Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Robison.
I became an artist because of those before me who carried the torch of creativity. Since I was young I aspired to be an artist, but it was labeled an unacceptable career. So, I pursued the wish of others. I felt compelled to “do what I was told” for I had no strength or rationale to fight it. Upon seeing the film Silent Running as a boy, I came home and drew sketches of spaceships and robots. Later on, I saw the Dark Crystal and on that rainy night, I sat up late and drew pencil sketches of the Skeksis from the film. Creating these fantasies was in my blood, but still did not have much support or a belief that it was a career.
Then a lightning bolt hit me. The work of Syd Mead. His visions of the future changed my life forever. His art, styling, color sense, guts, and elegant sweeping lines of Gouache blew my mind. I just had to follow my dream. Seeing the masters before me gave me the confidence to try. Herb Ryman, Syd Mead, Van Gogh, Willem DeKooning..Thank You.
So I went to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, graduated with honors, and Walt Disney Imagineering hired me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Failures and rejections are the stepping stones to success and improvement. It’s a Cliche’ but really true, Embrace these strange sad moments…! They are a good thing. It hasn’t been a smooth road necessarily, because the roads I went down were roads chosen by others. When I finally chose my own path; that’s when the magic happened. So I learned this: Don’t listen to anyone’s dream or advice for you. It’s YOUR life and you only get one. So, find something you love to do or be. That passion will drive you to focus on it and become good at it. Don’t give up!.. Sooner or later the “World conspires to help you achieve” what you are meant for in Life. I earned a degree in Economics and ended up being a Concept Designer for the Entertainment Industry; (after I got another degree in Design]. So I eventually found my way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is best described as energetic, kinetic, passionate, and loose. I truly rely on my imagination and natural inclinations to take each project to its rightful conclusion. I always start by scribbling with pen and paper. If I get stuck creatively; I will observe the forms and compositions that are in my environment. With a trip to the grocery store or an hour on the Beach much can be discovered. There is inspiration everywhere. For example, I recently saw a young trick-or-treater In a Dinosaur Halloween costume. It was a blobby aqua costume with triangle spikes on his back. The boy was holding an orange candy bag. I squinted my eyes and I could see architecture. The blending of the blobby forms and sharp triangles created a unique vision.. the contrasting Orange candy bag with the aqua was a beautiful color combination. Two days later I had rendered a blobby fragmented building for a Theme Park concept.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
No matter where or what Art becomes.. it is the relevance that seems to be paramount.
Everyday .. relevance for all generations is the Game.
The next 5 years will challenge all of us creative people because of AI and beyond. We need to continue to show the world our value..and compete with computers. How?. I suppose our imagination and ideas in combination and respect for technology.
The Blend of humans and [AI] tech is most likely something extraordinary. And we should embrace and use it rather than fear it!
Contact information:
- Website: https://ericrobisonart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_robison_imagiboom/
