I was born in 1981 and grew up with adventure, creativity, and hard work all around me. In 1991 I got my first computer and modem, and the internet became my home — a place where subcultures flourished, friendships formed, and ideas spread across borders.

I co-founded DeviantArt in 2000, building one of the largest creative communities in the world. For more than 25 years I’ve been focused on designing systems online that encourage people, reward participation, and make creativity feel possible for anyone.

Today, I’m building Layer — a way for digital art to live in the physical world with the same dignity as traditional art. It’s the continuation of the same obsession: the relationship between people, technology, and expression.

I believe encouragement is the most valuable resource humans can give each other. I’m drawn to people who create — artists, engineers, farmers, and the unexpected stranger sitting next to me on a plane. I’m endlessly fascinated by the ways we build meaning, culture, and community.

I started in a small bedroom with a computer and a modem. Decades later, I’m still amazed by what people create when they’re given a little encouragement and a place to belong.

—Angelo Sotiracopoulos.

aka Angelo Sotira.

I live in Los Angeles with my wife, Kelsey.

Our baby boy, Ansel.

And our feline children, Uni & Riot.

We help Pellegrino make new friends.