Meet Alex S

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

Alex, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

As an artist, my main message is to inspire people to not forget about their passions and hobbies. I used to work a 9-5 before becoming a full time artist. With a family to take care of plus bills and chores, I always made time to paint and keep my passion for art alive.

I grew up in a ruff environment with friends and family submerged either in gang culture or drug abuse. Art was sort of my safe place from all of the negativity going on at home. I started spray painting at the age of 13. From sewer tunnels to train yards, and abandoned buildings, graffiti was my time of tranquility. As I entered adult life around the age of 17 my passion for art was set aside to work and attend school. 3 years of living a hamster wheel lifestyle I felt like I wasn’t content with my situation. Instead of resorting to drugs or partying, I went back to my genuine self and started prioritizing painting again.

Regardless of all the stereotypes and negative perspective of graffiti, for me it was a time of peace. I would paint in a secluded area, put my headphones on and enter a place of tranquility. Although I was part of the graffiti culture, I had my own set of rules and would only spray paint tunnels or trains. As I started painting more, my skills started evolving.

I am humbled to share with you that I now treat my art skills as a full time business. From tagging to doing realistic murals. I am also part of a program called Graffiti Art Program in the city of Santa Ana where I am a counselor / mentor for teenagers who are interested in learning about a career as an artist.

I strongly believe that I am in this position with my art because I always kept my passion for painting alive, even during the worst times of my life.

I highly encourage anyone reading this to keep your childhood passions alive. It can be anything, from playing an instrument to reading books. Don’t fall into the trap of adulthood where we tend to forget about our passions. We can take care of our responsibilities and still keep our hobbies alive.

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?

My name is Alex AKA Sincero (translates to sincere in English). I am deeply rooted in the hip-hop and graffiti subculture. Instead of gang banging or doing drugs like a lot of my family and childhood friends, I was a skater and a graffiti writer. Started my art journey at the age of 13. Growing up in Santa Ana was tuff, but painting was my safe place.

Fast forward and a few bad marks on my record for vandalism and thousands of spray cans later. I am humbled to say spray painting is now my full time career. I have an LLC for my art business. Located in the city of Santa Ana, CA. I’ve had the privilege to paint all over the world, from Barcelona Spain to New York City. I specialize in large scale spray painted murals.

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?

3 skills that have helped me are the following

Persistence: I remained persistent in my craft even tho the odds were against me. I would draw at any chance I would get because I understood the more persistent I was with my hobby, the better I would be at it.

Staying Positive: I was incarcerated for graffiti several times but deep down I knew I had a purpose with my art skills. Staying positive during dark times was essential for my character and spirit.

Being grateful: Humans tend to be happy only when times are good for them. When I was incarcerated I learned how to be grateful even during the bad times. This is a major key in my success because I am not afraid to fail. Even at the lowest point of life, I was grateful.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

When I was incarcerated I strongly believe the following book was destined for me to read.

Aside from the Bible, a small book titled “Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl” has to be the most influential book I’ve read.

I proactively read this book 3 times during my 6 month stay in county jail. Everything I found important in this book has played an important role in my self development.

I believe being locked up and reading this book are synonyms to my character development. I learned how to create purpose during dark times. Most importantly I learned that being grateful for the small things is something humans tend to take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_siincero_/?hl=en