Erik Mehlen
Born in California in the 80’s, I grew up with skateboarding, MTV, and Saturday morning cartoons. The world was transitioning to digital, the tech industry was blossoming, computer graphics were advancing; and so the commercial art of the time leading up to the digital age was still mostly traditionally handmade. Comics, cartoons, movie posters, and the imagery on book covers , with its technical mastery, all had a very profound influence on me and how I approach art. Since childhood, I’ve lived all over the United States including Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Maryland, and Georgia, which is where I attended art school; receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. I currently reside in San Antonio, Texas where I continue my career in art and illustration.
This website (for now) serves as a connection between myself and the outside world. Here, you will see a collection of my previous work, college work, and as it happens, my current work.
Beginning in 2017 I started working on a series of children’s books with author Patrick O’Donnell on our first book, “Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?” published on September 28, 2018 and completed a second book titled “Do Penguins Have Pediatricians?” published on August 28, 2019.
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta, GA: 2006-2008
Atlanta College of Art – Atlanta, GA: 2004-2006
Recognition / Awards
ADDY Award -Elements of Advertising- Illustration, Campaign
ADDY Award -Collateral Material- Poster, Single
ADDY Award -Collateral Material- Poster, Campaign
Society of Illustrator’s Wohlberg-Lambert Scholarship
Society of Illustrator’s Merit Award
Society of Illustrator’s 2007 NY Competition
Group Exhibitions
2020 As You Wish: ‘The Princess Bride’ Themed Art Show, HijoleSA, San Antonio, TX
2019 Black Christmas: A Blacklight Art Show, HijoleSA, San Antonio, TX
2019 Oddities of San Antonio, HijoleSA, San Antonio, TX
2019 Habitat: Exploring the Spaces that Shape Us, HijoleSA, San Antonio, TX
2019 Who You Gonna Call? – A Ghostbusters 35th Anniversary Art Event, HijoleSA, San Antonio, TX