Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Castle.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alexandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Southern California. From a very young age, I remember being fascinated with the different colors and designs of artwork by professional artists, whether at my home or at an art museum. As my great-grandmother had been an artist, my grandmother, mother, brother, and sister were all highly supportive of my passion, that ultimately led to my career. My strongest memories of art, however, was the joy of presenting a family member a picture I had made and seeing how my drawings could make others happy.
When I was younger, I experienced early childhood trauma that ultimately led to the formation of my artistic style. I had no voice and was very frustrated with the lack of justice I had experienced at the time. Thus, I was able to find an outlet for my emotional frustration through my drawing and coloring that I did not yet know how to convey with words. My art is about taking an image and showing the bigger picture within. I realized my situation entailed many complicated aspects, such as my parents’ divorce and the family court system, that created difficult and trying situations for my family. Through all the anxiety and emotional upheaval associated with that environment, I was able to draw it out with my line art.
I started off my academic career at a community college early at the age of 17, in the hopes that I would transfer to a four-year university and then go on to study law as my grandmother did. While attending classes, I would work at my grandmother’s law firm during the day and drive to night classes, some of which lasted until 10 pm. I soon realized that the law field did not interest me, and as such, I oscillated between studying marketing and art, in an attempt to find a passion that translated into a professional career. To that end, I worked for a photographer as his assistant on photo shoots, as well as a VIP relations-assistant at a fashion PR company in Downtown Los Angeles. However, as interested as I became in those fields, I still felt my passion lay elsewhere.
After three years into community college, I was accepted into The University of Southern California (USC) to study communication and design. During my time at USC, I became intrigued by the ability to communicate through images in professional communications courses and realized my childhood passion of drawing could indeed become a professional career. I continued to work while commuting to classes and enjoyed pursuing my art with a renewed perspective, especially given my newfound knowledge and understanding of its potential influence on the outside world.
With the help from my mother, sister and brother, I was able to start my company right after graduation and even showcased my art at a few events. I currently offer commission work, custom pieces, prints, and apparel with my artwork on it. I love what I do and making my customers happy is my ultimate goal. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to pursue my dreams and wake up every day with the hope that every piece of art I create the world will be a brighter place.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had a hard time balancing the business side of things and the creative. I made some mistakes in the beginning and was unsure of how to fix them but have ultimately found my path with the help of many individuals along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My business specializes in creating one of a kind line work detailed art pieces and images. Some of these can be found on apparel, prints, or customers can even ask for custom work and commissions. I am known for my unique style in regards to the artistic line work and process.
I am most proud that I am able to help others with my company and even just put a smile on someone’s face. I will go the extra mile for my clients even if it means I lose some money along the way. I only deal with the most high-quality vendors and materials that ultimately go to my clients.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I don’t have a singular, particular proud moment. I have continually been working to improve and have even been given the chance to produce cover art for musicians and collaborate with other artists. Every day brings a new set of items to be done and opportunities to discover. I am proud of every single one so far.
Pricing:
- DTG T-shirts run between 25-35 dollars
- Silk screened sweatshirts run between 60-65 dollars
- Prints can run between 50-1,000 depending on the size and framing option
Contact Info:
- Website: alexandracastleart.com
- Email: alexandracastleart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandracastleart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexandracastleart
Image Credit:
Kyle Munson
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