We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ernie Steiner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ernie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I have always had a studio or some type of space dedicated to making art, but until about four years ago I also had a full time job in the real estate industry as a commercial property manager. Initially I didn’t think there was too much information/knowledge transitioning between careers but as my art career progressed I began to notice a lot of similarities and benefits I had obtained from past experience in a different industry.

I learned that a lot of the language in the contracts, and licensing agreements was similar, and that building a strong network within the industry was beneficial. I learned customer service as a property manager and had experience budgeting which was very helpful as a full-time artist. But in addition to these noticeable skills I also realized I had become accustomed being in an office at 8am each morning, which for me was a good practice to keep when transitioning my drive to a studio.

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 am a visual artist with a focus on fine arts painting.

Graffiti, skateboarding, fashion, and the atmosphere within the urban environment have been significant influences since I was young and still inform the artwork I do today. The work I do is colorful and usually blends abstract and realism.

After seeing my mural work and gallery shows increase a few years ago I founded ERS Creative Services LLC. ERS Creative Services provides fine art and mural consulting, design, and creation services for artists and businesses. I noticed that their appeared to be a divide in cultures between many business operators and studio artists. There were Landlords and businesses looking to place murals and art on their company offices and building walls but they just didn’t know how to do it. I often work with businesses to produce murals or add framed art to their walls. Along with my decades of experience as a studio artist, I also have experience working within large and mid-sized Real-Estate firms and I believe I have a strong perspective on each side. I understand the cost and liability concerns businesses have and the creative freedom artists want and can marry these effectively to produce work artists and businesses are happy with.

I am always most proud when the completed work, whether it be a mural, a gallery show, or any other type of client relation concludes with a positive, collaborative, successful experience for all parties involved.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Earlier in my journey I wish I better utilized some of the relationships I had established within my industry for advice. I have realized later in my journey how beneficial it is to talk shop with industry professionals, especially those much further along in their career.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is creating a product I am passionate about and working with so many professionals with the same passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erniesteiner.com
• Instagram: @erniesteiner
• Other: COHART: @erniesteiner