An Inspired Chat with Eric Hagan of Queens

We recently had the chance to connect with Eric Hagan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
That the art scene in NYC is impenetrable and massive. It’s not. It’s the same 30 people insane enough to go for it running into each other again and again.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Eric Hagan. I am an artist and writer. I have been a full time freelance artist, for nearly five years. A rare and endangered species today.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It’s surely a longer list, but one person comes to mind immediately. I was in tenth grade, sitting in Mr. Weaver’s english class. The class sat watching him grade something we wrote, no idea what the assignment might have been. As we sat watching him sigh and gouge papers with his red pen, he said, “Why can’t all of you write like Eric?”. Surely a rude and tactless thing to say. I had never felt prouder. I decided to pursue a degree in writing in that exact moment. That offhanded grumble changed the course of my life, steering me forever toward the path of the creative.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That you need to just keep going. Don’t stop. The dark valleys are what you must traverse to get to those sunny peaks ahead. Even if you can’t see them.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The artists who put their dreams on the shelf to take care of the people they love. The people who go to work, do what they need to do, because others depend on them. Those who prioritize the wellbeing of others over the longing of their soul. “The Greats” of art history are often just people who chose themselves.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Making instagram reels. I would focus less on appeasing an algorithm just to try and sell my art, and focus on deeper artistic exploration, spending every day with my friends and family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erichaganart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eric_hagan_art
• Other: https://reddit.com/u/tandizojere