Meet Eric Anton Johnson | Designer | Animator | Graphic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Anton Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Whatever you are trying to learn, surround yourself with people who are better than you at that thing, and just try to keep up with them. You may never be as good as them, but you will progress much faster than trying to learn on your own. Find the community for that thing, and immerse yourself in it.

I grew up skateboarding, and learned this at a young age, when I would get invited to skate with older kids who were much better than me. And the lesson has continued to server me well throughout all aspects of my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been working professionally as a Graphic Designer since graduating from art school in 2010. But it wasn’t until 2017/18 when I feel like I really came into my own as an artist. That was when I began experimenting with 3D animation, as a creative outlet separate from my day job. It gives me a space to explore new tools and mediums, free from the rigid constraints of a creative brief and brand guidelines.

I gave myself the goal of posting one looping animation every week. I started posting in January 2018, and have not missed a week since. For me, the self imposed deadline creates motivation. And looking back on it years later, it’s incredible to see the progression. Slowly over time, I have built up a body of work that I’m quite proud of. Not every week is going to be a masterpiece. But sometimes you have to work through the bad ideas to get to the good ones.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in LA for ten years now, and I still feel like I’m new here. I’m constantly discovering new places and even neighborhoods that I didn’t know existed. We would of course visit iconic Venice Beach. Then stop at some of the world famous skate spots and skateparks around LA; the West LA courthouse, JKwon plaza in Koreatown, and my new favorite, the Inglewood Pumptrack. Of course get tacos at my favorite taco spot, Carnitas Michoacan in Lincoln Heights. We would have to check out a Beat Cinema show at their Chinatown residency. Then cap off the visit with a beach bonfire at Dockweiler beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way. People who I’ve met academically, professionally and virtually. But perhaps the most influential though is my wife, Cassie, for supporting me in all aspects of life.

Website: https://ericanton.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericanton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ericantonjohnson

Image Credits
All images © Eric Anton Johnson.