We were lucky to catch up with Eric Anton Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eric, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I went to school for Graphic Design, and the goal was to get a full time job doing design work. I was fortunate enough to get hired pretty quickly after graduation, but I found that it wasn’t all that creatively fulfilling. I wasn’t excited about the work in the same way that I had been in school. I would get frustrated with the type of projects I was working on. So I took it upon myself to start doing personal creative projects outside of my day job. This allowed me to have a mental separation between the design work that pays my bills, and the art work that I love to make. And having that separation allows me to focus more efficiently on the task at hand. Eventually these personal projects lead to more exciting client work. But I still continue with the personal work because I think it’s important for any artist to spend time exploring and evolving their craft.

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’m a Graphic Designer and Animator based in Los Angeles. My focus is on motion graphics and digital content creation. I enjoy the unique challenges and opportunities of motion design, and strive to create content that delights and engages viewers. I work as a Senior Motion Designer at an advertising agency named David & Goliath. In my spare time I create short looping 3D animations which you can see on my social channels. For the past seven years, I’ve posted a new animation every single week. For me the self imposed weekly deadline creates motivation. And it’s incredible to see the progression over all this time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presence is basically a creative outlet for me. I only post the kind of work that I want to make and I find interesting. Hopefully other people will too. I rarely even engage with my audience. That’s just not my personality. I’d rather be authentic and let the work speak for itself. If it’s good, that authenticity will show through. But also consistency is key. Pick a time that works for your schedule and post at the same day/time every week. I’ve posted every Sunday night for the last 7+ years. Eventually you’ll find your audience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, being able to look back at the work I’ve created over the years and see the progression, is very rewarding. Even if looking back now, you’re no longer proud of your older work. That’s how you know you’re improving and evolving as a creative, and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ericanton.co
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ericanton
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/ericantonjohnson
• Other: Tik Tok:
  https://tiktok.com/@ericanton_

Image Credits

All images © Eric Anton Johnson