First Impressions: Eric Fortune
This US artist on how social media success can lead to artistic self-development
The US artist on how social media success can lead to artistic self-development, and his hopes for society’s future.
Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art?
I’m from the small town of Coshocton, Ohio. I grew up with my family and also several classmates who were really into drawing. My grade school and high school teacher also made a big impact on my life.
You’re a child, you see a painting that changes everything. Where are you and what are you looking at?
I was probably sat in front of the television, watching cartoons. I drew robots endlessly as a kid. Transformers and G.I. Joe were probably my favourite shows. My world expanded again after watching Fist of the North Star and Akira as a teenager.
What was your next step in art? Did other interests vie for attention?
I didn’t know any professional artists growing up. Thankfully, my high school teacher, Mrs Beall, convinced me that an art career was worth pursuing. I loved video games and cartoons, but I feel like those both informed my art instead of competing with it.
Does one person stand out as being helpful during your early years?
My grade school teacher Mrs Cheney without a doubt. She was such an encouraging person.
Can you describe the place where you usually create your art?
It’s a bedroom-turned-studio in my house. I’ve put up a few bookshelves to store some art books. I have an art desk in one corner and an easel in the opposite corner. It’s a little cramped but it’s enough.
What are your painting rituals?
I like listening to lectures, podcasts and so on while working. I’ve noticed that attempting to learn while making art can really slow me down because I like to pause and take notes. I’m trying to do less of that.
Tell us about your first paid commissioned piece
It involved creating packaging illustrations for flavoured tea during my senior year at art school. It was pretty exciting and I thought the jobs would keep coming in after that. I was wrong. It took a long time to build up my clientele.
Is your art evolving? What’s the most recent experiment you made?
I think so. Mostly in the content of my work, but also in medium and scale. I’m trying my hand at oils again and hope to have a new body of larger paintings finished in the next few years. Stay tuned.
What advice would you give to your younger self to aid you on the way?
Not sure I would. It’s overcoming all those challenges that made me who I am today. However, I might tell myself to spend more time with loved ones. I often think our society’s obsession with work ethic has become maladaptive and decidedly unhealthy.
How has the art industry improved since you’ve been working in it?
It’s exciting to see some artists gain a large social media following for doing personal work. There seems to be more potential for autonomy and stability by having a broad base of fans funding your art goals.
In the near future I think there may be a massive boom in creativity once something like a universal basic income gives people more free time and stability to pursue their passions. I think that might be the biggest improvement our industry and society could have. You can follow Eric’s artistic progress on Instagram using @ericfortuneartist, or by visiting www.ericfortune.com.
I thought the jobs would keep coming in after that commission. I was wrong