Today, we’d like to introduce you to Angel Alvarez.
Hi Angel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been an artist my whole life. As a kid, I loved to draw, and in high school, I attended a special art school in Miami, FL, called Design and Architecture Senior High. However, when it came time to choose a college, I felt pressured to attend my local university, which only offered a modern-focused, fine art program. I could not relate to this kind of art and was full of self-doubt and fear.
I opted for a “regular” career and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. After college, I worked in various jobs, including the federal government and nonprofit sector, where I was miserable. All the while, I wished I could study and pursue art. This longing led me on a 15-year journey to eventually rectify my path. In 2015, I decided to go back to school and earned my Master’s in Illustration from the University of Hartford. This program was life-changing.
I had wonderful professors and connected with a great community of artists and storytellers, finally feeling like I had found my tribe. After completing my MFA, I worked as a digital art and animation instructor and freelanced as an illustrator for children’s books and media companies. It was a long journey to correct my path. It took so much hard work to make this change from an office worker to a full-time artist.
In the past two years, I’ve pivoted again, this time focusing on creating my own vision through oil paintings. I think the goal of most artists is the creative freedom to pursue their interests and create artwork that is authentic to them. I’ve found some early success with my oil paintings, connecting with new collectors at several art fairs and exhibiting at several galleries. I’ve also started pursuing content creation with my own YouTube channel and social media.
Through this medium, I aim to build a community where I can share my journey, discuss the challenges and motivations artists face, and share the processes and products that have worked well for me. My hope is that this will bring value to other aspiring artists.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always regretted not pursuing art after high school. It was a long 15-year road full of struggles until I took steps to rectify my path and pursue art as a career. I believe that obstacles and challenges are a normal part of every journey to success.
Mastering any skill requires perseverance, grit, and the determination to keep going despite repeated failures. My biggest challenge has always been quieting the negative internal dialogue of self-doubt and fear. It has been crucial for me not to let this internal dialogue dictate my decisions and path. As artists, we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking, “If I just reach a certain level, then I’ll be satisfied.”
However, when we achieve that level, we often find ourselves wanting more. This constant dissatisfaction is both uncomfortable and a powerful motivator, driving us to continuously improve. Over the years, I’ve learned to accept and embrace some of this discomfort. I believe it is what keeps pushing me to push harder and achieve more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with your work?
I’ve always been passionate about characters and storytelling. My career as an illustrator has allowed me to bring these interests to life through children’s media, including books, educational products, and animation. I find great excitement in drawing expressive characters and crafting wholesome stories of friendship, adventure, kindness, humor, and whimsy.
In a world often overwhelmed by negativity, my artwork serves as an escape and a source of joy. By investing my energy in creating images that bring me happiness, I hope to share that joy with others who view my work. In the past two years, I’ve transitioned to using traditional oil painting techniques to bring to life the worlds and stories that captivate me. I am fascinated by the idea of blending age-old techniques dating back to the Renaissance with my whimsical style. Oil paints offer a richness and depth of color that help me create vibrant, original pieces of art.
In a world dominated by mass-produced visuals, I take pride in crafting unique, tangible artworks that carry a piece of myself within them. Through my artwork, I reconnect with my childhood and the wonder and happiness I felt experiencing the stories and characters I grew up with. My goal is for people to feel that same whimsy and joy when they encounter my work and to form a connection with the characters and emotions that inspire me.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My mother was always supportive and encouraging of my artistic pursuits. She believed I was destined to be an artist and would often share endearing stories from my childhood to emphasize this.
One story she often told was about the time when I was two years old and decided to paint the entire hallway in our home. She recounted how I approached her with a worn-out blue crayon, asking for a new one because I had only a small section left to complete. My love for art was matched by my fascination with cartoons. Understanding this, my mother recorded several hours of classic Disney cartoons for me. I would watch that tape for hours on end, drawing the characters I saw on screen.
Her support provided a foundation of encouragement and inspiration that fueled my passion for creating art. I had a happy childhood, filled with wonderful memories and a sense of innocence, and it is these moments that I strive to capture in my artwork.
Painting my characters and fantasy stories brings me joy and transports me back to that place of unconditional love and support I felt as a child. Through my art, I aim to share that same sense of wonder and happiness with others, hoping they can connect with the magic and nostalgia that inspire me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelmalvarez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelmalvarezart/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelalvarezillustration/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelalvarezrd/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AMAillustrator
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@angelmalvarezart
- Other: https://youtu.be/1X-V2EoZ9yU?si=2rHS3TXBr0HMNIsm
