Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Sotomayor.
Hi Xavier, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey commenced in Quito, Ecuador, as the son of Fabian Sotomayor and Ximena Sotomayor, who bestowed upon me a life rich in values and discipline. Growing up, my father’s profession as a soccer player and coach ignited an enduring passion for the game within me from an early age. As a baby, I forsook regular toys for an obsession with the soccer ball, so much so that I even slept with it.
At the age of six, my family immigrated to the United States, landing in Bloomington, Indiana. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, exposing me to an entirely different culture. As a young individual, navigating this cultural shift felt bewildering and at times made me question my place in society. Yet, not having a specific comfort group during middle and high school enabled me to develop the skill to connect and resonate with individuals from diverse races and backgrounds.
As my soccer journey reached its conclusion in college, I had already gleaned invaluable life lessons from the sport. It was during my sophomore year at Indiana University that I fell in love with filmmaking. While this dream might have seemed ambitious to some, my background in soccer had accustomed me to dreaming big. Beyond the tangible skills of teamwork, leadership, coachability, discipline, and sacrifice, soccer instilled in me the most fundamental and life-changing lesson: the ability to dream big.
Together with my childhood friend, with whom I had played soccer since the age of six at the YMCA, we embarked on an adventure to the west to pursue our shared passion for filmmaking. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant industry, tirelessly connecting and seeking opportunities at every turn. One of the pivotal moments was our collaboration with a young G-eazy at the onset of his music career. Over the next 5+ years, we worked together, experiencing the challenges and rewards of hard work and monumental dreams.
I was part of a group that transformed from a 12-passenger van to nationwide bus tours and sold-out shows at iconic venues like the Oracle Arena and Barclays Center. East to West, we connected with audiences, delivering unforgettable experiences. After serving with G-eazy, I embraced a new challenge – becoming a full-time director in Los Angeles instead of traveling the world with one artist.
This transition was risky, especially as the artist I worked with was achieving massive success. Despite this, I chose to return to square one and build my own movement from the ground up. From that point onward, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible musicians and brands globally. Along the way, I launched two impactful community projects.
Amidst my success as a Senior Creative Director, the year 2020 brought an unexpected challenge – a global pandemic. It was during this critical moment that I sought to create something for my younger self, something that would leave a lasting legacy. I birthed and launched The Immortals Project on 2/22/22, aiming to provide education and programming for jeopardized communities. Our mission is to connect young aspirational minds to the fundamentals of success through sports. Since our launch, we have impacted numerous lives in Los Angeles and are gearing up for a monumental 2024, culminating in our pioneering Summer Mastermind program for athletes with big dreams.
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?
Challenges and obstacles are intrinsic components of life, woven into the fabric of our existence just as tightly as success and triumph. When you embark on the journey of pursuing your dreams, taking those daring leaps of faith, obstacles, and challenges emerge as formidable tests designed to fortify and empower you. The only path to a smooth road lies in the confines of your comfort zone, devoid of any ambitious aspirations.
Yet, the true beauty of life lies in embracing mistakes and conquering obstacles that once appeared insurmountable. It is through these trials that you not only discover your resilience but also unveil the remarkable strength that lies within. Life’s journey is a dynamic tapestry of highs and lows, and it is in navigating the challenges that you truly come alive, evolving into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. I just focus on the valleys because the peaks take care of themselves.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Senior Creative Director, I specialize in communication and the development of visionary concepts. My journey has involved crafting and curating art for a diverse range of musicians and brands, spanning from Adidas to The Chainsmokers and Soho House to Justin Bieber. I’ve had the privilege of creatively directing entire albums for some of my favorite musicians, showcasing a blend of artistic flair and strategic vision.
One of my standout attributes is my proven ability to execute seamlessly and maintain composure in high-pressure settings. This resilience has been a cornerstone of my success, allowing me to navigate challenging situations with grace and precision. Beyond my professional achievements, I take immense pride in my community projects – Gusto35 [Goodbye Summer] and The Immortals Project – endeavors designed to inspire and uplift people through the power of art and sport.
What truly sets me apart is my unparalleled ability to bring people together, fostering collaborative environments that result in artful expressions. Whether working with renowned musicians or spearheading community initiatives, my commitment to uniting individuals for the creation of impactful and meaningful experiences is a defining aspect of my professional ethos.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I perceive success as a metric for gauging the extent to which I’ve pushed past my boundaries and overcome limiting beliefs. For me, success is not merely a destination but an ongoing journey characterized by a daily pursuit of growth. It embodies qualities such as patience, steadfastness, and self-discipline, serving as a testament to the resilience and dedication invested in every endeavor.
Most significantly, success, in my view, is intricately tied to living out my life through the profound power of love. It’s about cultivating meaningful connections, fostering positive relationships, and making a positive impact on those around me. In this holistic perspective, success transcends mere accomplishments; it becomes a reflection of the love and authenticity woven into the fabric of my daily existence.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://theimmortalsproject.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immortalsfutbolclub?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.noloveoutwest.art/
- Other: https://www.goodboyshady.com/
Image Credits
IMAGES BY THE IMMORTALS PROJECT
