We recently connected with Alex Mauss and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Two projects come to mind, both deeply meaningful and connected by a similar thread.

In 2023, I volunteered with Hawai’i Walls (The Hawai’i chapter of the Worldwide Walls mural festivals). At the time, I had just started my art business and had never painted a mural before. That year, the festival brought together local and international artists to transform the underserved town of Kalihi. The heart of the event was at Palama Settlement, a community center that serves people of all ages and backgrounds. It offers kids whose parents can’t afford childcare a safe and welcoming place to go after school, while also providing classes and opportunities for connection for elderly community members, and more.

I was fortunate that my schedule allowed me to spend full days at the festival for an entire week, assisting the artists in any way I could. It was a magical and inspirational week. The joy and energy radiating from the artists and community members were contagious. By the end of the week, the positivity of the community was reflected in the vibrant murals that transformed the space. That experience was a turning point for me—I felt a calling to pursue public art as a way to bring joy and connection to shared spaces.

Fast forward to this year, I reflected on that experience as I painted three walls for Steps to End Domestic Violence, a women’s shelter in Vermont. This organization provides a safe space for women, children, and their pets in times of need. One mural was painted in the community room—a space where residents gather to eat, talk, watch movies, or simply unwind. The other two murals were in a hallway, designed as a diptych to flow through the space bringing a sense of hope.

Over a week and a half of painting, I got to know the staff and some of the residents. Even in the face of incredibly challenging circumstances, the building was filled with laughter and joy. It was an honor to reflect that warmth and resilience in the artwork.

These experiences reinforced my belief in the transformative power of public art. It has an incredible ability to spark joy and wonder while strengthening the bonds within a community. I feel so lucky to contribute to that magic.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, my passion lies in creating art that fosters a connection between people and the natural world. Growing up on a farm in Vermont, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature, which inspired many early drawings of animals. I continue to enjoy time outdoors through rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and more. This blend of experiences has shaped my artistic vision, leading me to create work that celebrates nature.

My art reflects my belief that adventurers should explore the world with kindness and compassion, leaving a positive mark on the environment. Using vibrant colors and a playful aesthetic, I strive to capture the beauty and intricacy of the natural world, inviting viewers to fall in love with it and feel compelled to protect it. Whether through digital illustrations or mixed media paintings, my goal is to create visuals that captivate and inspire action towards environmental preservation.

Based in the U.S., I currently reside in Maryland but am always on the move, exploring new landscapes and communities. Join me in celebrating the natural world through art that excites, engages, and inspires.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

“Perfectionism doesn’t believe in practice shots. It doesn’t believe in improvement. Perfectionism has never heard that anything worth doing is worth doing badly–and that if we allow ourselves to do something badly, we might in time become quite good at it. Perfectionism measures our beginner’s work against the finished work of masters. Perfectionism thrives on comparison and competition.”
– Julia Cameron

Like many artists, I started drawing at a young age. As a shy kid, art was my escape—a way to express myself and, at the same time, gain attention and praise without having to speak a word. Throughout my school years, I was the “art kid,” and I grew used to being the best in that space. Over time, my identity and self-worth were often tied to my artistic abilities.

Going to art college was a wake-up call. Suddenly, I wasn’t the best anymore—far from it. I constantly compared myself to my peers and felt mediocre at best. This mindset persisted throughout my four years in school, and by the time I graduated, I was too scared and discouraged to pursue art. My perfectionism, fueled by constant comparison, had crushed my confidence.

Instead, I chose graphic design—a field I respect for its focus on collaboration and clarity. But I pursued it not because I loved it, but because it felt safer at the time. For years, I worked as a professional graphic designer, but something was always missing. I longed for the creative freedom I had abandoned.

Eventually, I returned to drawing and painting, but it wasn’t easy. I had to allow myself to be bad at it. I had to create without obsessing over the outcome or letting imperfection discourage me. Growth required me to show up again and again, even when I felt like I was failing.

I don’t regret my time as a graphic designer. It gave me the skills to run my art business professionally and taught me how to take feedback gracefully. But I do wish I had believed in myself more. I wish I had understood that my growth would never look exactly like someone else’s.

Learning to embrace imperfection has been essential to my growth as an artist. Creativity thrives in the space where we allow ourselves to try, fail, and try again.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely. My creative journey is deeply tied to my love for the natural world and my commitment to its preservation. As a daughter of farmers and an avid rock climber, hiker, birder, backpacker, and kayaker (hoping to add gardener to that list soon!), I feel a profound connection to the outdoors. For a long time, feelings of “eco-anxiety” kept me from taking action.

Living in Hawai’i was a turning point. Known as the endangered species capital of the world, it opened my eyes to the fragility of unique ecosystems. While there, I began illustrating a different Hawaiian plant species each day. This practice deepened my appreciation for biodiversity, sharpened my skills, and ignited my passion for conservation.

My commitment extends beyond my art. Participating in crag cleanups with local climbing nonprofits showed me the power of small, collective efforts. Even picking up litter while walking my dog is a reminder that small steps matter.

At the heart of my work is joy. While I’m aware of the challenges our planet faces, I don’t want my art to reflect despair. Instead, I aim to evoke hope, whimsy, and magic—encouraging people to fall in love with nature and feel compelled to protect it.

Small actions can lead to powerful change, and I hope my work inspires others to take their own steps toward a more sustainable future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexmaussdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmaussdesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550657262069
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mauss/