Erica Williams is all about keeping things natural. It comes across in the motifs she uses in many of her portraits, but also in her rendering method as she opts to use pencils, pencil crayons and paint rather than scan her images into a computer to be manipulated digitally. Her devotion to the analog makes her creations stand out from the sea of computer-altered artistry that currently dominates mainstream media.
Erica Williams presently works as a freelance artist in Minneapolis. The fantasy and folklore elements found within her pieces lend themselves particularly well to posters and book illustrations. I'm incredibly impressed by her ability to get so much utility out of a pencil as she uses it for line work as well as to define value in her subjects and their accessories.
Organic Pencil Portraits
Erica Williams Incorporates Naturalistic Elements in her Renderings
Trend Themes
1. Naturalistic Art - Opportunity for artists to explore traditional mediums and embrace analog methods in a digitally-dominated art market.
2. Fantasy and Folklore Illustration - Demand for illustrations that incorporate fantasy and folklore elements in posters and book covers.
3. Handmade Craftsmanship - Growing appreciation for the authenticity and uniqueness of handmade art and illustrations.
Industry Implications
1. Art Supplies - Opportunity for art supply manufacturers to cater to traditional mediums and tools.
2. Publishing - Demand for illustrators specializing in fantasy and folklore elements for book covers and illustrations.
3. Online Art Marketplaces - Growing market for selling and showcasing handmade illustrations and crafts online.