Eric Wilkerson
New York Times Bestselling and Chesley Award Winning Illustrator

With over 20 years of experience in publishing, games, and advertising, Eric Wilkerson stands at the forefront of art as a distinguished American Imaginative Realist painter, specializing in Visual Afrofuturism.

A native of Beacon, NY, Eric honed his craft at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, studying under acclaimed artists Marvin Mattelson, Garin Baker, Donato Giancola, Steven Assael, and Tim Fielder. His artistic journey began in 2000 with a brief tenure working alongside renowned Fine Artist Jeff Koons. Since then, Eric has seamlessly navigated the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy illustration, Children's Literature, and concept design for games, films, and advertising.

In 2023, Eric was honored to be one of the first visual Afrofuturists invited by Vice President Kamala Harris to a gala at her home, One Observatory Circle in Washington, D.C., celebrating Black visual artists alongside his mentor, Tim Fielder.

Beyond his illustration work, Eric co-hosts Painted in Color, a BIPOC art podcast on YouTube dedicated to empowering and amplifying underrepresented artists. The podcast, hosted by Lauren Brown, Mia Araujo, and Eric himself, fosters a vibrant community for artistic voices.

Representation is a cornerstone of Eric's artistic philosophy. Every personal painting and professional project in his studio reflects his commitment to change and inclusivity within the entertainment industry.

Eric resides in Northern Virginia with his family, where he creates from his home studio.

When he’s not at the easel, he shares his knowledge as an online Illustration instructor for SmArt School.

CLIENT LIST 

DISNEY WETA Workshop                    

MARVEL Wizards of the Coast

Scholastic Dark Horse Comics

MacMillan Publishing Mattel              

Blue Man Group Random House                      

Imagine FX TOPPS                                   

Bloomsbury                      UPPER DECK