Meet Erianna Gowdy | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erianna Gowdy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erianna, what inspires you?
My Dreams. Do me a favor, dive deep into your imagination really quick, and picture this;
I’m standing outside studio doors, staring and admiring the fact that It’s actually mine; I mean, I know it’s mine by the name on the building; “Eg3 Designz Studio for the Arts”. I look to my right as I hear the basketball rim rattle, while sneakers are screeching along the concrete. I walk inside, to the sounds of C Major, lightly strumming from acoustic guitars. Hearing the sweet sounds of “Could you be Loved” by Bob Marley, I couldn’t help but smile. I walk into silence, which happens to be the Art Room; my favorite room. I slowly scan the beautiful sketches of characters from the Lion King on white canvases. The Kids love it; they never want to leave. Next door is where my computer techs are; they’re crazy talented too. Beethoven’s Symphony is blasting through the Dance Room speakers next door. I walk, hearing 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, coming from the dance teacher. She then says, “Eri, you like this routine?” I said to her, “Liked it? I loved it! I Loved every part of it!” The look on the kids’ faces brought joy to my heart. This space was created for them, to come everyday, with the resources available to them, to be who they are.

Now take that, and answer me this; how could I not be inspired by that? See, I just let you in on what I want my future to look like; my dreams. Whenever I think about that, I can’t help but feel driven, motivated, encouraged, and inspired to chase after it all. My business, Eg3 designz, is an art business that customizes shoes, designs freehand sketches for tattoos, and creates graphic designs such as logos, and flyers. But, the general purpose of why I created my brand is so that I could use my passion for art to make someone’s life better. Yes, I know that it will be a process. I also know that there will be fear, tears, heartbreak, and obstacles along the way. But my faith and trust in God, allows me to find victory in it all no matter what. In this life, as you continue to chase after everything you desire the most, the journey is going to be hard. One of my favorite coaches, Monty Williams, who coaches for the Phoenix Suns, has this saying that he says to his team that has stuck with me; “everything that you want in life, is on the other side of hard”. Everyday, I am inspired by what’s on the other side of hard. For me, all of my dreams are on that other side. And honestly, that right there, inspires me.

Throughout all of my experiences, as an artist, as a student, as an athlete, as a daughter, even as a friend, I have learned some pretty valuable lessons along the way that have shaped me into who I am today. Someone very special to me once taught me this philosophy; good better best, never let it rest, until your good is your better, and your better is your best. He always reminded me that as I chased everything that I wanted in life, to never forget to take it step by step. As I continue to grow, as long as I did my best, even when it was only good enough, it would all fall into place. So, you asked me what am I inspired by? I am inspired by my dreams and all that it will take to reach them. Will I accomplish them? ABSOLUTELY. For anyone who is struggling with feeling uninspired, I leave this with you. Your dreams are where your faith lies. As you progress on your own personal journey, you are going to have to believe in yourself. I promise that you will attain everything you want out of life if you do. And it’s okay if you’re afraid, I mean that’s human nature. But, if your dreams aren’t scaring you, then you’re not dreaming big enough. So, trust yourself, and know that you have to go through the hard part, in order to get to the best part.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is very versatile. Whether I’m creating a logo, customizing shoes, or even drawing out a simple tattoo sketch, my creativity has no bounds. And I feel that is what sets me apart from others. I take pride in every single thing that I do. As long as my name is attached to it, I give it everything that I have. I make sure that every piece of work, individually, is it’s own masterpiece (special in it’s own unique way). I’m most proud of the responses I receive from my work. I’m never driven by peoples opinions on anything that I do. However, it’s a great feeling showcasing my art, and seeing nothing but love and excitement for what I had just created. That is something that always fuels me to do more and expand my range every time. It’s never always easy. If I said it was, I’d be lying to you. But through it all, my faith was the driving force through any obstacle that I have every faced, and will continue to be that. I’ve learned that it is okay not to perfect. That falling and failing is okay. It’s what I do afterwards that matters the most. How I respond, is what separates who I was, from who I want to be. I want the world to know that I am just a girl with big dreams, who created something with the intentions of giving others what I wish was given more often. A voice, to be who you want to be, and never apologize for it. A resource to reach that potential that others may have said didn’t exist. An inspiration to the uninspired, constantly being that reminder that anything is possible, as long as you stay true to who you are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

First things first, anyone who is visiting me would know that as soon as they landed, we would be going to get some food. If it is around brunch time, it’s only right we make a stop at Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. That’s always been one of my favorite places to go in LA  for years.  Now if it’s around dinner time, It depends on what they’re feeling like. Me? I love hot wings, so I would take them “Wings and Pot”, or if i was feeling Mexican, we would go to Taco mel or a local taco truck near by. I also love seafood, so we would have to go to Hot and Juicy or Kickin Crab. Another one of my favorite places, if we wanted a mid day treat, I would take them to this shaved ice/funnel cake place called Sno Balls. Honestly, because I love food, i have tried a lot of places. And LA has a wide variety of food choices, especially  black owned.

As far as things to do during the day, we could go to the Pier, go shopping, go to the movies, go to the beach, etc. This list is really a little bit of what the city has to offer.

LA is a place where there’s always somewhere you could go or something that you could do. It’s all about what you or prefer in that moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, the ones that believe in me deserve all the recognition for who I am, and everything that I am accomplishing in my life. From family to friends that stick beside me, and speak life into me every single day, this is all for you. The love, the support, the encouragement never goes unnoticed. I work so hard for what I want because in the end, everything that I reap, I want to be able to sow into them. So, if you’re reading, this thank you is for all of you who believes in this girl with big dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eri.g__/