We recently connected with Erica Scott and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Being an artist can be exciting and adventurous but this is often proceeded and tempered by strong discipline and patience. Happiness is less of a destination and more of a tool you carry with you throughout life. Happiness is work. The ability to get up and ‘struggle’ in your passion is far more mentally sustaining than working a job that you’re unsuitable for. I never had to wonder what a 9-5 would be like because that was what most of my family ascribed to. While I don’t think it’s healthy to remain in or at a job you’re not suited for, I also think exposure is a powerful life tool. Regardless of your chosen career path, I think all people should try their hand at something outside of their career. It instills discipline, and inspires healthy habits like setting and sticking to a routine. It also helps you really figure out what matters to you in life. For every achievement there were probably 100s lessons learned.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I draw and paint portraits, body parts, and food typically with a surreal spin to it. I often employ horror themes as well. Much of my artwork is inspired by the macabre, pain, magic, nostalgia, and the dream. As children we seek the experience, but as adults experience is replaced by escape. My attempt is to explore this. How do we discern when one of us is running from something vs towards? If we are always simultaneously doing both then which action do you choose to focus on? These are the main questions topics and themes I create work from.

My commission practice is steady, mainly comprising of portraits or conceptual design art for writings and stories.

I’m also a figure and portrait model for various artists in Chicago. You can occasionally find me at the Palette and Chisel. I’ll also be celebrating my one year anniversary as an art instructor at Marwen, a non profit art facility for 6-12th graders. Both businesses are located in downtown Chicago. I’ve recently come to truly understand how fulfilling a life of service can be. How it can set the foundations for a happy life just to know that you found a way for your skill to help not just yourself but others too.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think many creative people would agree and thank their introverted ness for giving them the time and space to hone their skills and unique visions in the adolescent and teen years. However, it’s a lesson you’d do well to let go of once financial independence happens. You have to get comfortable representing your art and brand. You have to pay vendor fees and maybe be your own mascot sometimes. Stand for hours smiling and trying to be approachable. Share your art online. Most importantly, you have to network. Meet other artists and build genuine connections. After all, it’s how I received this interview opportunity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Having the ability to grow more into my creative and teaching practice while also supporting my family. I’d say that’s my main goal. I don’t need things to be easy. But I don’t want to be so overwhelmed that I don’t have the time to carve out a creepy corner for myself in the horror art community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/bl00dydreamer
• Facebook: facebook.com/bl00dydreamer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRcpCwuKFs92sTk1SHn4_Zw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/m00dydreamzART