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

Alex , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I have had regular jobs before. I’ve worked at a preschool and a local organic food business, I’ve been a dog walker, and a legal secretary at a law firm. I enjoyed each of my jobs and am grateful for the experiences, luckily I had kind bosses at all of my jobs. After a while however I felt like something was missing and that of course was art. Currently I’m working as a sculpture studio assistant at my university and I also face paint and body paint at parties on the weekends. I feel more fulfilled now because I’m doing what I love and getting paid for it.

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

I started creating art in September 2019 I had just graduated high school and escaped an extremely abusive relationship, so I turned to art for healing. Within making art I was able to find myself and express what couldn’t come out in words alone. Ever since then I’ve been consistently making art everyday. I sell paintings, drawings, hand-painted clothing, and I also body/face paint at events. I think what sets me apart is that I don’t stick to one specific style. I experiment with everything and I’m always trying to develop new methods and refine old ones. I’m very vulnerable with my art and as dark and deep as I go is also as light and beautiful as I go. I’m proud of myself for sticking with art and not giving up in the beginning as becoming an artist has allowed so many blessings to come into my life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am disabled and a survivor of SA/DV. I have PTSD, Bipolar 1, and ADHD. It can be challenging being disabled and trauma but it gives me a perspective I can use in order to help others, as I am currently studying to become an art therapist. I am feeling the best I have ever felt due to having been in therapy and building skills from that. Art has also helped me tremendously to stay strong.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being an artist doesn’t happen overnight. There were many times in the beginning I doubted my abilities and had to take steps back. No artists progress is always linear either. It takes a decent amount of dedication. But at any age and time you can start to make art. Maybe as a child someone was told they weren’t good enough at drawing or an instrument and that can stay with them their whole lives unless they choose to challenge that. Everyone should be able to express themselves freely and creatively in anyway they can. Art makes the world a better place and making art is an act that sets the soul free.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexmtully