Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alana Tsui. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have always been artistic growing up, but I never considered pursuing a career as an artist. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fashion Design degree and accidentally discovered mural painting when I moved into my first apartment in the Soho/Chinatown area. The walls in my room were a dull, depressing grey, so I asked my landlord for permission to paint them white. When I reached the fourth wall, I ran out of paint and began doodling. To my surprise, a whole mural transpired before my eyes! It was so much fun and felt extremely liberating to be able to draw freely on open walls, something that was definitely not allowed growing up in an Asian family. I got more paint and created more murals on the other walls in my room and posted photos of it on social media. As a result, people began reaching out, and in that first year, I painted countless apartments, offices, and even the Thompson Hotel in Tribeca.

14 years later, knowing what I know now, I would tell my younger self to follow my passion. For the first eight years, I didn’t pursue being a full-time artist because I didn’t see it as a conventional career path. I was also hesitant to mix passion with work, worried it might become a burden on my creativity. However, as more commissioned projects came my way and gradually led me to transition into full-time art, I realized that it didn’t diminish my passion, it actually strengthened it. As cliché as it may sound, the saying ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life’ truly resonates with me and that is also where you naturally grow the most and have success in that area.

The most essential skill as an artist is the ability to get into a flow state, where creativity can unfold naturally and effortlessly, allowing ideas to take shape with clarity and focus. This state also aids in approaching challenges and problem-solving with a calm and rational mindset.

I didn’t believe there were any obstacles that prevented me from learning more. Ultimately, as an artist, it’s all about self-motivation and discipline. With the vast resources available online, everything was accessible to learn and grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a New York-based visionary artist, creating bespoke murals globally for over 14 years since graduating with a Bachelor of Fashion Design in New Zealand, where I was born and raised. My journey into this specific field of art was unplanned—what started as an impromptu mural in my first apartment in New York City transformed into a full-time career.

My work is rooted in the belief that art has the ability to inspire, heal, and create connections that transcend words. I strive to create murals that uplift the space, bringing brand awareness and clients’ visions to life. Creating from a flow state, I often draw inspiration from nature and spirituality in an organic way to bring beauty, harmony, and fluidity to my intricate line work, captivating viewers into a peaceful, meditative experience that transforms environments and creates an emotional resonance beyond aesthetics.

I am most proud of being a self-taught artist who has created a fulfilling career for myself. This journey has offered me incredible opportunities to travel the world with my work and the freedom to live anywhere. Over the past 14 years, I’ve been based in New York, Hong Kong, and Bali, gaining recognition not only as an artist but also as a brand, working with top clients such as HSBC, COACH, WeWork, Roger Dubuis, Ecko, the New York International Auto Show, Vans, and more.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I plan to expand the scope of my work by translating my art into a diverse range of functional and wearable designs, bridging the gap between fine art and everyday objects. By integrating my art into daily life, I can make it more accessible for people to engage with in a personal way, moving beyond traditional spaces and infusing everyday items with the emotional depth and characteristics of my art.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Freelancing as an artist has certainly taught me the true meaning of resilience due to the inconsistency of work. There will be times when the commission requests are low but I’ve learnt that the work never stops. I’ve made it a habit to create and stay productive, using that time to experiment, refine my craft, and push the boundaries of work in different forms and areas. Whether it’s working on personal projects, collaboration with other artists or exploring new mediums, I continuously stay in a creative flow so that I’m always ready for the next opportunity.

It’s important to stay on top of your game by networking and utilizing social media to share your voice and work. Be intentional with the type of art and networking events you attend, staying engaged with the creative community. By consistently showcasing my work on social media, sharing my creative process, documenting my progress, and building personal connections with my audience, I’ve been able to gain recognition, build a following, and attract clients who resonate with my style and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alanatsui.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamaica_asthma/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanatsui
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jamaica_asthma?si=apvERRFTo2mLhB3V