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

Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The very first dollar I made is pretty funny. When I was about six or so, my friend Tori and I would collect small rocks from the flowerbeds in our neighborhood and paint on them. We’d illustrate faces, plants, and abstract lines. We then would sit on my porch and sell the rocks back to our neighbors. The first official gig I had that wasn’t assisting, free work, or stealing rocks was taking pictures for a wedding. I was probably in middle school. I shot on film, winged it, and they turned out okay. I learned a lot about working through social anxiety and photographing multiple people, and that wedding photography isn’t for me.

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 background and context?

I’m a visual artist who uses graphic design, photography, textiles, and more. I’ve been involved in the art world since I was very young, attributed to my creative family. I work as a freelance photographer and art director and am Dallas Contemporary’s storytelling and graphic design manager. I create personal work, too, including prints, art books, installation art, and writing. My background in creating conceptual work merged with editorial experience lends me to making impactful visuals. Also, I am always open to helping people discover their potential through critiques and thoughtful conversations.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m reading The Artist Way by Julia Cameron with an online workshop by Vantage Points. This book is relevant for anyone. It presents helpful techniques and challenges you to deep dive into yourself to become more aware and creative. Admittedly it can be a little dated, I wouldn’t call it perfect, but by taking away essential parts, I’ve been able to align myself on a really productive path. I recommend tackling the book with another person or a group to be more accountable.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Showing up for local artists and creatives by sharing resources, attending events, and giving funding is a start! Cities like Dallas are more than capable of investing in their diversely talented community in more fruitful and experimental ways. I hope to see more of that. Being confident in our practice and learning from mistakes is essential too. Take creative risks and know that whatever the outcome is, it’s meaningful. I gave my creative energy to others for a long time, hoping that it would grow into something more. Once I stepped away and put myself first, things did begin to grow, but it was a risk. I had to transition from the familiar into many unknowns, yet I believe that investing in yourself is the most valuable thing you can do. I don’t mean solely financially either I mean through trust and nurturing. With that, hopefully, a creative ecosystem could begin to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: alexandrahulsey.com
• Instagram: @l0lil
• Facebook: facebook.com/l0lil
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alexandra-hulsey/

Image Credits
Portrait of Alexandra Hulsey by Kristin Wright @cactuskillerr