back, none of us are perfect but we are ALL worth it! No life that is better than another.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

Being able to make people happy, to be able to inspire, uplift, and help people see their life and our word in a more positive light. Positive outlook on life = Positive life. You make it what you want your life to be.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Provide the people good content, a great mixture of pics and vids, easily provide links that can easily be navigated to. Put a great quote here and there. To remain authentic you have to keep your brand or product true to what you/your company is about.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

It’s simple, people want authenticity. So be true to who you are. If you are a goof and silly, always bringing humor then EMBRACE it and be that. As long as you stay true to what you stand for I believe people will accept you. Confidence is key, so be that. Provide original content… BE YOU! #CatchAPositiveWave ?✌?️

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Being able to bring their brands to my dedicated followers.