We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Hawkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I first moved to Macon, GA, I made it a point to connect with people and businesses in the community. I quickly realized that building relationships opened up more opportunities. These connections eventually led to my first projects here, and through that process, I discovered how art could help solve problems. I met new people, shared my love for murals, and found ways to use art to address challenges—everything from pedestrian crosswalks and resurfacing a pool, to creating a social moment for a new restaurant, or bringing a welcoming vibe to a school. For me, my purpose is simple: it’s about helping others solve problems while creating beautiful, meaningful things.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Erin Hawkins, and I’m the artist behind Mama Hawk Draws and the founder of Tanglewood Art Studios in Macon, GA. As an artist and designer, my work spans murals, branding, and community-focused art projects. My purpose is rooted in using art as a tool to solve problems for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, while creating meaningful connections and experiences for everyone involved.
What excites me most is how art can break down barriers and inspire change. Whether it’s transforming a blank wall into a vibrant mural, helping a new business establish its identity, or providing students with the tools to express themselves, every project is an opportunity to help others feel seen and valued. I’m passionate about working with a wide range of people, especially those who may not always feel represented, and creating spaces where they can share their stories and experiences.
In April 2025, I opened Tanglewood Art Studios, a creative studio and gallery space where local artists can collaborate, exhibit their work, and connect with others. TAS also hosts workshops and events that foster creativity, mindfulness, and connection. These events are designed to create a sense of community, whether it’s through art-making or mindfulness practices like breathwork.
I’m also proud of the work I’ve been doing with 478 Creatives, a group I started to support local creatives here in Middle Georgia. Through 478 Creatives, we’re building a supportive network, hosting workshops, and collaborating on events that encourage creativity and connection. It’s a space for all creatives to grow, share, and thrive together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding both my artistic and community work. I have new mural projects in the works and more events planned at TAS, as well as opportunities to deepen my involvement with 478 Creatives to bring even more people together.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, creativity, and community-building.
Perseverance: Art is not always easy, and the path to building a sustainable business in the creative world comes with its fair share of challenges. The ability to keep pushing through, especially when things don’t go as planned, has been crucial. My advice to those just starting out is to stay committed, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. Growth takes time, and perseverance helps you navigate the ups and downs of building something meaningful.
Creativity: Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s painting a mural, designing a brand, or problem-solving for a business or nonprofit. It’s about thinking outside the box and finding solutions that not only look great but are also functional. For those early in their journey, I’d suggest consistently exercising your creative muscles. Try different mediums, explore new ideas, and always be open to learning and evolving your craft.
Community-building: My journey has been deeply intertwined with the community. Building strong, authentic connections with others has opened doors and led to some of the most meaningful collaborations in my career. The best advice I can give is to engage with the people around you—listen, learn, and share your talents. Whether it’s through networking, collaborating on projects, or simply offering support, a strong sense of community will always be a great foundation for success.
For those starting out, my advice is to focus on these qualities early: keep going, stay creative, and connect with others. Reach out to people in your community or your heroes in the field—ask for advice, portfolio reviews, or guidance, whether that’s in person or via Zoom. So many people are willing to help, but you have to ask. The worst thing they can say is “no,” and you’re right where you started. These qualities have shaped where I am today, and I believe they can help anyone carve out their own path in the creative world.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always looking for new opportunities to collaborate! Right now, I’m manifesting a few exciting projects, including a basketball court mural, a cozy brewery or coffee shop with the best vibes, and murals that truly make an impact for clients whose values align with mine. These are projects that go beyond just art—they create a space for connection, vibrancy, and meaning.
At Tanglewood Art Studios, I’m particularly interested in connecting with emerging artists from the South who are looking for a solo show in our gallery. I’d love to bring more talent to Macon, GA and offer a platform for these artists to share their work through artist talks and workshops. It’s all about creating a space where the art community can come together and grow.
If you’re interested in collaborating on a mural, you can reach out to me at [email protected]. For gallery shows or workshops at TAS, email me at [email protected]. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: mamahawkdraws.com / tanglewoodartstudios.com
- Instagram: @mamahawkdraws_ / @tanglewoodartstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamahawkdraws/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emhawkins/
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