ERYKAH AUSTIN
Tell me about your work as an artist?
Erykah: My work is about capturing the rawness and dopeness and pureness of life and all of emotions. I strive to create images that highlight the beauty of the world but also share moments of pain, excitement, confusion, etc. I want to elevate those human experiences to an ethereal place, a place that may not naturally exist in the physical world but that can exist in our minds.
What are you trying to FEED the world?
Erykah: I want my world to make people think, to inspire them, to expand their ideas about what’s possible. I want my viewers to open up to new ideas of beauty. I want them to extract from my work whatever is positive for them.
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
What do you EAT? (What influences you as an artist?)
Erykah: I eat the work of other artists, and my own experiences. I’m influenced by every good time, every painful moment I’ve experienced. I thrive in collaboration, and I develop ideas better when bouncing them of of the creative minds of others. I am influenced by everything that exists in my own world, and by exploring the cultures and environments of others.
When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
Erykah: I didn’t exactly decide to be an artist but I knew I was one when I was a child. I always gravitated towards activities and assignments that required visual expression. I felt happiest during my creation process, whether drawing, painting, designing, photographing, or filming. I grew up a bit and society began to force me to think logically about how to succeed (financially) in this world. But I knew that following the status quo and pursuing a regular 9-5 with a big salary wasn’t meant for me. I repeatedly regained the courage to follow my dreams during and after college and my determination to pursue my passions has grown stronger and stronger ever since.
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
Can you tell us what you're working on currently?
Erykah: I am currently continuing to create limitlessly and develop my signature aesthetic. I am open to working on a multitude of client based projects, but I am also working on my own personal body of work. I am preparing to spend much of 2018 creating and curating several series that I can introduce to the world as a representation of who I am as a photographer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Erykah: In 10 years, I see myself traveling and shooting, capturing people and moments and experiences all over the world. I want to shoot campaigns for companies, album covers for artists, editorials for fashion professionals, and more. I’d also like to venture off into other creative media, including film and fashion. I’d like to eventually become a creative director for short film projects and other productions. And I see myself helping others, inspiring those who want to pursue creative paths but aren’t sure how; passing the mic to those people who don’t have a platform to speak for themselves; and making a difference in communities that I care deeply for.
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
What would you say to the kid in the classroom or at home who is being told that they can’t make money from being an artist of any kind?
Erykah: I would tell them that first of all, money isn’t everything. It is better to be broke and happy, exploring your own creativity, than rich and sad, working every day to make someone else’s dreams come true. I’ve chosen the broke and happy path, because I would rather put my passions first, before my bank account. But I would also tell them to be smart, and start thinking now about how they could potentially monetize their craft in a way that doesn’t compromise their creative integrity. In today’s world, there are infinite ways to create businesses and revenue from any idea, and those ideas also have the power to influence others and change the world for the better. I would encourage them to not only think about how to make money but how to create positive change and make a way for others behind them as well.
What should we do as artists to make sure that our craft is taken seriously?
Erykah: We should take ourselves seriously. If we don’t invest ourselves fully into our art, then no one else will be able to recognize its full potential. We should also support one another; without asking for discounts or favors in return. If we don’t support other artists, why would anyone else who doesn’t value art to begin with?
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin
by Erykah Austin