“Hey! You’re that lady that pukes rainbows and stuff!”

Erica Hanna, with red hair and glasses wearing a brown sweater, standing in a room with a dark green wall, a shelf with gold trophies, and colorful cushions on a sofa.

So…where did “puke rainbows” come from? Let me tell you a little story. Around 15 years ago, I had the honor to direct a shoot with PRINCE! But, I was young, green, and very nervous. Shaking, as I walked towards him to show the first test frames, he took my camera and watched the footage we had captured. I started to think that my worst nightmare was about to come true…Prince was going to tell me I was garbage, and to get out of his sight. Those fears (I thought) were confirmed when he started shaking his head back and forth, and said to his friend (our amazing producer) Pete, “Hey, I thought you said she did video?” We looked at Prince in confusion. And after a pregnant pause, he looked at me, and said, “This isn’t video…this is ART. From now on, when you work with someone, tell them you create art! Now, you ready to create something the world has never seen before?” I truly felt as if I was going to throw up on Prince…puke rainbows, if you will!

After that, the rest is history. In 2013 I quit my producer/director job at CBS, did a short stint as a marketing director and social media director in agency life…then decided to take the plunge and CREATE ART with video. That has since expanded to teaching people how to create their own video content with smartphones.

In 2023 a new career shift came into play - I was asked to be the co-founder of an ai video marketing startup. Through almost two years I learned so much, all while maintaining clients through my existing business. In the end, the company I co-founded worked with both Microsoft and the Democratic National Convention, before I made the tough decision to get out of the “product” game, and get INTO ai education. I saw a huge gap between people who were adapting ai at a fast rate, and those who were being left behind…so, I wanted to take my ability to simplify complicated topics, and help level the playing field so folks could catch up.

Now, I’m loving the balance between instructing folks on ai, storytelling, and video production…AND still working with video production clients to create compelling content. I absolutely LOVE working with change-makers, and I’m so glad you’re here to learn more!


-Erica

What People Are Saying

  • Attendee, MN Association of Government Communicators Conference

    “Crazy entertaining and knows how to hold an audience. Great examples. I took a lot away. Gave it a 6 out of 5.”

  • Tiffany Clements, Social Media Strategist/Video Client

    “Erica is one of the most conscientious and responsible creative professionals I’ve met. Her commitment to collaboration left us with the resources we’ll need to make smart, video choices that fit well within our budget and brand. I cannot say enough good things about working with Erica and Puke Rainbows!”

  • Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Principal of LaCroix-Dalluhn Consulting

    “Before I took Erica’s AI training I was skeptical. But, she made the tools really approachable, and showed me ways to incorporate them into my business. It’s not the same old boring presentation, she’s so approachable!”

  • Mykl R., Owner: Get Social Events

    “She's our most talked about speaker, our most recommended speaker. The engagement we get during her talks is off the charts compared to anyone else!”

Awards I’ve Won

Six-Time Emmy Award Winner
Promax Gold
Promax Silver
Promax Bronze
Reed Awards Finalist Multiple Times
Waldorf College Outstanding Alumni Award
Forest City High School Outstanding Alumni Award
Nobel Peace Prize Forum Delegate
Twin Cities Top Twitter Personality

“Probably the best presenter I’ve ever seen!”
- Visit St. Paul Workshop Attendee

Chat with me

Looking for video content? Or maybe a workshop to help get your employees on board with AI or storytelling? I direct and speak both in person and virtually, and I’d love to chat!