Meet Eric Daniel | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Eric, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Do you believe in destiny? I do. Does that sound cliché? Maybe it does. When you have been an artist since 7 years old, there isn’t much choice. The way I look at the world through my eyes is always from an aerial point of view or from the outside looking in perspective. This view allows me to interpret my surroundings without me being apart of it. Physically I am present but mentally I am outside of the box analyzing the present. This calls for people to label me as an overthinker, but I am able to draw unique conclusions by having an open mind and I enjoy that. Therefore, I didn’t pursue an artistic career, in fact, it came naturally.

The mindset of an artist is the tendency to question norms or seek alternative solutions and to understand that mistakes are good for the creative process and should be welcomed because they are merely steps to a better more defined work of art.

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.
People believe in following trends in order to get in the door. I don’t believe we have to “get in the door” if we create our own room. I started my brand Lvl Headz Clothing with 3 duffle bags a blanket and a beach towel. 5 unique designs that are all original in form and function that will not be found anywhere else on the market. I don’t know anyone that starts their brand with duffle bags, do you? It’s usually t-shirts and hoodies, which are fine, but not where I wanted to start things off. I will eventually expand my brand to more than just textiles, but until then I hope everyone enjoys what I have to offer thus far.

If it wasn’t for my parents working hard to put me in good schools growing up, I don’t know where I would be professionally. I grew up in Los Angeles, the bad parts, so it is not common for someone like me to try his hand at owning a legal business. I believe that with the supportive parents I was blessed with I was able to “be a kid” and cultivate my hopes and dreams as an adolescent child.

I decided that being creative and expressing myself was not only a pastime but a necessity. Lvl Headz Clothing began out of that same necessity. This brand represents the daily struggle to maintain balance in a fast-paced society in order to elevate mind, body and soul.

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.
Sometimes the best places to see and eat are often times not very popular or well known. I enjoy finding rare hidden gems and “under the radar” restaurants and gastro pubs to visit. If a friend of mine was to come to LA I would first take them to eat and drink at The Brews Hall at Del Amo, the first ever multi-concept brewery and food experience in Torrance, California. With two breweries and four food concepts, not to mention a full bar, they have a little something for everyone. Next, we would visit The Broad Museum which is a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles offering free general admission and an active program of rotating exhibitions. I got the chance to see great pieces from Basquiat, Keith Haring and Andy Warhol all displayed at this museum. Now, I would love to give up more of my favorite low-key spots but then they wouldn’t be low-key anymore now would they?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been a number of people that have inspired me on my journey such as Photographer & Creative Consultant Dionna Smith from Los Angeles who encouraged me to take my brand seriously along with my lovely wife Maneshia Cox-Daniel who has been by my side for over a decade, but I want to take this time to SHOUTOUT Entrepreneur Brandon Baldwin of Los Angeles. Brandon is a great friend of mine and has been since high school. He was apart of my growth as an artist by letting me practice my creativity on him by cutting his hair after school. I am forever grateful because he was one of the first people to believe in my vision as an artist the whole time! He has since started his own business called “2wice”. 2wice is a lifestyle and wellness brand that embodies the flow, persona, and aura of someone that has the ultimate faith in God with the belief that anything is possible to achieve. Not just once, but at least 2wice.

Website: https://lvlheadzclothing.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lvlheadzclothing/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q57gLUVqvj1W04LKut12Q