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

Hi Alessandra, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am delighted to embrace my creative nature, a trait I have possessed since birth. Every aspect of my life revolves around my identity as an artist, and I utilize my creativity in all of my endeavors, be it jobs, situations, actions, or activities. Being creative is an inherent part of who I am; it is a mindset, a calling from my soul, and a sensitivity that has been with me since birth. It is the lens through which I perceive the world and the way I choose to live my life.

Being an artist, a creative individual, poses its challenges right from the start, especially during childhood. Firstly, it sets me apart from the crowd, causing my perspective and approach to be misunderstood or overlooked. Secondly, creative or artistic jobs often do not offer substantial financial compensation, particularly when you are unknown and at the early stages of your career. I frequently experience personal crises, questioning whether it is worth continuing to write and create new projects that can contribute to making the world a better place, or if I should persist with my abstract paintings or filmmaking, considering the highly competitive and saturated entertainment industry.

However, the truth remains that I cannot change my nature or suppress my sensitivity and deep-rooted approach to life. Consequently, I am compelled to devote my life only to pursuits that truly matter to me. Now, more than ever, I strongly believe that we need artists to envision a brighter future. We require individuals who are spiritually connected, empathetic, and capable of reminding us of the universal values that define our humanity. They remind us that this planet is a beautiful home for nature, animals, and human beings, as long as we take the responsibility to care for it.

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

I am a creative individual who strives to live life to the fullest, embracing experiences until they hold value, and then I move forward. Although I graduated in Architecture, my first project made me realize that the design and construction process for homes was too lengthy for my limited patience. Consequently, I transitioned into design and art direction within the marketing field. For 15 years, I worked in Italy as a creative and art director for various design, fashion, and food companies. My responsibilities encompassed managing brand image, advertising campaigns, photo shoots, catalogues, artistic installations, and all aspects of marketing promotions. During this time, I also pursued an MBA in Business Administration to gain expertise in handling large budgets and complex projects. Additionally, I delved into the study of psychology and neuro-linguistic programming, constantly seeking new knowledge.

In 2014, I embarked on the second chapter of my life when I moved to Los Angeles. This period was marked by my initial business failure, a divorce, pain, and struggles. However, it was also during this time that I discovered my true self. I began working in the film industry as a Production Designer, pushing my boundaries in painting, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds worldwide. These years in the US accelerated my growth, both intellectually and creatively. I never could have envisioned that filmmaking would become my primary passion in life, nor did I anticipate living in Los Angeles, having originated from a small town in Northern Italy. In this time, I established a food import and distribution company, worked as a set designer and art director for 30 films and 4 theatrical productions, and even ventured into the hospitality industry by opening a private chef service and a restaurant, shortly before the pandemic.

Now, I find myself embarking on the third chapter of my life—a chapter where wisdom and experience guide my path. I seek to collaborate with individuals who share my values and collectively create projects that benefit children. I aspire to work alongside people who respect others and all forms of life. While I continue to pursue my creative endeavors such as painting, filmmaking, and content writing for entertainment, I am open to new beginnings. In August, I will have the opportunity to participate in my first international art exhibition on Hvar Island, Croatia, as part of the NFTAA Art Alliance—a group of artists of which I am a member.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I am fairly new to the NFT world as an artist, but I am proud to be a part of the international art alliance known as NFTAA. Our group consists of artists from various countries, many of whom have left their countries of origin. Our main objective is to build a bridge between physical and digital art. We aim to achieve this by establishing our presence in the art world, organizing exhibitions, and collaborating with galleries, museums, and cities.

Our first immersive art exhibition, in collaboration with the Richard Bernstein Foundation, will be held on Hvar Island in Croatia. I truly believe that this exhibition will mark the beginning of future collaborations and projects that can be expanded worldwide. Art has the power to stimulate critical thinking, touch our souls, and provide entertainment. This particular exhibition is especially captivating as it combines mesmerizing projections and music within its location. It evokes emotions and establishes a deep inner connection that resonates with the soul.

Speaking from my personal experience with NFTs, I must admit that I still primarily paint with acrylic on canvas. Currently, I have created three NFTs, which are digital paintings available on Foundation.app under the username @alemanias. Being actively involved in the NFT community is challenging for me as it heavily relies on Twitter, and I am not particularly inclined towards social media. However, I am gradually becoming more engaged, thanks to the support and guidance of fellow artists within NFTAA.

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

My mission as an artist is to create projects that reflect my identity and have a positive impact on others. Whether it’s design, interior design, or movies, I strive to be empathetic and understand the vision of the person I’m working for in order to bring it to life. Whether it’s a brand, a movie, or a home, my approach remains the same: I aim to grasp the director’s or brand’s desired message and, utilizing my expertise in psychology, design the perfect project to achieve that goal. In doing so, I assist my clients in constructing the ideal location or style that aligns with their image or project.

My style leans towards minimalism, but I can interpret every type of style. I am deeply invested in the finer details, perhaps owing to my Italian background. I am captivated by the significance of materials, details, and the harmonization of colors and patterns.

When it comes to my creative projects, I always honor the phase of life I find myself in during the creative process. Currently, I’m working on a collection of acrylic on canvas and digital paintings that reflect my personal journey, the awakening I’ve experienced, and my ongoing exploration of higher levels of consciousness and the meaning of life.

Another significant area of focus for me is children. My goal is to safeguard children and advocate for adoption rather than relying on surrogacy. Concurrently, I’m working on writing a documentary, a screenplay, and an art project to improve orphanages worldwide. If anyone is interested, I hope they will reach out, as I genuinely require assistance in bringing these projects to fruition. They are all endeavors with the potential to create a tremendous positive impact on the world, and I look forward to finding my tribe to help turn them into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alemaniasdesign.com/ and https://www.alessandramaniasart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandramanias_art/?hl=it and https://www.instagram.com/alessandra_manias/?hl=it
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandra-manias-7095346/
• Other: https://foundation.app/@alemanias

Image Credits
they are all personal credit