We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was traveling to London in August 2024 for a one-of-a-kind collaboration event that brought together visual artists from the US and UK. The event centered on bridging our cultural perspectives through creative expression and inviting others to witness how we, as artists, visualize the world.

This opportunity came through Abigail Alabré, a creative entrepreneur I deeply admire for her ability to build community among artists from all walks of life. Abigail introduced the idea of this project in March 2024 and orchestrated almost every aspect of the trip—from the travel arrangements and event space, to the flyer distribution and promo videos. Her leadership made the entire experience possible.

This was a major milestone for me. At the time, I had just started seriously showcasing my artwork and selling my crochet pieces. It was also my first time traveling to London, especially for an event of this scale. I was excited, but also overwhelmed. I doubted whether I’d be able to make the trip due to financial barriers—and even questioned my place as an artist. But everything aligned, and before I knew it, I was on the plane.

Our five days in London were unforgettable. We spent them setting up for the event, completing last-minute projects, and exploring the city. I got to experience London’s vibrant culture, attend my first Carnival, and visit museums like MOCA. By the end of the trip, it had become so much more than a showcase—we had built a creative community and brought together different cultures and artistic voices in one space.

Funny enough, I didn’t fully grasp the impact of what we had accomplished until weeks later. It took my family pointing it out for me to realize how meaningful it was—not just for me, but for them too. That project gave me exposure, new connections, and helped expand my vision as an artist. More importantly, it reminded me that my creativity can opens doors to experiences I never imagined. What we created in that space was, in its own way, a form of art—raw, unedited, and rooted in pure intention.

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?

Hello!

My name is Alexis Barnes, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist specializing in painting, mixed media, and crochet. I began my creative journey by pursuing a degree in graphic design at Norfolk State University, an HBCU in Norfolk, Virginia. During my four years there, I explored various art techniques, studied art history, and discovered my unique artistic voice. After earning my degree in the spring of 2023, I began showcasing my work and officially started selling my crochet pieces in the fall of 2024. Since then, I’ve continued to grow as an artist, consistently creating and sharing my work with others.

I specialize in acrylic paintings, one-of-a-kind crochet apparel, and mixed media works that combine paint, crochet, and other materials.

For my clients, I bring their vision to life with work that is intentional, visually striking, and deeply personal. Whether they were looking for custom pieces that held deeply personal meaning, or creative work that demanded attention.— I delivered. I help my clients stand out, feel seen, and uplift them.

What sets me apart is my ability to create work that not only looks good but feels real. I blend African American culture, artistic technique, and personal storytelling to craft pieces full of life and movement. Every project I take on is guided by originality, professionalism, and a strong creative instinct. When people come to me for custom work or collaborations, it’s not for the latest trend—they come for my unique vision, my energy, and the genuine love I pour into everything I create.

I am most proud of the impact I have on my family, especially my younger sister. I have so much love for my family and I’m proud to step out into the unknown and forge a path that others could follow. Every single day, I think about how my journey as an artist and entrepreneur has helped inspire my family and encouraged them to change their idea of what’s achievable and push them to step out on faith and believe in themselves to accomplish all of their dreams, no matter how far fetched society wants them to believe their dreams are.

I would want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that everything I create is rooted in authenticity, intention, and culture. My work is about telling stories, honoring identities, and creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Whether I am crocheting, painting, or collaborating on creative projects, I lead with emotion and purpose. My brand is all about bold expression and meaningful connections. I want my audience to feel empowered when they interact with my work. I want them to feel seen and inspired, encouraging them to view themselves in a higher light. I’m not just creating art., I’m here to build a legacy based on creativity that is unapologetic, vibrant, and ever evolving.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn—and am still unlearning—is the idea that everything I create has to be perfect before it’s worthy of being shared. For a long time, I held myself to an invisible checklist of expectations that each piece had to meet before I could consider it “finished” or “good enough.” That mindset kept me in a cycle of overthinking and held me back from fully expressing myself.

Over time, I’ve realized that this fantasy of perfection was stunting my growth and getting in the way of true connection and authenticity in my work. I’m learning that art is meant to evolve—and I’m allowed to evolve with it. Perfection is unattainable by human standards, and embracing the imperfections, the mistakes, and the messiness of the creative process is what makes the work honest and real.

Letting go of perfection has helped me show up more freely as my full self, take bolder risks, and create work that resonates more deeply with others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A powerful example of my resilience was during my final semester of college. For context, I was a Graphic Design major at Norfolk State University, and I returned to campus after performing in the Rose Bowl Parade in California with the “Spartan Legion” Marching band in the winter of 2023.

That semester, I was carrying 18 credits—including a challenging typography course at a neighboring community college—while also juggling multiple responsibilities. I served as treasurer of the concert choir, performed in two jazz ensembles, and was active in two campus organizations. It was easily the most demanding period of my college journey. The late nights, early mornings, and constant demands of leadership roles pushed me mentally, physically, and emotionally.

To make matters more stressful, there was a moment when it looked like I wouldn’t graduate on time due to a delay in my typography grade being submitted. Despite the pressure, I stayed grounded in my faith, trusted in my ability to overcome each challenge, and focused on solving one issue at a time so I wouldn’t become overwhelmed.

Thanks to the support of my parents, professors, and university faculty, everything came together—and I was able to walk across the stage and receive my diploma in front of my friends and family. That moment reminded me of the strength I carry, even in the face of doubt. It was a powerful lesson in perseverance: even when I felt stretched thin, I kept going—and that resilience continues to drive me today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ixelarts_
• Other: TikTok: ixel.arts

Image Credits

Alexis Barnes
Quran Sherrod