We were lucky to catch up with Rory Alvarez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rory , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?

Coming from Chile a place with different social standards and structures it was hard to be a free thinker or to have a voice that was not going to be shot down. Sometimes where we come from might make it difficult for us to thrive and live out of your own passions and that’s where taking risks is the best thing you can do.
If they say up ,go down,Right? Go left.
Let nothing define you but you.
Not belonging sometimes is the best fuel to find your voice as an artist.

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?

My name is Rory alvarez and I’m a NYC based multidisciplinary artist.

I’ve always loved things that stimulate my senses ;fashion, food , animals,music landscapes ANIME !!
I have a family that was very supportive of my artistic thirst as a kid so it was very easy for me to realize that I wanted to create.
My grandpa used to make me draw a lot when he had to babysit me, so I guess I can say that’s where it started.
Then as a young teenager I fell in love with fashion. Makeup ,malls ,hello kitty and sailor moon.
Hahaha
My first encounter with fashion was at 17, styling for a friend that was in college for photography.
I didn’t even know that was a career till then and from that day I decided I was going to be in fashion/art.

Back in Santiago (Chile) there was not too many options or space for You to explore this artistry, so I became My own option and platform called “BADDEST” an independent production company that started on Instagram and embraced local Talents of all types, pushing visual and political boundaries in a city that was not used to this edgy image.
It was definitely a fun ride that taught me so much and allowed me to know so many amazing artists and who I was.
Baddest was not only a platform
For other featured talents but a way to have a credible portfolio as a creative director & producer.
This gave me so many opportunities with other creatives, one of them
My first payed gig as a creative director in New York for an artist under an independent recording label.
This was a pivoting point in my life, an eye opener that gave independence to my passion that Now was becoming my CAREER.
When I moved to New York things had a little plot twist and I fell in love with makeup, and became a pro makeup artist Adding another skill to my bag of Tricks.
This city has so many opportunities waiting for you that it became the perfect playground for my hunger to create!
From art direction , styling, makeup, hair, consulting or producing from the ground up I’ll provide you a service customized to your own expectations and likings.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I think we can all resonate to how tough it was when the world collapsed during pandemics. all my expectations and plans were forced to be on standby.
learning how to work from home and developing new ways to strengthen my business and skills in such weird times was super hard, I questioned everything and struggled most of the time.
but I knew I couldn’t stop. I got my hands dirty, did every single DIY PROJECT EXISTS, jewelry, painting, sewing, photography, cooking… the list goes on.
since I knew everyone was ONLINE 24/7 I documented everything and used all platforms available, in a short time I started getting inquires from other stylists and creatives wanting some of my creations.
one of my handmade pieces made It In a print issue of NEU NEU MEDIA with gorgeous ZSELA wearing it.
it was such a confidence boost and so reassuring for me as an artist to still be able to move in such difficult circumstances.
from that moment I went full speed, built a strong portfolio that brought amazing opportunities.
never give up!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would love to have my own beauty brand, maybe 2-3 strong products to start with. become key makeup artist or a creative partnership in a stablished high end beauty house.
sometimes I think about having an online magazine, or a creative house.
stay tuned.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: badboyrory

Image Credits
FELIPE ZAPATA (PORTRAIT) ERICA SNYDER HOPE GLASSEL CARINA JOHN CARLO RORY ALVAREZ