DiscoverThis is How We Create175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig
175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig

175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig

Update: 2025-09-30
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Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for art into a real, thriving career? In this episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Alex Craig, a self-taught artist, painter, and illustrator who embodies the spirit of creative determination. Alex shares her journey, from a childhood surrounded by artists to launching her first clothing line to eventually showcasing her work at prestigious events such as the Black Girl Art Show.

This conversation explores perseverance and authenticity that transform passion into purpose. We dig into:

  • The practical steps of building an art business, 

  • We talk about how to digest critique, 

  • How to open an Etsy shop and 

  • Tips to find the right printer and pricing for your work.  

Alex’s story is a reminder that with a strong support system and an unwavering belief in your own voice, you can build the creative life you've always envisioned.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex Craig

01:21 Growing Up Creative: A Family of Artists

03:40 The College Hustle: From Custom Jackets to a Clothing Line

07:25 Taught by Experience: Lessons from a College Art Class

11:11 The Art of Critique: Learning to Let Go of Ego

19:23 Finding Your Voice with a Little Push from Family

22:05 The Practical Hustle: Starting and Growing an Etsy Shop

28:27 Bridging Worlds: How Digital Sketches Inform Physical Paintings

33:20 The Art of Pricing: On Accessibility and Value

36:54 The Signature Palette: A Love Story with the Color Blue

40:13 What Sets Her Heart Ablaze: The Drive to Keep Creating

 

Connect with Alexandra: 

Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artviaalex

Alexandra’s Website: https://artviaalex.etsy.com/

 

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

 

  • Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

  • Leave a review

  • Follow us on social media

  • Share with fellow creatives

 

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175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig

175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig

Martine Severin