Meet Alex J Dimas

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex J Dimas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex J below.

Alex J, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My parents. I may be biased, but they are the most generous people on the planet. Ever since I was a child, I remember them hosting people all the time, welcoming anyone in their home and providing warm meals.
(If you haven’t guessed it yet, it is a Latino’s love language.)
They modeled what generosity is supposed to look like–without expecting anything in return. I find myself doing the same when it comes to hosting my own people, and making meals for friends just because. I thank my parents for that!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In 2019, I took a what you would consider a gap year–but after college and for only six months– to work on an independent storytelling project in Central America. I didn’t want to go straight into the work field to only bust my ass at a 9-5 job, because that just didn’t seem appealing to me at the time.

I remember returning from that trip, feeling so ready to display and share the stories that I collected during my time away. Little did I know that once I landed, a pandemic would hit across the world and that idea would have to be put on hold.

The next six months were spent at my parents, in my room, delving deep into songwriting for the first time in my life, because I needed an outlet and music was my getaway drug.

Who knew that approximately six years later I would be living in Richmond, with an E.P. release, booking shows and now pursuing what I love the most; telling stories through portraiture and film.

I recently quit my 9-5 job to pursue full-time freelance as a photographer.

Leaving the non-profit I was in was hard, but necessary. It wasn’t because it was a toxic work place or environment, but because I was seeking to be uncomfortable. What I mean by that is what I was doing was mostly monotonous, and I live off of spontaneity and change, so I needed a new challenge. And growth comes from being uncomfortable, don’t you agree?

Since then, I’ve had opportunities such as getting into a local photo exhibition and being selected as first place by a juror, and applying to my first artist residency abroad, and got in!

I’m heading to Greece in June for three weeks for an artist residency, and conveniently it’s when my lease ends–maybe spending a little more time in Europe doesn’t sound too bad.

Through freelance, I find myself working with artists and small business owners to help grow their marketing strategy and social media presence. I was able to adapt what I learned at my non-profit to pretty much my every day-to-day, but with a new twist. And I honestly prefer it this way.

Making time for music–even if it is just 10 minutes a day–has been quite rewarding. It’s officially been a bit over a year since my E.P. Alma Mia was released and it was selected in the Newlin Music Prize Shortlist in Richmond, along with 19 other amazing local artist albums. I felt very honored that they would consider my first E.P. release, and glad that through this recognition it is reaching new ears!

Earlier this month, I was at a dedicated music retreat with some of DMV’s local creatives who are DJs, Karaoke enthusiasts, painters, photographers, and musicians. I needed a quick little getaway to be back in solitude–similar to pandemic times–when I first started writing music. I used this retreat as a chance to make a few demos for my next collaborative project and album dedicated to songs in Spanglish.

It’s been quite a ride so far, and a lot of work manifesting, but I am so grateful for my community; Especially those that are cheering me on near and far.
You are my PEOPLE.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. One thing I have learned about myself along this journey, is to not be afraid to ask. Whether it is something you have no expertise in and seeking advice, or finding out about this really cool opportunity and wanting to be a part of it. You never know where that will take you next, unless you try.

2. Be intentional about your relationships. Know the people in your corner and network with them, and the people they know because that could lead you to the next possibility and opportunity that you have yet to learn about. Also travel more, to open your mind to new perspectives, and new relationships abroad! Imagine having a place to stay in every country you re-visit!

3. Be a risk-taker. Some people will argue that I am a dreamer, and that I don’t have much logic behind what I’m doing. But everything that I have done up to this point has been from taking risks. Everything you do is a stepping stone leading you to where you are supposed to be. I still believe that to this day.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I know it might be a cliche, but “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin has been an essential read along my creative and music journey. Many know him to be a philosopher, but I had known about his music producing days and involvement with Columbia Records. I loved his perspective on the act of doing nothing–which was especially important and relevant to my creative mindset. I thought the only way to be productive is to keep busy and that is not always the case. Resting is productive in itself and it’s vital to your overall health!

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Image Credits

crtveambvrt / Alex J Dimas

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