We were lucky to catch up with Alex Wonder recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The most rewarding decision I ever made was taking a chance on my creative career. In the realm of creative pursuits, risks are often more pronounced, yet the potential rewards are equally substantial.
Embracing creativity as a livelihood has afforded me the chance to experience failure, undergo personal growth, find healing, and embark on unique explorations.
Alex, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I stumbled into the world of Tarot card design and readings almost by accident. Originally focused on building and photographing pinhole and toy film cameras, I found myself creating a Tarot deck that unexpectedly gained popularity.
For me, Tarot and art serve as mirrors that reflect and reaffirm identity, providing spaces for emotional connection and exploration. My greatest source of pride lies in the quality of my decks and the depth of my Tarot knowledge.
What brings me immense joy is knowing that people genuinely engage with and experience my artwork, sparking meaningful conversations. Unlike many artists, I have the privilege of being intimately involved in the viewer’s experience through Tarot readings. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that dialogue and connection with others.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
If only I had prioritized investing in the business aspects of my creative venture sooner. I naively believed that by solely focusing on my art, I could evade the constraints of a traditional 9-5 job. Yet, here I am today, wearing multiple hats as the boss, the employee, the accountant, the marketer, and of course, the artist.
Navigating the realm of entrepreneurship demands a diverse skill set, from understanding taxes and legalities to mastering copyright laws and analyzing sales data. It took me six years to truly grasp the importance of these business fundamentals. Looking back, I realize the headaches I could have avoided had I pursued more extensive education in business strategy and management earlier on.
However, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve now recognized the significance of investing in the business side of my creative endeavor. I’m actively immersing myself in learning and refining these crucial skills to ensure the success and sustainability of my enterprise by getting a Master’s Degree at University of Utah
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The optimal approach for society, whether for artists or any other group, is to ensure access to housing, healthcare, and a universal basic income. I gauge the health of a community by how well it cares for its most vulnerable members; if we fall short in this regard, we fail as a collective.
Many creatives I know, particularly those reliant on their art for sustenance without the buffer of generational wealth, face significant financial strain. They often find themselves torn between pursuing their artistic passions, catering to market demands, and meeting basic living expenses such as rent.
Historical evidence and statistical data consistently demonstrate that when individuals receive consistent support for their fundamental needs, society thrives in myriad ways. Crime rates decrease, and more people have disposable income to stimulate economic activity. I believe this principle extends to artists as well. By ensuring their basic needs are met, we foster an environment where creativity can flourish, benefiting society as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wonderartsllc.com
- Instagram: @wonderartstarot
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderartsllc
Image Credits
Images of Alex giving a Tarot Reading by Alexandria Ortiz de Fargher Images of Conjure Tarot by Alex Wonder