Meet Alaina Joy

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alaina Joy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alaina, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

As an artist, imposter syndrome has been a constant companion throughout my journey. No matter how many pieces I create or how much recognition I receive, there’s always this underlying voice questioning whether I’m truly “good enough” or if I belong in the spaces I’m in. It’s a strange feeling—one minute, I’m confident in my vision, and the next, I’m wondering if I’m just faking it.

This feeling has never fully gone away. Even with my work being showcased at galleries like Brooklyn Art Cave and my collaborations with talented people, I still feel like an imposter sometimes. I’ve come to realize that this sensation might never disappear completely, but I’ve learned to work through it, to not let it paralyze me.

I overcome imposter syndrome by leaning into the work itself. When I feel doubt creeping in, I remind myself why I create: not for validation, but to express something deeply personal and real. Surrounding myself with a supportive community, like my art family at JAMM Gallery, has been crucial as well. Conversations with fellow artists, who often feel the same way, remind me that these doubts don’t define our worth. I also find power in embracing imperfection, seeing every “flaw” as part of the process and part of what makes my work unique. Every time I push through, I reclaim a little bit more of my artistic identity.

At the end of the day, it’s about showing up and creating, regardless of those feelings, and that’s where the real magic happens.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Alaina Joy, the artist behind Painted Thingies and one of the driving forces behind JAMM Gallery where I act as the Director of Visual Arts and work alongside an incredible collaborative team. My world has always revolved around color, creativity, and connection. Growing up, I was that kid with paint-splattered clothes and walls covered in doodles. Art was my escape, my language, and my passion.

I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I started painting again during the pandemic ans showing my work that I realized the impact my art had on others and decided to turn it into a career. Painted Thingies was born out of a desire to share my vibrant world with others. My pieces are a fusion of pop art and street culture, with a heavy dose of inclusivity. I believe art should be accessible to everyone, and my work reflects that belief.

JAMM Gallery is the next step in my journey. It’s more than just a space to showcase art; it’s a platform for fostering community and dialogue. I wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or artistic ability. We’re committed to showcasing diverse voices and using art as a tool for positive change.

Through Painted Thingies and JAMM Gallery, I aim to inspire, provoke thought, and create a space where people can connect through art. I believe that art has the power to heal, transform, and unite us. That’s what drives me to keep creating and curating.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around JAMM Gallery. Seeing people from all walks of life come together to appreciate and engage with art is truly inspiring. I’m also proud of the way my art has resonated with people and brought joy into their lives.

Recently, I’ve been diving deeper into light-reactive art after participating in a show at Brooklyn Art Cave called *Gallery After Dark.* That experience completely opened my eyes to the possibilities of what light can do to transform a piece. It’s fascinating how something as simple as a change in lighting can reveal entirely new layers and emotions within the work.

I love how light-reactive art allows me to hide elements in plain sight. Under normal lighting, a piece might look one way, but when the blacklight hits, hidden details emerge, and the energy of the whole work shifts. It’s like creating two pieces in one—there’s the surface that people initially see, and then there’s the secret world that comes to life when the lights change. The ability to alter the emotion of a piece depending on the lighting feels like I’m in control of the viewer’s experience in a really powerful way.

Incorporating this into my work, especially with my *Neon Ladies* series, has been such a freeing process. It lets me play with themes of authenticity and duality, where there’s always something more to discover beneath the surface. I’m excited to explore more ways that light can interact with my art, pushing the boundaries of what’s visible and what’s hidden, and how that affects the story my pieces tell.

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?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were persistence, vulnerability, and a willingness to experiment.

**Persistence** has been key. As an artist, there are always moments of self-doubt, rejection, or creative block, but pushing through those moments has been critical. The only way to grow is to keep creating, even when it feels like you’re not making progress. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say don’t be afraid of the grind. Keep putting in the work, even when it feels hard or unappreciated. That consistency will build a body of work you can be proud of.

**Vulnerability** is another huge part of my growth. Art is such a personal expression, and allowing myself to be open—both in my creative process and in sharing my work with others—has been transformative. Vulnerability allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. For those just starting out, my advice would be to embrace the messiness of your process and let your true self show in your work. It’s scary at times, but it’s where the magic happens.

Finally, **a willingness to experiment** has shaped so much of what I do now, especially with light-reactive art. Trying new mediums, techniques, or styles has kept my creativity alive. I never want to stay in one box, and I think it’s important for new artists to give themselves the freedom to explore. Whether it’s playing with light, materials, or even how you display your art, being open to experimentation can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Don’t worry about failing—every “failure” is just part of the learning process.

Stay persistent, open, and curious. That’s where the real growth happens.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to partner and collaborate with other creatives, especially through *JAMM Gallery*. Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, poet, or any other type of creator, I believe in the power of collaboration to spark something truly unique. At JAMM, we’ve created a space where artists can not only exhibit their work but also come together to create, share ideas, and grow alongside each other.

Right now, we’re looking for people who are passionate about what they do and who are open to experimenting and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. I love working with folks who bring different perspectives to the table—whether you’re into mixed media, music, performance art, or something else entirely, I’m always interested in collaborating with those who are excited to try something new. The community at JAMM Gallery is about fostering that creativity and creating a supportive environment for artistic exploration.

If you’re reading this and thinking about collaborating, I’d love to connect with you! You can reach out to me on Instagram at @painted_thingies, or reach out to us @JAMM.gallery. We’re always open to new ideas, whether it’s for an exhibition, a workshop, or just to create together. I’m also open to art and sticker trades, so let’s swap and support each other’s work! Let’s build something inspiring!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paintedthingies.com
• Instagram: @painted_thingies
• Other: @jamm.gallery
  www.jammgallerynj.com