Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabeth Duffy
Hi Elisabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Imagine growing up in a place where the world felt a little farther away, where reaching friends took time, and silence was the canvas for your thoughts. That’s where my story begins—a rural farm area outside New Orleans, where the distance to everything allowed my imagination to run wild. Music became my closest companion, especially the voices of the 90s grunge era—Nirvana, Ozzy, Soundgarden—and the timeless echoes of Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Queen. Their stories, woven through sound, became the soundtrack to my life.
Art has always been the heartbeat of my existence. With a mother who was an artist herself, I was nurtured in creativity from a young age. I honed my skills at NOCCA, the only arts conservatory in New Orleans, where I fell in love with film and production design.
When the pandemic hit, I faced a choice: pursue art college online or keep creating on my terms. I chose the latter, and that decision led me to Los Angeles, a city teeming with the kind of art and people that felt like home. I took a chance, packed my life into a car, and moved just before a hurricane hit—quite the dramatic entrance, I must say.
Now, I’m here, weaving my passion into the fabric of L.A.’s creative scene, working on art direction and design with local musicians. I even created my dream band, Occasionally Humans, where we explore the essence of being human and the moments when we lose touch with that. It’s been a journey, shaped by distance, music, and a relentless drive to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, as life rarely offers an easy path. When I first arrived in L.A., I had no grand plans—just the idea to rent a room, figure things out, build a community, and, of course, create art. Those first weeks were a whirlwind of late-night searches and countless interviews for a place to call home.
When I finally found a room, it was in a charming historical house in Pasadena, which turned out to be… heavily haunted. That was an unexpected twist, to say the least. But it was also there that I met Elisa, a muse and kindred spirit who became like a big sister to me, helping me stumble through those early days with a little more grace.
In this past year, I’ve also met another muse of mine—Julio Ramano, the visionary behind Shampolio, a unique and inviting hair salon here in L.A. Each hairdresser at Shampoolio has the uncanny ability to transform you, making the space feel like home. Especially Julio. His story is one of resilience, and I deeply respect his journey and the struggles he’s overcome. He’s a light in the community, someone who touches every soul he encounters with his kindness and craft. His achievements inspire admiration across the board.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned here—or anywhere, really—is the importance of finding your people. Those who accept you, flaws and all, and light up when they see you. People with whom you can set boundaries and still be your best self around. The journey is filled with challenges, but each person you meet brings you closer to finding a sense of family, no matter how haunted—or illuminated—the path may be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to think of myself as a bit of a Jack of many trades, though lately, I’m honing in on a couple of key passions. Right now, my world revolves around my band, Occasionally Humans. I’m the lead singer, manager, and, in a way, the mother of it all. It’s been an incredible journey, juggling the responsibilities of finding the perfect fit for each member and creating a space where we all feel like family. I want us to be vulnerable with each other, to share ideas freely, and to let that spark of creativity burn brightly.
When I’m not immersed in band life, I love to art direct for music videos or lend a hand wherever needed. It’s been a bit slow lately, but instead of waiting for work to find me, I’ve started channeling that energy into creating music video content for Occasionally Humans. It’s a way to keep building my portfolio and stay connected to what I love.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my ability to dive deep into the core meaning of a project. I’m all about uncovering the true essence of an idea and representing it in a way that resonates with you and your brand or vision. Whether it’s through music, visuals, or collaboration, I’m always striving to bring that authentic story to life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a bit of a paradox—an extrovert with a deep love for solitude, always on the hunt for new music or art to feed my soul. I was that curious mix of an outsider who somehow found themselves in the center of things, trying to strike a balance between fitting in and standing out. Those were the years where I was just trying to find myself, navigating the shadows and the light. It was a time of discovery, but also one of challenges, as I walked through some dark and difficult years leading into my teens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/occasionallyhumans.com/occasionallyhumans/home?authuser=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occasionallyhumans/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occasionallyhumanband
- Twitter: https://x.com/ohumansband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0MjVSbPrtRBUq8YbUhWMQ
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5P533m6hrod9K3ZYr5luoA?si=5–cIoDrTIadIzERg3G9Mw
- Other: https://lnk.bio/occasionallyhumans
Image Credits
1.) Captured By: Keenen Knott / Edited By: Elisabeth Duffy
2.) Captured By: Keenen Knott / Edited By: Elisabeth Duffy
3.) Captured By: Keenen Knott / Edited By: Elisabeth Duffy
4.) Captured By: Kailee Shedeed / Edited By: Elisabeth Duffy
5.) Captured By: UNKNOWN
6.) Captured By: Dillion Howl / Edited By: Dillon Howl
7.) Captured By: Keenen Knott / Edited By: Elisabeth Duffy
