A Pierce team member’s talent and passion for art leads to a great career and unforgettable experiences.
For many, a fire truck represents heroism, a vehicle rushing to the scene of an emergency. But for Ben Erickson, a graphic designer at Pierce Manufacturing, it’s also a canvas for storytelling.
Every fire truck tells a story through unique emblems, lettering and intricate details, all representing the fire department it serves. Ben's artistic vision coupled with department personnel is behind many of those designs.
“Many people think all fire trucks are the same,” Ben said. “They don’t realize just how custom each fire truck is. Every fire department has its own identity and branding, which is reflected in the graphics on their truck. This is where I come in.”
Bringing Fire Department Identities to Life
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Ben has spent the last four years at Pierce, working with fire departments to bring their truck’s branding to life. Most fire departments have a particular image in mind for their emblem. Some artists may find this stifling, but this is one of Ben’s favorite parts about his job.
“I love the collaboration process between our team and the fire departments,” Ben said. “I take pride in the ability to understand even the smallest details and deliver a design they are happy with.”
The Finishing Touches
Another aspect Ben loves about his job is applying the graphics to the fire trucks, which he explains as somewhat of a closing ceremony of the truck’s production process.
"After months of design, assembly and craftsmanship, the final addition of the graphics serves as the finishing touch,” Ben said. “Seeing the completed truck with the graphics in place is like watching everything come together. It’s the moment when the truck truly belongs to the department.”
An Artistic Life Beyond Pierce
While Ben is recognized at Pierce for his graphic design talent, many would be surprised to learn his artistic skills extend far beyond fire truck graphics. Outside of work, he spends his time painting portraits of athletes, musicians and celebrities—an artistic passion which has led to some unforgettable experiences.
Ben’s love for art started long before his career in graphic design. In high school, with no graphic design courses available, he focused on painting and drawing. Even after transitioning to digital graphic design in college, he never lost his passion for creating by hand.
“I wanted a practical career but still wanted to use my artistic skills,” Ben said. “If I could work in graphic design during the day and still paint on the side, I knew I’d be happy.”
Today, he’s living his dream. By day, he designs graphics for fire trucks; by night, he brings portraits to life on canvas. “Coming home and painting is a great way to disconnect,” he said. “It’s a totally different creative outlet.”
Creating Surreal Experiences Through Portrait Art
Ben’s journey into portrait painting started as a way to bring something unique to the world of sports memorabilia. As a longtime autograph collector, he has fond memories of waiting outside hotels, sports venues and arenas with his dad and brother, hoping to meet his favorite athletes. Over the years, he noticed players were constantly signing the same mass-produced photos and trading cards, which was when an idea struck.
“I thought, what if I show up with something they don’t see every day?” Ben recalls. “I started painting portraits of athletes and bringing them to events to get them signed. It caught their attention immediately.”
What began as a creative experiment quickly led to unforgettable encounters with some of his favorite athletes, musicians and comedians. His talent has opened doors to meeting stars like Post Malone, Matt Rife and Simone Biles.
His approach is simple: paint a striking portrait, wait patiently after concerts or games and hope for a chance to either gift the artwork or have it signed.
One of his most memorable moments? Meeting Post Malone.
“The portrait I painted was too big to bring into the venue, so I printed it on a t-shirt instead,” Ben said. “I was able to get close to the stage, and when he jumped into the crowd, he grabbed the shirt and signed it. I told him it was a gift, and he just kept saying how much he appreciated it. Then he took a selfie with me. The whole experience was surreal.”
A Growing Portfolio
Beyond portraits, Ben has also taken on large-scale mural projects, transforming walls into bold, detailed designs. “Murals are a whole different challenge,” he said. “They take a lot longer than you expect, and if you’re working outside, the weather can be a huge factor.”
With his art gaining recognition, Ben held his first solo art show last year, showcasing his signed portraits. While he doesn’t sell the signed originals, he does offer commission work for fans looking for a custom piece. He’s currently working on several projects, including a portrait of Taylor Swift from the Eras Tour. “A mother requested the painting and is planning on giving it to her daughter as a gift,” he said.
Ben’s schedule stays busy, balancing work at Pierce with his other artistic ambitions, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Art is something I’ll always do,” Ben said. “Whether it’s designing fire truck graphics or painting portraits, it’s all about creating something meaningful. I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people along the way, but at the end of the day, I just love making art.”
From fire trucks to murals and portraits, Ben’s work proves art isn’t just a job or a hobby—it’s a way of life.
Explore more of Ben’s work on his website or Instagram page!