Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Mauss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alex with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic was modeled for me by my parents. Growing up on a horse farm, I saw firsthand that there’s no room for “I’ll deal with that later” or cutting corners. An unfinished job today becomes twice the work tomorrow. Livestock don’t take days off—though to be clear, I fully believe in vacations and mental health days!
As a teenager, I definitely went through some lazy years, but farm work didn’t pause for my moods. Help was still needed on the farm—moving hay bales (which are heavy, if you don’t know), cleaning stalls, shoveling snow, etc. I remember the exhaustion of thinking, I don’t want to move one more bale, shovel one more pile of snow, clean one more stall. But I don’t ever remember quitting. There was always enough in the tank for one more, even when one more turned into twelve more. When you take things one step at a time, you’re capable of far more than you think.
Breaks are rare and cherished when they come, but putting in the effort is never a question. It isn’t just about hard work for its own sake; my parents’ dedication comes from a place of love. They aren’t just running a farm—they are caretakers, both of the animals and a community of people who come along with the horses. They teach lessons to riders of all abilities, helping younger generations grow through their experiences with horses.
That deep sense of responsibility and care is something I carry with me in my own work. Whether it’s a mural, an illustration, or a collaboration, I give my all because that’s what I’ve always known—doing meaningful work with heart, intention, and commitment.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an artist, muralist, and illustrator dedicated to creating work that celebrates nature, fosters connection, and inspires joy. Whether I’m rock climbing, hiking, or kayaking, my love for the outdoors fuels my creativity.
Through bold murals, playful illustrations, and artwork, I aim to bring the beauty of nature into human-centric spaces. My work blends vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and locally inspired details to create visuals that spark wonder and a sense of belonging. I believe adventurers and nature lovers should move through the world with kindness and care, and my art reflects that ethos—encouraging people to connect with and protect the environment.
I collaborate with brands, organizations, and individuals to create murals that transform spaces, illustrations that tell unique stories, and custom artwork that aligns with their values. I also offer a collection of nature-inspired stickers, prints, and merchandise for those who want to take a piece of the outdoors with them.
Right now, I’m excited about upcoming mural projects, a new artist collaboration launching soon with Kula Cloth, and continuing to grow my artwork in ways that inspire and uplift.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Rock climbing has taught me so much about life—perseverance, problem-solving, and pushing through fear—and those lessons translate directly into running a creative business.
1. Do it scared.
Every time I try something new or out of the ordinary in climbing, I feel some level of fear—whether it’s fear of falling or failing… though, honestly, it’s mostly fear of falling. But I double-check my gear, tell my climbing partner I’m nervous, take a deep breath, and go for it. On the best days, anyway. Sometimes, I’m not quite capable of that, and that’s okay. What matters is that I come back and try again the next time.
I’ve learned that fear doesn’t mean stop—it means pay attention, trust yourself, and take the next step. The same applies to art and business. Without clear, tangible markers like a rope or harness, the fears that hold you back can be harder to spot. But the more you practice stepping into the unknown, the more resilient you become.
Fear is always present when you’re doing something new—whether it’s pitching a big project, showing your art to the world, or taking a leap into an unfamiliar opportunity. The trick isn’t to wait until you’re fearless; it’s to move forward despite the nerves. Over time, this builds confidence and trust in yourself.
2. Ask for help.
In climbing, we call it asking for “beta” when you want to know how someone else solved a route. As a creative, I love figuring things out on my own, but I’ve learned that asking for help doesn’t make my journey less valid. Sometimes, hearing how someone else has navigated a challenge is all you need to know it’s possible. And just like in climbing, even if I take in someone’s advice, I still have to adjust it to fit my own strengths and style.
3. Problem-solving and flexibility.
Climbing isn’t just about strength—it’s about problem-solving. Each route is a puzzle, requiring creative movement to find the best way up. The same is true in art and business. There’s no single way to succeed, so you have to be flexible, experiment with different approaches, and trust yourself to adapt.
For anyone starting their creative journey, my advice is this: Lean into the uncertainty. Ask questions. Take risks. And most importantly, don’t wait to feel “ready”—just start. You’ll figure it out as you go, one move at a time.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My creative community is absolutely essential!
I took an art business course in the past, and after it ended, a group of us students decided to stay in touch. We started a Slack channel where we check in, celebrate wins, and ask for advice. That ongoing support from fellow creatives has been everything. It’s easy to feel like you’re navigating the art world alone, but having people to turn to makes all the difference. It’s built my confidence every step of the way, plus we all approach our businesses and creative practices differently, I learn so much from each group member.
From that larger group, I also found two incredible accountability buddies. Every two weeks, we hop on a Zoom call to share our art business wins and struggles. We also set five goals to accomplish before our next meeting, and if we don’t complete them, we owe $5 per unfinished goal. At the end of a set period, the money goes to a charity chosen by whoever has the lowest “score.”
This group has completely changed how I approach my business—it’s pushed me from being reactive to proactive. Knowing I have two amazing women in my corner who uplift me, inspire me, and give me tough love when I need it has been a game-changer. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
For those of us on solo journeys as entrepreneurs, I highly suggest finding your people. They don’t have to be working toward the exact same goals as you or even live in the same country as you—just those who will help you dream big, hold you accountable, and offer support along the way. It makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexmaussdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmaussdesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mauss/
Image Credits
N/A
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