From Passion to Mastery: Erik Sandoval’s Rug-Making Journey

For as long as he can remember, Erik Sandoval has been drawn to art. Born in Morelia, Michoacán, and raised in Stockton, California, he’s been sketching since the age of six, captivated by the idea that people could bring stunning works of art to life from pure imagination.

Then, in the summer of 2020, during the height of the pandemic, he stumbled across TikToks of people making rugs. Something clicked. The vision planted itself in his mind — I can do this too. He followed the craft closely, and by March 2021, he and a friend, who shared the same idea, decided to take action. At 22, Erik ordered his first rug-making supplies.

It took four months for his materials to arrive, but when they did in July 2021, he and his friend became obsessed — experimenting, learning, and refining their techniques. At first, doubt crept in. Would anything come of this? But just one month in, he landed his first client for $150, then another for $200. The momentum was slow at first, but month by month, it grew.

For an entire year, he worked relentlessly in his friend’s garage, perfecting his craft, pushing the limits of what he could create. Information on rug tufting was scarce, so he learned through trial, error, and a sheer determination to improve. Over time, his work evolved into larger, more intricate pieces, turning what started as an…