Talent Watch: Erika Hollice
Written by Stevie Loop 
What drew you to game art?
I’ve always admired the work that goes into designing and modeling games. I played games more so for the art and story than to just fight enemies and beat levels. The visuals, and the concept art, drew me in. I was going to choose a more practical career at first, but I chose to pursue my passion. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that.
Whose work do you admire the most?
I adore Hyung-tae Kim’s work. When I first saw his character designs for the game Magna Carta, I was stunned! The amount of detail he puts into his digital art is unbelievable and I hope I can meet him in person one day.
Describe your work in three words.
Effort, Patience, and Breaks. Staring at a screen for hours on end demands all three.
Could you tell us of a life-changing moment?
Well, there was a point in time where I was really frustrated with my art style. It didn’t feel up to par with other artists my age. Seeing work from extremely talented and capable artists made me want to stop drawing altogether. That feeling stayed with me for years. It took a while, but I finally came to terms with the fact that I needed to relax. I needed to give myself time to improve and to see good art as inspiration instead of discouragement. I think my outlook on life changed along with that realization. Nobody starts perfect; it takes time.
What is one class you’ve taken that you would recommend above all others to students working in your medium?
I highly recommend taking an animation course. Whether you’re a 2D artist or a 3D artist, it really helps with understanding movement for dynamic poses and gestures. It will help your resumé too, so definitely consider it, if you have the time.
Why Columbia College?
The overall atmosphere of Columbia and the Interactive Arts & Media department felt like a good fit for me. I had other colleges in mind at the time, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s hard to explain without being sappy, but I really do feel at home here now.
