Eric Payne

Background

About Eric Payne

I believe every creative has a birthright. Art holds communicative value – it is dialogue, and each artist has the right and responsibility to scream. Throughout my career, my focus has been on using art to build communities by choosing like-minded creative thinkers to innovate together. That’s why I founded ETC Agency in 2018 – to create a world of inclusive, transdisciplinary artistic expression that pushes culture forward rather than following it. Between leading large-scale branding projects through ETC and driving community engagement and art direction for numerous companies as a freelance Creative Director, I’ve created and maintained a consistent image that emphasizes culture, community, and creative empowerment through collaboration and award-winning results. I inject DNA and style into every new project, building upon previous themes and creating a connective thread between bodies of work. I’ve had the privilege of watching this style, along with my skills and expertise, evolve and grow while completing creative projects for numerous national brands, including-Digital ads for Puma, HP, & Apple -Costume design for “Chalk", and “More Than a Subject.” -Photography for Afropunk, Holyrad Studio, Okay Africa, and Dapper Dan of Harlem ( For Gucci )-Art Direction for Antonio Brown Dance Company, Savant Studios, and The Arrivals -Creative Direction for LBRTY, Fredericks & Mae, and ETC Agency Through these experiences, I’ve continuously grown my Rolodex of skills, including mastering concept development, leadership, design, art direction, and creative direction. Each of my skills stimulates and energizes one another, leading to the highest quality of art and content creation. If you need expert help in unlocking your brand’s potential or need a creative and strategic thinker to guide your team and define your creative direction, look no further. I’ve enhanced the potential of nationwide brands through my creative direction, leadership and expertise, and I can be a game-changer for your business too.