We were lucky to catch up with Alex Ippolito recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is my personal annual Russtober drawing challenge, where I make one drawing a day based on a word list of drawing prompts. I’ve done this every October for the past five years. The project is named after my original character I created named Russ. It’s the most meaningful project to me because it challenges my creativity daily, forcing me to sit down and create a full drawing for 31 days in a row, no matter what. It’s also shown me every year how daily creativity has made me a better artist stylistically and has honestly improved my ability to overcome the dreaded artists block, that usually stumps me when I decide to make a new piece. Russtober has not only helped me grow as an artist but it’s totally overhauled my portfolio, giving me tons of pieces to choose from to create prints and other things for my online shop.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been an artist ever since I can remember. I grew up watching my grandmother sculpt. paint, and draw so it was only natural I’d follow her path of art and creativity. When I graduated high school I decided I would go to art school and try my shot at being a professional artist. In the beginning I really had no idea what sort of art profession I wanted to go into because I kind of just dabbled in everything. But by chance I took an illustration class, fell in love with it, and decided to turn some of my drawings into stickers and start an online shop, while also taking on freelance projects. My goal was to have my own business started and making money before I graduated, which I did. I started my online shop, took on tons of commissions, and since then have made a lot of cool products with my own art while also meeting really neat people. I think that’s the thing I’m most proud of because I really did it all on my own while also being in school, which was a lot of work!

Since then my business has changed a bit, with stickers and prints no longer being my main source of income. Now I mainly focus on freelance projects for clients and happen to really enjoy the different ideas people bring to me that I am able to make happen. One day it will be a personal sticker design for someone and the next it will be an event poster for a motorcycle or classic van event. I love how it keeps me always guessing.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the best thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to give them words of encouragement. You don’t always have to financially support, though obviously that helps us out, hahaha! But seriously, kind words and just some encouragement can go a long way. At least that’s what I’ve found. Even if someone isn’t hiring me or buying something from my shop, just being told my work inspires them or brightens their day makes me want to keep sharing my creativity with the world. Always wanting to share is something I struggle with because I am probably my worst critic when it comes to my art…. so just simple words of encouragement mean the would to me and help me get out of my head.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding part of being an artist is the people I get to connect with via my art. I’ve been blessed to meet so many interesting and cool people just because I chose to be brave and share my art online. I’ve met tattoo artists, classic vanners, chopper riders, people who race cars, and the list goes on. As someone who loves to meet new people and hear their stories it’s been truly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theyounglass.com
• Instagram: @theyounglass
• Youtube: @theyounglass