Connect
To Top

Rising Stars: Meet Eric Jackson of Deerwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Jackson.

Hi Eric, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Studio specializes in Contemporary Fine Art Photography and Creative Writing. I have always had an Interest in Visual Art and Stories. I found them to be a positive outlet for, not only Creativity, but negative feelings. From Landscapes and Automobiles to Self-Portraits and Abstracts, my Art Prints cover several Subjects. Although there are some Limited Edition Prints, most are Open Edition. All Works are Printed on FujiFlex High Gloss Paper, which enhanced Color Saturation and Detail of the Work. I have been capturing Scenes since 2008 and the Studio officially began in 2012.

My Creative Writing journey began in 2001. I began keeping track of poetry, short stories, and screenplays. Genres range from Comedy to Drama in my stories. Quite a few Works are Christian-themed, Three Collections of poetry were combined into one book entitled “Prison of Despair.” It covers a myriad of emotions, questions, and struggles that center around the perspective I had as a young man.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After graduating high school, I lacked a sense of direction. I was extremely immature and irresponsible. Eventually, I found myself struggling with an addiction to pornography and my Life begin to spiral out of control. I probably had ten to fifteen different jobs doing a three-year stretch because I never stayed on one job for longer than a few months at a time.

Of course, I gained a reputation of being unreliable and it was difficult to find Work outside of General Labor type jobs that no one really wanted. Finally, I hurt my back one year and had to learn a new Skill: Data Entry. After working on low-paying job for two years, I was hired by a federal subcontractor and worked for them in Data Entry for another two years.

Yes, all the while I learned about Photography in my spare time and kept track of my Creative Writing progress. It was frustrating. I gave up on my dreams a couple of times. Still, I continued to juggle between my reality where I wanted to be. In February 2023, I applied for a Data Entry Contractor position at a Fortune 500 company here in Jacksonville. Because I didn’t pass the Entry test, my resume was forwarded to the Special Projects Manager. Little did I know I’d be her Assistant on Day One.

I didn’t know the Software, the Terminology, or the Procedures. Plus, my new boss was demanding. The first two weeks of Work were challenging, but I stuck with it because I needed the increase in Hourly Pay. In March 2025, my Contract expired and the company decided to hire me. I switched from hourly pay to Salary. I work-from-home full-time. Now, I’m learning ins-and-outs of creating Rules for a new Artificial Intelligence Engine.

I don’t know the Software, the Terminology, or the Procedures. Yet, my boss realized I was able to pick up Software pretty well before. She recommended me for the promotion. Today, I have a decent Space set aside for my small business and would like to upgrade if I can in 2026.

That is my redemption story. I thank God for a 750th chance to turn my life around. I still have a long way to go for Studio success, but I’m happy with the progress I have made in life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With the Visual Art, I want Viewers to feel like the Photographed Scene is tangible. As if they can touch the Subject, feel the Texture, or walk into the Landscape. Pull the Viewer in. Each Piece has to create an emotional response, which varies depending on the Piece. Yet, it has to spark an emotion. Otherwise, it’s simply another picture.

As for Creative Writing, I eagerly await the feedback from Kirkus Reviews scheduled to be Released around February 2026. I have not had significant exposure for my Writing. I believe that will be my focus throughout 2026.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I would like to follow Color and Design trends more often in my Work. Yet, I find my curiosity drifting off on its own path. The 2026 Pantone Color of the Year is “Cloud Dancer,” which seems to be an off-white Color. At the moment, I don’t find it inspiring. Still, when you need to work with Interior Design Studios, it’s helpful to know the Style of work they’re looking for. You have to find the right fit when searching for collaborations.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageJacksonville is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories