28th October 2024
Interview with Alexandra MacVean
An award-winning children's illustrator, Alexandra is an artist based in the US and creates beautiful drawings and paintings aimed at inspiring all that see her work.
Alexandra MacVean is a freelance illustrator, designer and entrepreneur. Besides her own design and illustration business, she and her husband launched a new joint agency – Londonberrie. Her work focuses on creating stationery, home décor, children’s books, as well as branding products using illustration, watercolour and acrylics.
She also has a passion for teaching workshops with children and adults and has been doing so for the past 2 years both online and in her community. Alexandra’s illustration goals are to inspire, uplift and encourage individuals, both children and adults, by bringing hope and joy to their daily lives through her work.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I had always doodled periodically. However, my heart was to be a Lawyer after finishing my Psychology degree, to help abused children. In the Spring of 2014, my life came to a halt and I was forced to temporarily drop out of college one month prior to graduating, due to a horrific car accident. I spent the following 10+ months recovering at home. Once I was able to sit up, I began doodling misc. sketches, posted on Facebook....who knew it would grow into the career I have today as an award-winning illustrator!
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Practice every day, even if only 15-20 minutes. Be patient with yourself and never compare yourself to other artists around you. You are unique in your own way.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
When getting frustrated with a piece I'm working on, set it aside and come back to it in a few days or weeks. NEVER throw it out! You will almost always, end up finishing it when your creative heart/mind has had a chance to "take a breather" from that piece.
How has social media helped your career?
TREMENDOUSLY! 90% of my work comes from posting regularly on social media.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Walking in nature, taking in the intricacy of the trees, foliage and how the woodland animals scurry about within those things.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
System3 Acrylics - they are SOOOOOO silky smooth and easy to blend/work with. Plus GORGEOUS, vibrant colours.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
Drawing with Oil Pastels.
Explore Alexandra's work further here.
