@heymerac | www.youtube.com/danielmeraid
We are are very excited to have, Daniel Merac, as our Featured Artist, he is an amazing artist that draws some really cool bird illustrations among many other awesome drawings, you should probably stop what you’re doing and check out his wall, well not before you read the interview, then go over and support a fellow artist!
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I’ve been creating illustrations consistently for around 3 years. I switched my focus to this passion right after finishing my industrial design bachelor’s degree, I think I had always been an artist without realizing it though.
I love drawing nature and any kind of living creatures that make part of it. I’ve been into birdwatching for about a year, and since then I haven’t stopped drawing bird species from my city and from around the world.
Inspiration finds me in the woods while I’m contemplating the calm atmosphere created by the trees and the soothing singing of birds, which translates into lines, textures, light, shadows, and sometimes colors later on.
Rock music has a huge influence on my illustrations, I love the noise produced by distorted guitars, dreamy chords, psychedelic synths, dance-inducing bass lines, and delicate but powerful voices. All of those sounds give shape to my inking style which I try to modify constantly through experimentation.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
I’m self-employed, I run my brand Heymerac, where I create personal artwork and take custom commissions. I also work on freelance projects which are mostly related to illustration branding and scientific illustration. I enjoy those challenging projects a lot.
I would love to work or collaborate with ENGOs in projects that contribute to the restoration and preservation of the environment and endangered species, that’s one of my biggest aspirations as an artist…and a human.
Do you have a favorite Artist?
Yeah, Lily Seika Jones (@rivuletpaper) is one of my favorites. She creates enchanting watercolor illustrations where nature and wildlife are beautifully portrayed.
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be
art related.
Last year I completed an Inktober for the first time…finally!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
In a cozy house in the woods…with some nice internet connection if that’s not too much to ask.
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would say, José Saramago, one of my favorite writers. That would be an interesting talk
How is one way you make money with your art?
I create illustrations for commercial use for brands that require detailed nature artwork and that relate to my vision and ethics as an artist.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
I’d love to go to Japan and illustrate it’s cities, nature, and landscapes.
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
I love the brand Staedtler, I only use their markers for my illustrations (Hope they notice me someday and sponsor me…please?)
Any advice for young artists?
Maybe 3 pieces of advice that had worked for me during these 3 years of hustle:
(These also go for me, cause I can be quite forgetful)
– Specialize in something and become really good at it. Then diversify your craft.
– Monetize your art. Make your passion something profitable.
– Cultivate yourself. Then help others.
