Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Alvarez.
Hi Rick , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been creative since I was a kid. I always did well in my graphic arts and woodshop classes—not because I was the best at drawing, but because I liked finding ways to do things differently. I never wanted my work to look like everyone else’s.
Despite that creative side, I never really pursued art. During the pandemic, I decided to make a painting to decorate my place. I thought it looked cool and enjoyed the process, but didn’t think much of it. When friends and family started visiting, they would ask where I bought the painting. When they found out I made it, they encouraged me to keep going.
Little by little, I started painting more. That first piece was the only one I made in 2020. I did two in 2021, a couple more in 2022, and continued gradually from there. A part of me wanted to pursue it more seriously, but I hesitated because I’m not someone who does anything halfway. I knew that if I put myself out there, I was making a commitment to become one of the best I could possibly be.
At the end of 2024, after continued encouragement from friends, something finally clicked. I realized art could feed my creative side while also becoming a platform to make a difference. By that point, it had been about 13 years since I returned home from serving in the United States Navy and started my life over working as a security guard while going back to school. During that time, I earned my bachelor’s degree, my master’s degree (both from FIU), multiple certifications, and eventually worked my way into a leadership role with one of the largest real estate management companies in the world.
I would not be where I am today without my faith in God. I believe art became my way to help carry that mission of giving back. That’s why my company, 305 Rick Art, still hasn’t achieved positive net revenue. Giving back comes first. In just over a year, I have donated more than $3,400 to nonprofits and good causes and plan to donate at least $3,000 more this year. One of the causes closest to my heart is cancer research, since it has impacted so many of us in one way or another and is why I donated $2,500 to the Miami Cancer Institute.
Once 2025 began, I started creating like crazy. I once heard the late Miami artist Lebo say that if you want to become a great artist, you have to create as much as possible. That stuck with me. I began posting my work on social media and simply having fun with it. Little by little, my brand began resonating with people. The positive feedback—and even the negative comments from social media trolls—motivated me to keep improving.
In a little over a year, I’ve sold multiple art pieces through my website, 305RickArt.com, worked art shows, had my work displayed in galleries, participated in live art events, released shirts featuring my art, and given away hundreds of stickers to help grow a wider audience. One of my pieces is even currently displayed at the Florida Panthers’ Amerant Bank Arena.
As I continue investing in my company and spending most of my free time creating, I remind myself that even if my very best isn’t enough to become one of Miami’s great artists, the worst-case scenario is still a pretty good one: that my art helped raise thousands of dollars for good causes. And to me, that will always be the greatest achievement.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I also think that’s part of the process with anything worth doing.
One of the biggest challenges has simply been time. I have a full-time career in commercial real estate, so most of my art is created early in the mornings (I wake up at 4 AM everyday), late at night, or on weekends. Balancing a demanding career, staying disciplined with my fitness, and building an art brand at the same time requires a lot of structure and consistency.
Another challenge has been putting myself out there publicly. When you start sharing your work on social media, you open yourself up to both positive feedback and criticism. While most people have been incredibly supportive, there are always a few negative comments or trolls. Early on, that can get in your head a little, but I eventually realized that criticism is just part of the journey. If anything, it motivates me to keep improving.
There’s also the reality that building something creative takes time. You invest a lot of hours, energy, and money into materials, events, and growing your brand before seeing much return. For me, though, the mission behind my art—being able to give back and support good causes—has always made it worth it.
At the end of the day, every challenge has helped me grow. It has made me more disciplined, more focused, and even more committed to continuing to create and improve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is heavily inspired by the energy, culture, and attitude of Miami. I create bold, colorful, textured pieces that are meant to feel vibrant and alive. I like experimenting with different materials and techniques—whether it’s acrylics, spray paint, texture, or mixed media—to create pieces that stand out and have their own personality. I’ve always believed that art should make people feel something the moment they see it.
A big part of my work is also about representing the city that shaped me. Many of my pieces incorporate Miami culture, local pride, and themes that people here can immediately connect with. I want my art to feel fun, powerful, and authentic to the place I call home.
Another important part of my work is creating pieces that raise awareness for important causes. I’ve created artwork focused on Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and several pieces centered around mental health awareness. For me, art is not only about expression but also about using creativity to start conversations and bring attention to things that impact our communities and the people around us.
What really drives me, though, is using art as a platform to give back. From the beginning, my goal wasn’t just to create and sell art, but to use it as a way to make a positive impact. Through my company, 305 Rick Art, I donate a portion of proceeds to nonprofits and causes that matter to me. In just over a year, I’ve already been able to donate thousands of dollars to different organizations, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
I think what sets me apart is that I didn’t come from a traditional art background. My path has been a little unconventional. I served in the United States Navy, worked my way through school, and built a career in commercial real estate before fully leaning into my creative side. Because of that journey, I bring a different perspective, discipline, and work ethic to my art. When I commit to something, I go all in.
At the end of the day, I’m proud of the fact that my art is growing organically. Seeing people connect with it, support it, and even display it in places like Amerant Bank Arena has been incredibly rewarding. But what excites me the most is knowing that as the art grows, so does the impact it can have on the community.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a lot of support along the way. From the very beginning, my friends and family played a huge role. They were the first ones who encouraged me to keep painting when I didn’t really see it as anything more than a small creative outlet. When people close to you believe in something you’re doing before it’s proven, that support means a lot.
I’ve also been lucky to have supporters who helped create opportunities for my work to be seen. Whether it’s people who invited me to participate in art shows, live painting events, or gave me the chance to display my work in different spaces, those opportunities have been incredibly valuable in helping me grow and reach new audiences.
My clients and collectors deserve a lot of credit as well. Every person who has purchased a piece, shared my work on social media, or even just stopped to have a conversation about my art has helped build momentum for my brand. When someone chooses to bring one of my pieces into their home or business, that support is something I never take lightly.
Lastly, I would say the broader creative community in Miami has also been a big source of inspiration. Seeing so many talented artists in this city pushing boundaries and representing Miami in their own way motivates me to continue improving and creating.
At the end of the day, building something like this is never a solo journey. I may be the one holding the paintbrush, but there are a lot of people behind the scenes who have supported, encouraged, and believed in what I’m building.
Pricing:
- Shirts less than $40
- Prints less than $100
- Original artwork begins at $500
- Custom art pieces begin at $750
- Sticker packs $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://305RickArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/305rickart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/305rickart/
