Meet Eric Knight | Photographer & Graphic Artist

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

Hi Eric, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by street art and street culture. Growing up in the Bay Area of California I fell in love with graffiti and street art at a young age. At first I was drawn to the bright colors and bold lines but what was truly captivating was often the power behind art. I am always truly inspired when you can see the passion behind an artist artwork, or even more so when an artist makes you shift your perspective. Often people have a negative connotation to graffiti or see lesser value in handy crafts often found on the street, however if people had the opportunity to meet these artist or understand the passion that goes into their work I believe these artist would inspire the world. My inspirations come from a number of places but my largest inspirations have come from vibrant colors, seeing the passion in an artist work, and simply just getting out and exploring the city.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art started off as just a creative outlet, I never imagined I would get to this point today. I was just exploring the city, and environment that I find endless inspiration from but as I started sharing my images I started realizing people don’t always see the beauty in the things right in front of them everyday. I think that is what sets my art apart from other artist, my art highlights the beauty in the everyday city life and making something traditionally “ugly” or “dirty” look captivating. My journey has been far from easy, I started shooting in 2015 and was able to land my first feature in 2016 with DiscoverATL, on top of growing my instagram following rapidly the future was looking bright. Late 2016 I was diagnosed with Leukemia and things came to a screeching halt, after two years of non stop treatment and doctors appointments I was in remission and finally clearly to slowly get back to living life. Moving forward in a world that didn’t ever stop moving isn’t an easy battle, I am thankful for those around me who have helped me in overcoming a lot of these obstacles although I am still battling everyday. I believe the resilience and the mental toughness I built during treatment is what got me to where I am today.

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?
Alright so BOOM! My friend comes in town for five days, here’s the plan. Day one, up early were going to Chick-Fil-A because who doesn’t love CFA. Then were headed downtown to explore the city and do some shooting, Peachtree, or maybe hit a rooftop (won’t mention my favorite so I can keep going lol). Then grab drinks at Sun Dial on top of the Westin because who doesn’t love that view, and end the night by going to Magic City because we’re in ATLANTA. Day 2 were headed to Blue Ridge for two days to camp, and just enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. When we get back for day 5 I would just ask my friend then if there was anything they came with the intentions of doing or if there was any landmarks or restaurants they wanted to visit, also because its interesting hearing what people who don’t live here are most excited about.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be the person I am or where I am today if it wasn’t for my mother and grandmother. I have a very small family so we’re all close but the strength and resilience that they have ALWAYS demonstrated has helped me through some of the hardest of my journey. I also want to thank the members of The Creative Hub, my discord community for support and all the growth we have had.

Website: https://excusemyshutter.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: instagram.com/ExcuseMyShutter

Twitter: Twitter.com/ExcuseMyShutter

Other: My community Discord – https://discord.gg/BzDcBQAZ