
Eric C. Jackson Studio
By Eric C. Jackson

Eric C. Jackson StudioDec 03, 2021

Guard Your Confidence
Unfamiliar situations can lead to feelings of intimidation and doubt. Belief in yourself can wane. How do we keep a 'healthy' level of confidence when some people and/or things try to bring us down?

A Fresh Approach to Fine Art Photography
After more than 10 years of capturing Fine Art Photography, I continue to learn new techniques in Editing.

Photography Lesson: "Composition Basics" (Part 4 of 4)
The final installment for Lesson One that dives into how Cropping can be the last option for improving Composition.

Photography Lesson: "Composition Basics" (Part 3 of 4)
A few tests with Lighting are introduced to see if the focal point is actually in-focus. Only choosing Photographs with the most potential will cut down on how much time you spend Photo Editing.

Photography Lesson: "Composition Basics" (Part 2 of 4)
Lesson One continues with more discussion on how Lighting helps shape Composition.

Photography Lesson: "Composition Basics" (Part 1 of 4)

Thoughts | "Eye for An Eye"
"If we always handle Conflict with an Eye for an Eye, Eventually No One will be able to see." -ecj | Warning: This is a Political discussion. What happens when Hate is used to combat Hate? Insult for Insult? Pain for Pain? The results are what's happening to the United States of America today. Is anyone able to slow the tide before the entire Country is consumed by who Wins an Election?

Thoughts | You Are Enough
One of the things I'm asking God to help me with is how I react when feeling slighted. Collaboration is extremely important when working on large Projects. Everyone on the team brings something to the table. However, as I've pursued certain goals there have been moments of feeling belittled. Today, I was incredibly outspoken in standing up for myself (for a change). Yet, it only seemed to make matters worse. Ultimately, I had to walk away while fighting the urge to get the last word in. In the end, I felt the Spirit place a simple message on my heart: "You don't have to convince anyone of who you are." You know who you are. That needs to be enough. Whether someone acknowledges your hard work or they dismiss you, your Confidence remains the same. Suddenly, I realized how much I want to prove that I belong when I really don't have to. My Work speaks volumes. Swallow pride. Ego. Let it go. Still, if your collaboration doesn't create the best work environment, you may need to find a better team.

Film Review | "Sound of Freedom"
There have been varying opinions about this film and the implications behind it. I would like to share my thoughts on it. Have you seen the film? What are your thoughts?

Vaccine X Politics
Three years later, I look back at my approach to facing a pandemic and how the narrative has changed over the last few months.

Situation V. Attitude
"Don't allow my Situation to dictate my Attitude." Such a great challenge to myself. Yet, the day still came when I realized the situation needed to change in order to change my attitude.

Marketing to New Audiences

Journal Entry | Turkey/Syria Border

Journal Entry | Tyre Nichols

Artist Resources | "Artwork Archive"

Poetry Reading | Chasing Dreams

Journal Entry | Prayers for Damar Hamlin

Voice X Vote
Sharing my Journey to Voting consistently and caring more about what happens in Washington, D.C.

PC to iPad Pro: Pros & Cons
In order to improve my Photo Editing experience, I decided to exchange my Dell Inspiron laptop for the iPad Pro 12.9 with the M1 Chip. While the obvious upgrade in processing speed is apparent, there are a few major drawbacks that I did not anticipate. If you have further questions about Specs or are thinking about transitioning from PC to Apple (or vice versa) that are not covered in this episode, feel free to leave your questions below and I'll do my best to answer them.

Website Presentation
The look of your website is the foundation of your Brand. All of your Social Media outlets are an extension of the Style featured on the website. For Eric C. Jackson Studio, it was time to update the Style of the site in preparation for 2023. Viewers' first impression of the Studio Gallery is extremely important to me.
After a few failed attempts of recording my first podcast video, I was finally able to capture the Studio website on my iPad to share with you.

Journal Entry | Broken World

Chasing Carrots
Creatives (i.e. Artists, Writers, Actors, etc.) are very passionate about what they're doing. Achieving their goals is the top priority that is not easily accomplished. In pursuit of this goal, it's easy to succumb to any opportunity that seemingly promises enormous success. However, these opportunities can also be misleading and leave Creatives feeling used and discouraged.

Poetry Reading | Together
Taking a closer look at the direction Society is heading.

The Power of Words
Words have the Power to lift up and tear down. To give Life and to take it. What will you do with your superpower?

Ep.33 | Copyright Protection
The final Episode of Season 1 dives into the details of copyrighting Projects with the Library of Congress. The final note discusses how we stay focused on Work when we do not feel like working. See you next Season.

Ep.32 | Gallery Representation
What are the benefits of being Represented by a Gallery? Today's podcast dives into my own experience with finding Representation in NYC.

Ep. 31 | Addicted to Hope
Often times, we view the word 'addiction' in a negative light. It reminds us of what to stay away from. Recently, I began to wonder what would happen if we were addicted to something positive. This could be helpful during the pursuit of bringing our dreams into reality.

Ep.30 | Finding Creative Inspiration
Understanding the Purpose behind your Work will help you find Inspiration when it seems to be lacking.

Ep.29 | Poetry Reading: "Redemption"
Excerpt from my third Collection of Poetry entitled, "Redemption".

Ep.28 | Screenwriting: Identify the Heart.
Early on in the Development Process of Screenwriting, it's important to identify the heart of the Story. At times, it may be different from what you planned on. However, when the Story naturally leads you in an alternate direction, follow it. Stories tend to have a mind of their own.
Please Pardon the Background Noise. My apologies.

Ep.27 | Stretching Studio Boundaries
When you are an emerging Artist, how do you get the attention of Industry Leaders? Find out where the Industry Leaders gather and hang out there. No one will come knocking at your door or calling you for collaborations if they don't know your Studio exist.
The Studio is now Verified on Pinterest
Emerging Photography Awards. Hosted by Feature Shoot. Extended Deadline: September 3, 2021
emergingphotographyawards.com
Visit the Studio on Etsy.

Ep.26 | Creativity in the Midst of Tragedy
While tragic event occur in places like Haiti and Afghanistan, the responsibilities of Life still loom. From Ordering test Prints to Submitting Art for Competitions, the Studio needs to continue forward. How do you balance the awareness and compassion for tragic world events while working towards career goals?

Ep.25 | Creativity vs. Complaints
Welcome to Episode 25. Along with sharing Art News about ArtDex.com and Art Mentor, Emily Jeffords, I talk about how attitude can effect creativity. With all of the interruptions and obstacles in Life, it does not help if the way you think is yet another challenge in the way of Success.

Ep. 24 | Art Competitions
Three Submission Opportunities are highlighted for this week's Podcast, which include Black Box Gallery, Create Magazine, and ViewBug. Research each opportunity to make sure it's right for you.

Ep.23 | Studio Updates
From updating book covers to submitting Work to Competitions, today's podcast simply dives into a week at the Studio.

Poetry Talk: "Will I Ever Be?" and "Quiet"
Episode 22: Season 1 continues with another Poetry Talk. Whenever we have a goal, obstacles are sure to come along the way. Find a positive outlet for your fears, frustrations, and doubts. Then, face the challenges head on because they are not going away. What is the biggest challenge for you?

Independence: The Definition of Freedom
Looking back on the celebration of the Fourth of July, I found myself asking questions about Freedom. Did anyone really gain Independence on that day in 1776? Welcome to Episode 21.

Storytime: "Call Button"
Flash Fiction is one of the simplest ways to improve your storytelling skills. Today, I read one of my own flash fiction stories, which centers around trying to create good dialogue. I hope you enjoy this short Episode.

COVID-19 Origins
During the pandemic, the livelihoods of people, including our small businesses, have been severely impacted. I spent the weekend combing over information about how this tragedy began and was devastated with my findings.

Poetry Talk: "Skin"
In Episode 18, I talk about the importance of Balance when celebrating Race and why finding this Balance is crucial to developing your own Identity.

The Notoriety of Art Auctions
Episode 17 is a brief discussion about donating your Artwork to galleries and organizations for auction. I have found success through Beaches Fine Arts Series in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Also, a few business tips are shared from offering "Buy Now, Pay Later" to using PayPal in your Studio.

Pruning the Creative Tree
There needs to be a time when you face the creative mirror to prune the unnecessary fluff that may have grown into your Work. Is it time to take away the underwhelming pieces to allow more space for better Work?

The Response to Naomi Osaka
There are messages of compassion and hope when it comes to dealing with mental health. We are encouraged to speak up and speak out about our own struggles in order to get help. However, is that the response we receive when we actually reach out for that help?

Poetry Discussion: Hello Father
Welcome to Episode 14. Father's Day is less than a month away. Today, I talk about the role of a father in his children's lives along with how society nurtures boys into young men. Share your experiences.

Creating a Fine Art Photography Brand
From a professional website to Entering Art Competitions, a Fine Art Photographer needs to have a vision for how success will be achieved. Welcome to Episode 13. Today, I discuss several steps you need to take in order to attract galleries and Art Collectors alike.

Tribute to Mom
Episode 12 shares a poem written to my Mom who passed away almost three years ago. We also talk about how God's plan fits into moments when we lose someone we dearly love. The poem featured in this episode is also available as a blog post: https://ericcjacksonstudio.wordpress.com/2021/05/09/tribute-to-mom/

Short Story: "Little Bird"
Have you ever been in Love? How would you describe that feeling? What happens if that Love is not felt in return? Welcome to Episode 11. Today, we will discuss the topic of Love and Free Will after reading a short story focused on two principles.

Poetry Discussion: I Have a Picture.
Welcome to Episode 10. Today, we are talking about pros and cons of staying in your Comfort Zone. While we all want to build a place of Safety & Comfort in our Lives, is it possible for this desire to hinder us from becoming more than we are? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Poetry Discussion: The Noun
Welcome to Episode 9. Today's brief discussion talks about the differences and similarities people have and about why it's important to maintain a healthy balance between the two. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Can I Really Become a Photographer?
Every Career presents its own Challenges to pursue. Photography is no different. However, if you are filled with curiosity (and a bit of excitement) about the prospects of becoming a Photographer, I have eight points to share in hopes of helping you make an informed decision.