Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Nine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eric, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I’ve been able to make a full-time living from my creative work, but it’s definitely been a journey of patience, passion, and perseverance. It wasn’t something that happened overnight.

I started out as a professional artist in 2006, and in those early years, I was mostly focused on building a foundation. I knew I wanted to create art full-time, but like many artists, I had to take on different types of work to support myself while building my career. I had big ideas and projects in mind, but I had to work my way up to reach those goals.

One of the early turning points was moving to Atlanta and immersing myself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. The diversity and energy of Atlanta deeply influenced my style and themes, particularly my focus on community, diversity, and equality. My first few mural opportunities were critical stepping stones, and they often came through networking and showing up to events where I could connect with people in the art and real estate development communities.

A major milestone was my work with Atlanta Ballet. I have a personal connection to the world of ballet, and that relationship led to some incredible collaborations, such as my mural of Dorothy Alexander, the founder of Atlanta Ballet, and now an animation that celebrates her legacy. Projects like these have not only given me a platform but have also helped me solidify my brand as an artist deeply connected to Atlanta’s history and community.

Over time, I realized that I also thrive in roles like creative direction, where I’m not just creating art but shaping experiences, whether that’s through murals or immersive art events. Founding *Twisted Circus ATL*, my arts collective, was a big step toward merging my love for visual arts and performance. By producing large-scale, site-specific art events, I’ve been able to expand my creative work beyond murals, creating experiences that bring people together in unexpected ways.

In terms of speeding up the process—yes, there are definitely things I could have done differently, but every experience taught me something valuable. If I could go back, I’d probably invest more in building a personal brand earlier and focus more on social media and community-building from day one. Networking and collaboration have been crucial, but I think I could have reached certain goals faster if I’d understood the power of digital platforms sooner. Also, finding a muse or a community of muses to inspire my work has been instrumental. It’s not just about what you create; it’s about who and what inspires you to push your boundaries and grow as an artist.

Today, I’m fortunate to make a full-time living from my creative work. Between mural commissions, art shows, and directing immersive experiences, I’ve built a career that reflects my passions and allows me to give back to the community. I’d say to any artist looking to make it full-time: be ready to adapt, learn constantly, and embrace every opportunity, big or small, because they all add up over time.

Eric, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

**My name is Eric Nine, and I’m a muralist, creative director, and founder of Twisted Circus ATL, an arts collective based in Atlanta, Georgia. My roots are Puerto Rican, but my style was cultivated through life experiences in Brooklyn, Boston, Florida, and now my adopted hometown of Atlanta. I’m best known for my large-scale, brightly colored murals that bring positive messages of equality and inclusion to neighborhoods throughout the city. I’m passionate about creating art that not only adds beauty to a space but also sparks curiosity, conversation, and connection among people from all walks of life.**

I started my career in 2006, and over the years, I’ve focused on growing both as an artist and as a creative director. I’m deeply inspired by the culture and diversity of Atlanta, a city known for its rich history and dynamic arts scene. My artwork often celebrates this diversity, bringing elements of both abstraction and realism to murals, canvases, and even performance art experiences. **Elephants, ballerinas, and symbolic abstract shapes** appear in much of my work, representing my exploration of balance, grace, and unity.

**How I got into this field was almost a natural evolution** from my early love of art and storytelling. I attended Harrison School of Visual and Performing Arts, where I developed a fascination with ballet and performance art. Spending hours watching performers, especially ballerinas, sparked a lifelong admiration for the discipline, strength, and beauty of ballet, which has inspired many of my pieces. Atlanta Ballet, for instance, holds a special place in my heart because of my personal connection to it and the mural I painted of its founder, Dorothy Alexander.

**In terms of what I provide**: I work primarily as a muralist, transforming large spaces with my art. I also create original canvases and mixed-media works and direct immersive art events through Twisted Circus ATL. This collective specializes in site-specific art and performance experiences, designed to bring people together and create a stronger sense of community in Atlanta’s art scene. Our shows are highly collaborative, merging visual and performing arts in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

**The problems I solve for my clients** are often about transformation and impact. I don’t just paint walls—I create experiences that tell a story or reflect the essence of a space and its people. For example, in one of my recent projects, I designed an animation about Dorothy Alexander for a digital billboard in Atlanta, depicting her legacy and the diversity of the Atlanta Ballet. This piece was about more than just visuals; it was about celebrating history and inspiring the next generation. For clients, I solve the problem of creating meaningful, impactful art that resonates with viewers on a deeper level and leaves a lasting impression.

**What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and community.** Atlanta is a city with a powerful history, especially tied to the Civil Rights Movement, and I aim to honor that legacy in my work. My art is vibrant, bold, and colorful, but beyond aesthetics, it has a purpose—to uplift, to include, and to represent. I’m also dedicated to supporting other artists, which is why I founded Twisted Circus ATL. Through this collective, I bring together top-tier Atlanta artists for events that showcase the incredible talent and creativity in our community, from dancers to aerialists to musicians.

**I’m especially proud of my current project, “Red Cotton,”** which will launch in February 2025. It’s a collaboration with Keef Cross, creator of the *Day Black* comic book series, and introduces a new character, a vampire ballerina, to his storyline. “Red Cotton” includes an art series and live performances with original video projections, all synchronized to create an immersive experience. This project combines my love of visual arts with performance and storytelling, and I think it’s a great example of the unique kind of experience I strive to bring to Atlanta’s arts scene.

**If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s that everything I create comes from a place of love and admiration for diversity.** I believe that art is a bridge that connects us all, and I hope to create pieces that resonate emotionally with viewers and leave them feeling inspired, curious, and connected to their surroundings and to each other.

For anyone interested in following my work, I’d encourage you to join my mailing list, where I share updates on upcoming projects, events, and even monthly free art giveaways. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my reach, connect with new audiences, and create art that celebrates both Atlanta’s history and its potential for an inclusive future.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create art that connects people, celebrates diversity, and brings positive experiences to the communities I serve. I’m deeply driven by the belief that art can be a catalyst for change and unity. Whether I’m painting a mural in a public space, directing an immersive art event, or creating a new character in collaboration with other artists, my goal is to produce work that not only brings beauty but also sparks meaningful conversations around equality, inclusion, and self-expression.

Atlanta’s history as a city of resilience, activism, and artistic expression inspires me daily, and my work is, at its core, a tribute to that legacy. I aim to honor the people and stories that make up this city, highlighting themes of balance, strength, and grace—elements I often symbolize through imagery of elephants and ballerinas. My journey is fueled by the idea that art should uplift and inspire people, whether they’re encountering it in a mural on a city street or at a fully immersive show that transports them to another world.

Ultimately, my goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what art can be—bringing together communities, empowering voices, and creating spaces that make people feel seen and valued. Through my art and collective work with *Twisted Circus ATL*, I hope to keep offering experiences that leave a lasting impact, fostering connection and joy in every piece and project I create.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the impact my work can have on others. Art has a unique power to connect, inspire, and bring people together across different backgrounds and perspectives, and knowing that I can create something that resonates with someone on a personal level is incredibly fulfilling.

There’s nothing quite like seeing people interact with my murals, hearing how a piece made them feel, or watching them be moved by an experience I helped create. When people share stories about how my work sparked a conversation or brought joy to their day, it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

Another rewarding part is the freedom to constantly evolve and explore new ideas. Whether it’s experimenting with abstract forms or introducing a new character into a storyline, being an artist allows me to keep pushing my own boundaries and discovering new facets of my style. And then there’s the collaborative side—working with other talented creators through *Twisted Circus ATL* to build something bigger than any one of us could do alone. It’s rewarding to know that I’m not only growing in my own practice but also contributing to a community that values creativity and expression.

Ultimately, the most fulfilling part is knowing that my art has a purpose beyond just aesthetics. I want to create something that lasts, that has meaning, and that brings people together. For me, that’s what makes being an artist one of the most rewarding paths I could imagine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ericnine.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eric_nine

Image Credits

these r all my photos