We recently connected with Alex Eickhoff and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alex, 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.
The question should be “How DO I overcome Imposter Syndrome?” Its not something easily achieved with perpetuity. It comes in waves and has been present in almost every stage of my art career. There are many triggers for this mental block, and the worst is probably comparison. Social Media makes it hard to ignore the successes of other artists, so my biggest weapon against the feeling of unworthiness is to unplug. Its tricky to completely escape social media, because we as artist believe we need it for our business/livelihood. But when i feel like an imposter i have to at least limit my exposure. Get on and share your work, then get off. Set a timer. It always helps me to review my own past work. to see things i have accomplished and to better understand my growth. “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.” -JBP
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?
This year I spent 3 months traveling around Ecuador with my partner, Amanda. I spent this time gathering inspiration, drawing and painting murals. Although I am now an international muralist, I can’t stop there. I hope to continue spreading good vibes around the globe with my colorful characters. My mission is to share my art with the world. I am passionate about creating impactful moments in urban environments with my dynamic murals. Painting is energy work, and I believe there are many wonderful muses that are having a blast manifesting themselves through my artwork. (So if you have an ugly blank wall that needs some color, I am for hire.)
Since returning to the states I have increased my efforts in creating video content on YouTube. I welcome anyone who loves art to join me on my channel where I have hundreds of process videos. You can learn more about me, what i think about while creating, and the whole creative process. I also have a podcast about my journey becoming a full-time artist and things I have learned along the way.
I have a new series of art prints available in my online shop, and a series of original paintings that will be available very soon.
You can support me by sharing my content, buying my art, or signing up for my Patreon and/or Buy Me A Coffee.
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?
Having a growth mindset is the most important trait for developing any skills. Create an identity for yourself that resonates with your spirit, then adjust your lifestyle to fit. This requires you to keep an open mind and be willing to work on your SELF.I try to base my decision around self-sustainability, and longevity.
I think its important for anyone pursuing their dream to maintain balance in all areas of life. Especially if you are an entrepreneur (hint all artists are), you are THE asset. Developing artistic ability is important, but having healthy body, mind, spirit, finances, relationships, play.. these are paramount to success in any field.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I am passionate about art-making, but I really feel called to create content on YouTube. I have a decent skillset for creating art process videos, but in many ways I am limited (space, tech, time, resources, etc). My current challenge is keeping up with video production, while also generating income through my mural business and art sales. I have entertained the idea of building a team that could help bring my vision to fruition, but for now I am flying solo. Im currently trying to habitualize a production system that is sustainable, strategic and fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: eyecough.com
- Instagram: @eye_cough
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyecoughart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-eickhoff-eye-cough-99363b195/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cough_eye32740
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eye_cough?si=Ambk7tO4Oq_kV6Xm
- Other: https://patreon.com/user?u=18248989&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/eyecough
Image Credits
the photo of me in front of the grape blue heron mural is by Jaren Kerr (@jaren.kerr)
