We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Erica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

The most significant lesson I learned in my previous job was the need to develop self-discipline and business acumen to succeed in my endeavors. While I consistently performed my job well, I often thought about pursuing entrepreneurship, especially given the volume of creative work I was producing. I thought I was ready to dive into my own business full-time, but I quickly realized that the experience of having someone else manage your tasks and set deadlines is very different from the responsibilities of being your own boss. As an entrepreneur, you have to establish and stick to your own standards—otherwise, the work won’t get done. For a long time, I struggled to understand this, but eventually, I realized that success takes more than creativity alone. Many creatives face difficulties because they don’t fully grasp the business side, and that’s something I struggled with too. Now, I understand that stability is essential for progress. Entrepreneurship is a journey that demands a lot of commitment, so you need to be ready to embrace that—it often means working harder than you would in a traditional job.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a visual artist specializing in painting, and I also make music as an emcee.

I’ve always been an artist—the kid drawing in class, carrying that passion through high school and college. A close friend, who happens to be an employee at my alma mater, introduced me to the art community in Wilmington, Delaware, which has played a major role in expanding my network over the past eight years. That connection has led to numerous exhibitions in the region. In terms of music, I’ve built much of my community through social media, which has allowed me to form connections from D.C. to New York and even California.

My artistic practice focuses on acrylic paintings, and I produce giclée prints of my work. Lately, I’ve also been exploring apparel that incorporates my paintings through embroidery.

What sets me apart is my passion for being a catalyst in the culture of art and music. I’m dedicated to honoring and telling the stories of our predecessors and the underappreciated, while also bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. I seek to highlight the connections between the past and present while pushing creative boundaries to say the things that often go unspoken.

I take great pride in what I’ve built simply by being myself. Community is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family and friends, who have carried me through challenges along the way.

To my clients, followers, and fans—know that I am constantly evolving. Expect growth, innovation, and expansion in my creativity, subject matter, and style.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is the impact my work has on people. It’s not just about the aesthetic—it’s about what the work means to them. I’ve had people come to me with tears in their eyes, deeply moved by something I’ve created, and those moments always stay with me. They serve as a powerful reminder that what I do holds real value.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Artists deserve the same respect as those in corporate positions—fair compensation for their work. Artists need sustainable incomes just like everyone else, and the price of their work reflects real-life expenses—bills, groceries, insurance, and more. Yet, there’s a common misconception that art should be cheap, even though it’s one of the most sought-after things, especially in times of distress and sorrow. Music, in particular, is deeply valued during difficult times and plays a major role in marketing, helping drive sales—yet artists themselves are often undervalued.

Beyond fair pay, society can better support artists by expanding educational opportunities, especially when it comes to the business side of creativity. Many artists struggle with marketing and entrepreneurship, and having courses specifically designed to help creatives navigate these challenges would be a game-changer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizeofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.lizeart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizetheofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-jones-artist
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/elizeofficial_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/elizeofficial
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/elizeofficial

Image Credits

Ish Music, Sam Wilson, Joe del Tufo, Erica Jones