A Legacy of Creation: Fine Art to Functional Products by Erin Sparler
This website presents a curated collection of art and design that merges foundation with function.
Curated Retrospectives of an Expansive Fine Art Portfolio: Showcasing a range from perceptual drawings and behind-the-scenes sketches to meditative Enso mixed-media paintings.
Foundational Case Studies: “Behind-the-scenes” deep dives into the sketches and concepts that became the foundation for the creation of award-winning, patent-pending DIY 3D Tunnel Book art and craft kits.
Educational Retrospectives: Highlighting a legacy of creativity through curated retrospectives and featured student projects highlighting how this methodology is passed to students through real-world projects.
Strategic Career Milestones: A compressed timeline of Erin Sparler expansive CV and 30-year journey as an artist, entrepreneur and educator.
Foundational to Functional
the work of Erin Sparler
✓ Curated Retrospectives of Fine Art
✓ Foundational Case Studies
✓ Design & Innovation Examples
✓ Educational & Student Work Examples
✓ Career Milestones
Erin on the Evolution of a Creative Practice: 2001 – Present
“Throughout my career, my work has been rooted in a single belief: that foundational artistic mastery is the essential spark for innovative design. I also believe deeply in being open, honest, and friendly in everything I do.
My philosophy is built on the simple call to ‘make great art,’ with the understanding that to do so, we must listen and respond to feedback. This iterative process allows me to create work that is both personally meaningful and commercially viable. At EyeConnect Crafts, our slogan is ‘Art Made Easy, STEAM Made Fun,’ a mission I carry into my teaching by sharing the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of production and promotion.
I believe a holistic arts education thrives when we bridge the gap between disciplines. Today’s graphic designers have evolved into content developers, social media managers, and data analysts. Similarly, content developers must now master the skills of photographers, videographers, editors, and motion graphics artists. Integrating these practical business and marketing aspects directly into the creative process is essential. For me, interdisciplinary design, networking, and reciprocity are the foundations of a successful practice—a continuous evolution of listening, learning, and iterating.”
~ Erin Sparler, Artist, Entrepreneur & Educator
Career Trajectory & Professional Milestones
2001-2008
Academic Foundations
Professor of Multimedia & Production Between 2001 and 2008, I established my career by bridging the gap between traditional fine art practices and modern digital, time-bound interactive work. This period focused on building the technical and conceptual foundations for interdisciplinary art education.
2008-2012
Program Leadership
Professor of Digital Arts From 2008 to 2012, I transitioned into high-level educational leadership, leveraging over 30 years of experience to develop comprehensive college programs. During this time, I helped achieve approval for a Bachelor’s in Communications with a concentration in Digital Art. Additionally, I wrote the supplemental materials for Fleming Arts and implemented the ATEC Gallery, which would eventually host and feature over 600 pieces of art from around the world in Central PA.
2014 – 2025
Design Innovation:
Award-Winning Owner & Inventor Beginning in 2014, I successfully scaled my artistic vision into a commercial venture as the founder of EyeConnect Crafts. This era is defined by the invention and design of unique jointed paper animals The Totem Poppets, and the evolution to the award winning 3D Tunnel Book art and kits, now available in over 60+ museums, zoos, aquariums and gift stores as well as Barnes and Noble nationwide! .
2020-2026
Research, Mentorship & Adjunct Faculty
Transparent Artistic Mentorship:
Between 2020 and 2022, I conducted an intensive research initiative through The Artist APPEALS, producing a free podcast and interviewing industry experts to demystify professional art careers. This deep dive into the business of art now fuels my transparent mentorship and adjunct teaching at Elizabethtown College and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.
Professional Highlights:
- Curriculum Development: Expertly designed and implemented comprehensive college-level programs in Digital Arts and Multimedia.
- Creative Innovation: Inventor of unique DIY 3D Tunnel Book kits, merging traditional paper craft with structural design.
- Academic Leadership: Over 30 years of experience mentoring emerging artists and leading interdisciplinary faculty teams.
- Entrepreneurial Success: Founder of the award-winning brand EyeConnect Crafts, scaling artistic concepts into commercially viable products.
- Digital Proficiency: Advanced mastery in bridging traditional fine art techniques with modern digital realism and interactive media.
- Sustainable Practice: Dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary sustainability and transparent professional mentorship within the arts.
Erin Sparler: Artist & Designer
Erin Sparler is a seasoned artist, educator, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience bridging the gap between traditional fine art practice and modern digital realism. Her diverse portfolio encompasses everything from perceptual drawing and meditative Enso paintings to the invention of her award-winning, DIY 3D Tunnel Book kits through EyeConnect Crafts.
Throughout her career, Erin has successfully translated foundational art techniques into commercially viable products and extensive collegiate curricula. She is deeply passionate about transparent mentorship and interdisciplinary sustainability, frequently featuring her students’ projects alongside her own to highlight a shared legacy of creativity. This portfolio serves as a comprehensive record of her artistic journey—a lifelong dedication to the craft of moving from foundation to function.