Meet Eric Ilonwafor | Model/Creative

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

Hi Eric, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued my creative career because I owed it to myself. I grew up loving to create things artistcly. I came to the perspective that I could be the art that I wanna show to the world. I owe myself the freedom of creativity. I hated being boxed in and categorized, I had a lot of self doubt growing up,but when I started to pursue this career I really broke all the negative aspects that I had about myself. Its not just seeing myself on billboards but that’s also a reason for this career but its also being limitless.

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.
My art is harmonious and lucid. The things that set me apart would easily have to be my energy,

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.
Okay so honestly speaking I have no idea like maybe go to midtown and walk around and take pictures. Then get some sushi from this sushi bar that really bomb on this corner. I have no idea what the name is, then we will successfully go get ice cream. My best time ever is always looking back and having a laugh and a story, if my best friend and I didn’t have that then the night was not something to write home about. I would say I love the skating scene so anywhere that has that is a vibe, and honestly, anything that has a dope vibe is something that is always interesting to me I would say.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Although this is my solo journey, I still had some support from people really close to me. I have been a person who really didn’t have the luxury of having a ton of love from this career. So it really helped me to be grateful, and teach me to be that absolute support to myself. I would have to shoutout my cousin Samira, who really was my key to embracing who I want to become in the future. My sister is also the encouragement that I need in my life, I get an understanding that I have been an inspiration to people behind me. And I have a service to be my absolute best, and my sister sees that. My closest friends are the love that helps me through the times I need it most.

Instagram: erictheeruler

Image Credits
– semira clay – daniella almona – jalyla gunnerson