Voyage Raleigh Magazine June 24,2024
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dixon.
Hi Eric, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey as an artist at 6 years old. From there, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. Growing up, I attended art workshops and classes outside of regular art programs in school. I spent countless hours practicing my craft. I would stay up until 2 in the morning, knowing I had to get ready for school at 5 am. I would constantly draw in class and any free time that I would have.
My goal was always to be the best artist I could be. After I graduated from HS, I attended Wake Tech for a semester to study graphic design, but I wanted to learn 3D animation and be in a creative environment. I then attended the School of Communication Arts, now called Living Arts College. I’m grateful for my time there. I learned a ton of skills there that I still apply to my work to this day. After I graduated, I would apply for contests, galleries, and anything that would help get my name out as an artist.
One day, I ran into a friend named Shem from art school who needed an artist for a gallery. I was about to say no but decided to do it anyway. That gallery helped catapult me into my art career. It’s humbling to think that was 10-12 years ago. I’ve been able to do live paintings and art galleries, be in magazine articles, and more ever since. I’m thankful for the journey and opportunities I’ve had.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road for me. There have been plenty of challenges along the way. For 8 years, it was disappointment after disappointment. During that time period, it was completely frustrating. There would be times when I thought things would take off, but something would always go wrong.
I remember questioning myself if I was on the right path. I remember creating paintings for a gallery showing and then the gallery calling the showcase off. I remember entering contests, applying for projects, and not being chosen for anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Illustrations are my specialty. I draw either on my iPad or draw my ideas on paper. I then print my work if I’m using my iPad. In either drawing method, I use a light table to ink my work. This is the part that takes the most time. Afterward, I scan my work into my computer.
From there, I paint using Photoshop. I wouldn’t say I’m proud as much as I am grateful that people enjoy my work. I’m also grateful for the opportunities to display my work. I think the only thing that sets me apart from others is my style. I like that I’ve incorporated many styles of art that I studied growing up into a style that says, “This is me.”
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
I’m always down for collaborating with other artists and potential clients. I’m working on a Shopify store to sell merchandise I’ve designed and printed.
I will also include commission work on the site.
canvas rebel november 23,2022
Meet Eric Dixon.
Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Dixon . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eric , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative/ artist path when I was six years old. I use to draw in class for myself but then all my classmates started asking me to draw them pictures. I’ve been fortunate enough to know what I wanted to do and what I wanted to become at a young age..
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I started doing freelance illustrations when I graduated high school back in 2001. I later attended art school with a degree in 3D animation and digital art. I came on the art scene in Raleigh in 2012. I’ve been in galleries around Raleigh and Durham. I’ve showcased in Rawartist Raleigh and Los Angeles. I’ve also worked with Oak city Hustle magazine. Currently I’m working on designs for my brand Kanary Barnes. I design skate decks, snowboards, surfboards and various apparel to go along. I stopped working freelance to focus mainly on my brand. I think what sets me apart is my style. My art is a mix of comic books, graphic design and tattoo designs. At some point in my career I tried all three. I’m most proud of being known by other artists for creating cool and beautiful work. Your peers recognizing the amount of effort you put into your craft is a good feeling. The main thing I want people to know about me and my art, I’m going to be unique and my work stands out. I try to let my work do the talking
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I first started people did not liked or accepted my work. A handful of friends and family saw my potential. I didn’t believe in myself at all. I listened to the people that believed in me until I started believing in myself. For years I was constantly told ‘no’ and rejected on a huge majority of projects and contests I went for. There were many times I thought of quitting. I kept working and getting better. Every failure was actually a lesson in disguise. I learned things during those hard times that helped me down the road with my career.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
There was a book I read and a conversation I had some years ago changed my view on being a professional artist. The book was title ‘Letter’s to a young brother’ by Hill Harper. It talked about his journey from going to Harvard Law school and full filing his dream of becoming and actor. The book also had letters from famous men in different fields. They told some of their stories along with encouragement to a young man trying to find his path in life. The conversation I had with an incredible artist name Ivy Hayes. He was one of uncle’s best friends. I had the privilege to sit and talk with has he looked at my work. He told me I could be a better artist than what I was at the time. He talked to me about my potential and encouraged me to pursue becoming a full time artist. I can still remember that conversation to this day.
Publications
Dcws podcast- episode 2- edixon
This episode we chop it up with illustrator E Dixon. We discuss his influences in art; we celebrate the life of Stan Lee and we discuss the business aspect of the art scene.