Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Saavedra.
Hi Alex, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My creative journey started long before I earned my BFA in Emerging Media – Graphic Design from the University of Central Florida. I’ve always had a passion for blending art and storytelling; whether through digital design, painting, or woodworking.
As a kid I was always drawing at my grandmother’s house or building something out of any material I could get my hands on. I would practice sketching characters from whatever comic book or stickers I had lying around just to get better at putting shapes together and illustrating. My Hot Wheels collection would always have a new track to race on built from recycled materials I would gather around the house.
During high school I joined the engineering magnet program where my interests deepened through learning different Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs like Rhino and AutoCad to render projects on the computer and building prototypes. My experience in this magnet is what led me to pursue my degree in Graphic Design.
In 2019, I launched my own design studio, Art Saavy, partnering with small businesses and nonprofits to craft visual identities, campaigns, and multimedia content that told their stories with authenticity. I began exploring more ways to use my skills in community spaces. I created traditional art pieces and hand-painted signage for brand partnerships and local art shows; projects that weren’t just about design, but about building relationships and sparking conversations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. Turning my passion for design into a sustainable business has been one of the most rewarding, and most challenging, parts of my journey. When I launched Art Saavy, I knew how to create strong visual work, but I had to learn the business side from scratch. Things like client outreach, pricing my services, and managing multiple projects at once didn’t come with a manual.
One of the biggest struggles early on was acquiring new clients consistently. I had to push myself outside my comfort zone, networking, pitching, and marketing my own work, while still delivering high-quality designs to the clients I did have. It took a lot of persistence, trial and error, and late nights to figure out what worked.
Those challenges taught me resilience and adaptability. They also pushed me to think more strategically about the kind of work I wanted to do and the relationships I wanted to build.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multidisciplinary designer and storyteller, working across branding, motion graphics, digital campaigns, packaging, and traditional art. My work lives at the intersection of strategy and creativity, I don’t just make designs that look good, I make them communicate clearly, resonate emotionally, and align with a brand’s core identity.
I specialize in building cohesive visual systems and campaigns from the ground up, whether that’s creating a brand identity for a small business, designing motion content for an Esports creator, or producing large-scale signage and traditional art pieces for community events and partnerships. I’m known for my ability to adapt my style to the story being told, and for finding creative ways to connect with my clients.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community-focused art and design work I’ve done, seeing my work in a tangible environment and the emotions the final product can evoke from people.
What sets me apart is my range and perspective. I’ve built a business from scratch, worked with clients across industries, and created for audiences as varied as corporate stakeholders, online gaming communities, and local neighborhoods. That versatility, paired with a genuine passion for storytelling, allows me to craft visuals that feel authentic, inclusive, and impactful no matter the platform.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a network is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The truth is, you can’t make meaningful connections if no one knows you’re looking for them. Some of my best opportunities came from reaching out to people I admired, just to share my work, ask for advice, or start a conversation.
You can’t be afraid of hearing “no” or making mistakes along the way. Early in my career, I had to push past the fear of rejection and understand that a “no” isn’t the end, it’s just a step toward finding the right “yes.” Every failed pitch, unanswered email, or awkward first meeting taught me something I could apply to the next interaction.
What’s worked well for me is approaching networking with authenticity. Instead of thinking, “What can this person do for me?” I focus on building genuine relationships, sharing ideas, offering value, and staying in touch over time. People remember sincerity, and those relationships often circle back in unexpected ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsaavy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsaavy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsaavy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-saavy/
- Twitter: https://x.com/artsaavy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artsaavy
