Ep. 37 Season 2. "Corporate Dropout Turned Erotic Artist: No Regrets"
SUMMARY
In this episode of Send Nudes podcast, hosted by Ashley Klemm, local boudoir photographer, Ashley interviews Eric Berson, a versatile artist with expertise in special effects makeup, body painting, photography, graphic design, and marketing. Eric shares his journey from running a family business to fully investing in his passion for art and the challenging yet fulfilling decision to leave a traditional 9-to-5 job. He describes his extensive experience in body painting and special effects makeup, recounting significant moments and stories from his career, including his time in LA, working with famous FX artists, and transforming into unique art forms. The conversation delves into the intricacies of balancing artistry with business, emphasizing the importance of branding and networking. The banter also covers topics like experiences at swingers hotels, working with OnlyFans models, and splatter paint photoshoots, revealing the humorous and unexpected sides of being an artist. Throughout the podcast, both Ashley and Eric stress the liberating and transformative power of art, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions and embrace their own unique journeys.
INDEPTH recap
Introduction
Welcome to another exciting episode of SNP Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of art with the fascinating and multi-talented Eric Burson. Hosted by Ashley, a local boudoir photographer, this episode is all about choosing passion over the mundane and living life as an artist. Their candid conversation explores the challenges and rewards of making art your career, personal anecdotes, and the liberating essence of creative expression.
The Artistic Journey Begins
Eric, a versatile artist with skills ranging from special effects makeup to photography and graphic design, shares the roots of his artistic journey. The discussion kicks off with a question that many creatives grapple with: how and why did Eric choose to pursue his passion full-time, leaving behind a stable nine-to-five job?
Eric recounts running his family business for 18 years while simultaneously nurturing his art companies. After spending time in LA and seizing opportunities abroad, he realized that happiness lay in art. "No dollar amount mattered," Eric emphasizes, illustrating the fulfillment that comes with investing in one's self.
From Body Painting to Special Effects
The conversation shifts to Eric's specialization in body painting and special effects makeup. Starting at a young age, Eric ventured beyond traditional boundaries, dabbling in face painting, body art, and special effects, which paved the way to a long-standing career in the creative industry. His journey through art shines a light on the evolution of his skills and experiences.
Ashley prompts Eric to share entertaining anecdotes, such as painting body art with Crayola paints in Jamaica, or the curious encounter with a body-painted model in his parents' kitchen at the age of 18. These stories reflect the vibrant and often unexpected situations that accompany a life devoted to art.
Passion Meets Profession
Eric and Ashley delve into the importance of blending passion with profession. Eric discusses his transition to working in Hollywood, where the craft of making molds of celebrities' faces like Brad Pitt’s for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" becomes just another day on the job. They also share insights about the tight-knit nature of creative industries and the importance of networking.
Exploring niche markets, both Eric and Ashley recount experiences that highlight the personalization of their art, whether that involves collaborating on boudoir photography or navigating the world of adult content for OnlyFans. These stories emphasize the diversity and adaptability required in their careers.
Creating Art Without Boundaries
The essence of the episode is the freedom and vulnerability that art brings. Whether through the liberating process of body painting or capturing human emotion in boudoir photography, both Ashley and Eric celebrate the strength of individuality. They encourage others to embrace their unique identities through creative outlets, reinforcing the message that art is a powerful, transformative force.
Conclusion
Eric's journey, shared on Sundews Podcast, is a testament to the boundless possibilities when passion fuels profession. As listeners, we walk away with an appreciation for the courage it takes to live outside conventional norms and a newfound respect for artists who dare to express themselves fully. Join Ashley and Eric in cherishing art's capacity to evoke emotion, challenge perceptions, and most importantly, own your narrative.
To discover more about Eric Burson's work, follow his artistic ventures on Instagram at @EBFX_photo and @EBFX_art. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply an enthusiast, this podcast episode invites you to explore the beauty of art in all its forms.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:00 Eric's Artistic Journey
02:56 Body Painting Beginnings
05:20 Mentorship and Early Career
14:44 Playboy Office Party Experience
30:16 Jaw-Dropping Stories
30:33 Jamaican Adventures
31:39 Body Painting Challenges
34:37 Hedonism Experience
36:21 Swinger Hotels and Unique Experiences
38:07 BDSM and Kink Communities
40:26 Client Stories and Boundaries
43:01 Artistic Transformations
45:04 Photography Insights
56:09 Final Thoughts and Plugs
