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

Hi Erica, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I am really big on making sure to carve out some “Unwind Time.” I can get so caught up in reaching the next goal that I forget to be present and appreciate how far I’ve come. I also try and make sure that I create a space of inspiration. I create vision boards and take classes or workshops on a continuous basis to keep me creative. Overall I try to stay productive without burning myself out and that’s helped me continue to grow throughout the years.

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.
At my core, one of the biggest motivators for me as an individual is to be original and unique. Nothing gets under my skin more than feeling like one of the crowd, or like I’m doing something that’s already been done– especially when it comes to my artwork. So when it comes to creating, I think there’s always a challenge in finding ways to incorporate new ideas and twists to things. That was a big hurdle to cross when I first began painting. Outside of creating, I’d say another big challenge that I’m sure many artists deal with is the business of art. It can definitely be overwhelming to build and manage a business if that’s not your strong suit, especially when you’re starting from scratch. From the artwork to my presentation, I’ve learned to take the time necessary to ensure that what I put out into the world is truly aligned with my intentions. As any artist would, I want those who experience my work to feel the depth of care, thought, and time invested.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nature’s always my go to. So the Botanical Gardens both in Atlanta and Athens are great stops for sure. Any time that I can carve out my own space and people-watch in the sunlight with a good drink is a great day for me too. Any friend of mine is definitely coming to Phoenix and Dragon with me and then grabbing some vegan food from local restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to send a shoutout to my family and support system. Growing up, my family always supported me in the visual and performing arts. Taking me to rehearsals and performances and so much more. Without them allowing me the creative freedom to explore, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. The same goes for my husband and two children. They’ve seen me go through the highs and lows of being a professional artist and help keep me going even when I’m not feeling it. Last but definitely not least, I want to give some shine to my mentors and therapist. It’s one thing to be creative and gifted, it’s another to be grounded and clear about who you are and where you want to go in life. Without them, I would not have nearly as good of a grasp on those things as I do now.

Website: www.EricaRonelle.com

Instagram: @EricaRonelle

Image Credits
Kelley Raye

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