We recently connected with Alexis Viele and have shared our conversation below.
Alexis, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we now have words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is one of those things I am not sure you ever truly overcome, but something that you learn to work through and with. My mentor once shared the idea that only imposters are free from imposter syndrome and that if we are doing the work of creation and in the mess of it all, we will, at times, all feel like imposters; however, it is imperative not to let that be the end of your process. The creatives and artists I am in community with are always grappling with how to improve and further develop their work, and with this, oftentimes, almost certainly, there comes with it a period of doubt.
To work through that doubt, I keep creating. I try a new medium. I make a mess. I go out into my community, and I find inspiration. I work and create when it feels uncomfortable or when I have strong doubts because it takes a lot of not-so-good work to find the truly magical stuff. Whenever imposter syndrome strikes, I remind myself that it takes courage to create and to bring that part of yourself into the world. No one on this planet has experienced what I have experienced or knows what I know, and there is power in that. There is power in my perspective and what I have to add to the conversation. If I were to give into doubt and fear, it would be a disservice to my community and myself. There is value in all of us, and it is up to us to find the courage to share our creative endeavors in the hope of creating a more compassionate future.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a full-time artist and business owner, which is incredible to say!
Paper for the People was created in 2018 and began as an exercise. I have no formal art training and very much existed within the shadow artist identity for more than three decades; however, as I became more active in movements for social justice, I began to create out of a need for resources. It was my hope to share the truth and power of leaders who came before us with an audience that may not have always been open to the topic. However, I found, that paper was a tremendous bridge. Creating portraits and illustrations with paper, a seemingly benign medium, disarmed defense mechanisms and fostered conversations that increased openness to our history, the impact of oppressive systems, and possible paths forward.
As my skill has grown, I have been able to create more elaborate scenes celebrating community. Currently, when I am not working on portrait commissions, which I absolutely love, I am building my illustration portfolio. I hope that my work may represent joyful, compassionate, inclusive communities. Communities where people’s needs are met and there is great care for one another.
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?
If I had to choose only three qualities that I find to be most impactful on this journey, they would absolutely be curiosity, perseverance, and a strong voice.
Curiosity is definitely at the top of my list. To be successful, we have to ask questions and try new ideas, new techniques, and new processes. We have to be willing to make mistakes and perhaps feel a bit like a fool for a minute and then be willing to try again. We must be curious about how we will proceed and willing to stay open to changing course and learning along the way.
Perhaps that ties very much into perseverance. Because, as a creative and as a self-taught artist, there will be things that you don’t know. At times, you might feel like you’re starting too late. But! It’s the willingness and desire to persevere through all of the doubt and worry that will get you to the truly wonderful work. Make a significant amount of really terrible work so that you can find your process to create truly good work.
And, lastly, you need a strong voice. Know why you do what you do. Know what you want to say or add through your work and stay steadfast in that. You will find your audience if you are authentic and unrelenting in the purpose of your art and your voice.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am very much open to collaborations and welcome all inquiries!
My ideal collaborations are with brands and organizations committed to social justice and activism supporting their communities. I have worked with a few organizations to create portraits and illustrations representing their work and celebrating their community. This type of work brings tremendous joy and is very much aligned with the values of Paper for the People.
In addition to brand collaborations, I do take on personal commissions, which are a big part of Paper for the People. Creating portraits for families capturing their loved ones and special moments is a tremendous honor, and I love every bit of that work!
I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to create and do the work I do. I truly love working with others to capture their vision best.
If anyone would like to work with me, I am always available through email, which may be found on my website!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexisviele.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperforthepeople/
- Facebook: facebook.com/paperforthepeopleart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-viele-87908268/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexisViele
