How did you get your start?
Tolleson, Arizona – that’s where I grew up. Summer reading programs at the Tolleson library introduced me to the art world. The optical world outside of the small town I grew up in. Through lots of book-worming, I learned about graphic design, illustration techniques and all about the process of making books and relief prints. That little library is what started it all for me.
I’m not a person who knew I was going to be an artist one day. I just decided to remain an artist. No matter how hard it would be. Despite being told I’d never make a living at it. Even though I didn’t always have the support of those closest to me. It was a choice.
What’s your creative process like?
I draw every day, both on sketchbooks and on my tablet. I write a lot as well, capturing ideas for new projects and things I think others may be able to use. Writing also helps me narrow down which ideas I think may be most beneficial to pursue and which to abandon.
As a person with lots of ideas, I know I need to work at staying focused. Most of my creative process is about restraining myself to the most important projects and learning to work well within limitations. For instance, I don’t have a giant-sized marketing budget for my studio so it’s really important that I spend time on the right things, foster word-of-mouth recommendations and be at the right in-person events.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Wow, where to start!? There’s probably a few hundred artists and designers in my “Top Five”. Locally, Janel Garza, Bob Case, Andrew Bosley and Jon Arvizu come to mind. I’m also keeping up with work by Rachel Ignotofsky, Jamie Hewlett, Brosmind, Marion Duechars, Gaston Pacheco and Tad Carpenter.
But most of my influences I learned about when I was a teen hanging out at the Tolleson Public Library. Charley Harper, Jim Henson, Mary Blair, Tolkien, Art Clokey, Beatrix Potter, Jim Flora, Ernst Haeckel, Takashi Murakami, Takeo Takei, Brian Froud and Moebius. I carry these artists around in my head all the time.
How do you determine your rates?
It would be great to have a one-size-fits-all rate sheet that would work for every project. However, each project is so different from the next that’s pretty much impossible in my case. Each project I quote has it’s own vision driving it, it’s own people to collaborate with and it’s own budget constraints. So I quote projects on a case-by-case basis. Everything starts with a conversation!
How do I know if I need college to be a creative professional?
If you’re the kind of person who is self-motivated, constantly curious about learning new things, a reader and someone who makes time for leveling up your own skills, you may not need to attend college. I think people who naturally take the initiative to get their own ideas done and work hard on their own, have a great foundation for being self-taught. There are many, many self-taught creative professionals out there.
On the other hand, if being an illustrator or designer is something you’re committed to but you need someone holding you accountable, consider the classroom environment. That’s the main benefit of being in a formal learning setting like a university or college. It can help you stay motivated, provides discipline and direction as you grow and you get to benefit from having direct input from peers and professors.
Think about these two paths. But know this too: How you treat others, being a respectful person and communicating well are going to be just as important, if not more important, than what path you take for education.
Do you prefer making art or designing things?
Both are so important to me. I’m very much an illustrative designer, so illustration and art inform much of my design work. More than photography actually. In turn, design has a role in art too. For instance, composing an artistic expression – painting, sculpture, music, etc. – still requires some degree of planning, purpose and intent. By definition, those three things are design.
Illustration is a favorite past-time and practice for me. It’s what I cut my teeth on as a young artist. But training as a design professional helped me see the deeper meaning behind the things we love and the things around us. These days, design helps me to put more meaning into the projects I produce.
Further, writing is a very important skill I continue to work on. I’ve seen so many ways that learning to write well helps illustrators and designers in their work for clients and patrons alike.
My business has a project we’d like to collaborate with you on. How do we get started?
Please contact me using this form or email ericsdesk@gmail.com. The best way to see if we’d work well together is for us to chat. Thank you.
Why do you live / keep your studio in Arizona?
Besides the fact that I grew up here in the Sonoran Desert, I’ve grown to truly love this place. I’ve had numerous chances to relocate, but I belong here. Sure, Arizona is a place of extremes – weather, politics, wildlife, traffic, etc. JMO – If you can thrive as a creative here, you can thrive anywhere.
The creative community in Phoenix is amazing. Helpful, inclusive and ready to share their knowledge. Because the desert isn’t for everyone, it’s not over-saturated like markets on the west and east coasts tend to be. Consequently, creatives in Arizona can standout for their work and make a difference.
Magic, mystery, history – the desert southwest has it all. The opportunities for creative work are as diverse as the people who’ve settled here. And don’t make me explain all my food-reasons for staying here. Wow. So. Many. Good. Eats.
What advice would you give to young creatives?
It’s not always easy to make our ideas happen. It’s never been easy for anyone to stay creative. But these days there are more tools than ever that can help us. There’s really nothing holding us back from being creative people. Living a creative lifestyle isn’t just something that sounds cool. It’s connected to finding meaning in life, having more purpose and discovering more happiness daily.
If you have ideas you want to get done, just get started. Don’t wait for permission and stop waiting for someone to tell you you’re good enough. Whether you have grand dreams or small ones, start today. Looking back, you’ll be so glad you did.
Are you available to speak at my school or organization?
Yes! And let’s make it a fun time! Send me a message and let me know some basic details about your event. More info can be found here about my speaking engagements.