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

Alex, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In Oct 2023, I accepted my first gig as a “Paint & Sip” instructor. Having never taught a class before, I felt unqualified. However, a friend & old classmate had mentioned me in a comment – their friend owned a bar & wanted to host an event… but they needed an artist.

A few years back, I left my senior loan underwriting gig (a real, adult job). I was making it as an artist & working a part time gig, managing a local pizza shop… But as of October 2023, I was getting anxious about making ends meet… my mom was living with me, and about to move into hospice. My mom was dying from cancer, and I was in search of replacing her rent payment.

Art hasnt been my most lucrative professional endeavor – but – I am determined to make it work.

I accepted the gig, and bought myself setups for 25 students, and wholesaled a few cases of canvases.
I researched paint & sips, and guided art classes, and I even practiced my full first class at home (talking out loud, practice teaching & even practice interacting with the bar patrons). I wanted this to be good. This could be the start of something great, if I did it right.

I tought my first class, 10 people or less, and they did great.

I got rescheduled for the next month, and the month after that, and after that… things just keep rolling. I now have 10 venues that have had recurring classes! Instead of hoping to sell paintings each month, I can supplement my income with guided painting classes – I put a decent amount into inventory & materials, and I put a lot of time & thought into each individual class, even when I have 10 classes over a months time. I get to create hundreds of paintings with people, I get to help so many get in touch with their creative side, and I get to make connections with a lot of different people (when I am a bit introverted usually).

Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Alex Lunstra. Owner & artist at A.L. Art & Prints. I am a self taught artist, working primarily with acrylic on canvas.

I spent my early adult life in the banking industry, after a decade of that life… I was done. I gave it up & cashed out my 401K to follow my dream. Artwork.

I hadnt created artwork professionally (besides selling some hemp necklaces at a show years back, when I was 13). Then a co-worker noticed my doodles & commissioned a large painting based on that alone. After passing off the commission, I made another painting – and sold it – made another – and sold it.

From there things spiralled.

Now, I work part time managing Sunny’s Pizzeria – a local pizza shop. And I make a living off of artwork – guided painting classes, original acrylic paintings, coloring books / stickers & tshirts that I have fully drawn & designed myself (using Procreate).

I also do private painting classes, commissioned pet portraits, mural work.

I am most proud of starting the life I truly want… all the years in a cubicle cell – I hated it. Now I try to pick what I want to do with my life, and adjust my work accordingly. I found that I could do a lot of guided painting classes out of town, but I want to be home with my family. With being self employed – I get to make those decisions & adjust my life as needed to best fit my goals.

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

The most rewarding aspect is that I get to create for a living now… instead of trying to cram in creative time outside of a normal full time job – I get to create & do what I love for most of my business. I say most because I do still have accounting & business management duties with being self employed… however, now the numbers mean something to me. When I stare at a screen now, its for a good cause – to set up more painting classes, work on my website, or do se bookeeping.

Now, I get to make what my heart desires – and I get the challenge of turning that into something that can help pay the bills.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The Watering Can – a local Sioux Falls non profit.

They meet monthly & help other artsy business-y folks gain the skills & background to grow their art businesses.

I have found more groups like this in other cities – check out what’s in your area! I feel like a lot of artists start by “doing it on their own” & tap into the local creative groups later…it took me a few years to realize how supportive & how much of an art community I have here in Sioux Falls SD. There are lot’s of resources, even for the big bad things like pricing your work & bookkeeping & grant writing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ALArtandPrints.com
• Instagram: A.l.artandprints
• Facebook: A.L. Art & Prints
• Other: www.ALArtandPrints.substack.com (monthly free newsletter)