Meet Eric Dixon

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. The best way to contact me is either by email or IG DM [email protected] and @kanarybarnes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kanarybarnes

Image Credits
Joseph Bruno