We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandra Rey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandra below.

Alexandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

Back in 2002, I lived in Los Angeles and felt that the time had come for me to declare myself an “artist.” I mean, why not? I knew it was my calling. I proudly announced my new status to the owner
of a prominent gallery in Studio City, California, just a block away from my apartment. He just stared
at me and said, “Everyone’s an artist!” I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew my declaration was
completely bonkers, but at the same time, I knew it was true. And by declaring it, I would make it
happen. It was okay for me to be the only one who understood that.

I would just work tirelessly to become the artist I declared I was. I started by experimenting with
different techniques. One of the artists the gallery represented had an exhibition of her paintings of
cement and plaster on canvas. I was mesmerized by their beauty, so I decided to try out the
technique myself. I had no idea what I was doing, but I created a painting called “The Lunatics” of
three primitive creatures and the moon. (Honestly, that was the best I could do at the time, and I’ve
always been fixated on the moon.) We can call this my primitive period if you will.

Anyway, I applied to several juried shows in my area and landed my first group exhibition at a gallery
in Hollywood. I was so excited! I exhibited “The Lunatics,” and it sold for $300.00. After that, I
thought, “If someone gives me $300.00 for one of my paintings, then I definitely must be an artist!”
And off I went to live 20-plus years of artistic pursuit.

It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. But one thing I know for sure is that I’m an
artist. And I’m proud of it.

Alexandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a multi-disciplinary artist known for my highly intuitive, hyper-realistic, and meaningful artwork. I didn’t always start as an artist. In fact, I started my career in Fashion Design in Los Angeles. But
deep down, I knew that my true calling was to be an artist. So, in the early 2000s, I made the bold
decision to leave my fashion career behind and dedicate myself entirely to my art. Talk about a major
life change!

Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through self-taught techniques. I love experimenting with
different mediums and styles. From abstract paintings to breathtaking landscapes to impactful social
and political pieces, I’ve explored it all. In 2015, I started drawing hyper-realistic pet portraits by
commission through my brand “Paw Prints Pet Art.” Let me tell you, capturing the furry personalities
of our beloved pets is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist.

But what really sets my work apart is the raw passion and intuition I pour into each creation. I believe
that art should resonate deeply with people, and that’s exactly what I strive for in my pieces. When
someone connects with my art, it fills my heart with joy.
I know you might be wondering, what makes my work so unique? Well, for starters, I’m a bit of a
perfectionist. I obsess over every detail, every brushstroke until I’m absolutely certain that my
artwork is the best it can be. And secondly, I’m not afraid to push boundaries and experiment. I love
exploring new ideas and techniques, and I’m always looking for ways to surprise and delight my
audience.

Of course, my journey as an artist hasn’t always been easy. There have been ups and downs,
moments of self-doubt and frustration. But through it all, I’ve never given up on my dream. And I’m
so grateful for the positive feedback I’ve received from collectors around the world. It’s truly humbling
to know that my art has made a difference in people’s lives.
At the end of the day, I believe that art has the power to change the world. It can inspire us,
challenge us, and bring us together. That’s exactly what I hope to achieve with my work.

So, I invite you to explore my artistic world. Immerse yourself in the beauty, and discover the depth of emotions
and messages conveyed in my work. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a professional artist, my life’s purpose is to create art. I want to leave this world with a brush in my hand and the conviction that I am a remarkable artist. My mission is to
express myself through my work and leave a lasting impact on the world. I strive to turn
my unique story into an extraordinary one, always reaching for the stars and being the
best I can be. This conviction fuels my relentless pursuit of excellence.

I want to be remembered as a courageous artist who never gave up on her dreams. I
hope to inspire others with my courage and resilience, showing them that anything is
possible if you set your mind to it. I believe that art has the power to change lives, and I
am committed to using my talent to make a positive difference in the world.

Every day, I strive to improve my skills and knowledge. I am constantly experimenting
with new techniques and styles, and I am always looking for ways to push the
boundaries of my creativity.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being creative takes a lot of courage and resilience. It’s a journey that is often misunderstood by those who are not creatives themselves. I know many creatives including myself who have felt
isolated and alone in their pursuit of their art. The fear of putting something so personal out there,
something that is so deeply ingrained with who you are, is real. It’s a fear that can be paralyzing, but
it’s a fear that creatives must face every day. The fear of rejection, of failure, of not being good
enough, is always there. But creatives keep going.

They keep going because they believe in themselves, even when no one else does. They keep
going because they have a passion for their work, a passion that burns so brightly that it cannot be
ignored. They keep going because they know that they have something to say, something that the
world needs to hear. Creatives are the ones who change the world, one brushstroke, one note, one
word at a time. The world needs to support and encourage creativity, it’s the most beautiful
expression of our humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PawPrintsPetArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawprintspetart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawprintspetartbyar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-rey-34a886240/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrareystudio/

Image Credits
Fabio Dos Santos