Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin B. Alexander.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
There was never any question that art was going to be a huge part of my life. When people ask, “When did you know you wanted to be an artist?” I have a hard time answering. My mom encouraged my brother and I to draw and be creative as soon as we could hold a pencil because she is an artist, as well. I was extremely lucky to have that support, so when I decided I wanted to attend an art college, my family was completely on board. There are a lot of people in the world who may have had incredible careers, but it wasn’t acceptable for them to pursue the arts, so I know I’m spoiled in that way. I chose the Savannah College of Art and Design as my goal, early in high school, and spent those teenage years working towards that. It was pretty stupid, actually, because I didn’t even bother looking at other colleges– don’t do that! My art teacher for those years in Dripping Springs was monumental in my growth as an artist, too. He pushed us to put our work out there and enter competitions like the Texas Visual Arts Scholastic Event. Being validated as an artist in that way was pretty liberating. Luckily, I got into SCAD, and spent my four years in Savannah studying illustration. Being in a community where everyone had the base-level connection of creativity was incredible, and I do miss that sometimes, even today.
I worked very hard to always be on the Dean’s List, and graduated Summa Cum Laude, but realized pretty quickly upon graduating that those achievements don’t mean much in the “real world,” for creative fields at least. So, instead I learned how to hustle, and make connections, and slowly grow my freelance business. It’s been a journey, and I have a long way to go, but I’m pretty happy with how far I’ve come in the seven years since graduating. My goal was to be a full-time freelancer in five years, and I managed to achieve it, even after several bleak years right out of the gate. The last two have been especially wonderful, and I’m really grateful to all of the folks I’ve been able to work and collaborate with on projects that have allowed my work to bloom.
Please tell us about your art.
My illustration career is multi-faceted, and I spend time both with clients, and selling my own products through pop-up markets, events and my Etsy store. “Lovely Little Things” is a shop of prints and products that are nostalgic yet fresh, and charming yet mature. This parallels my freelance illustration career, CBA Illustration, as both my life and work are heavily influenced by the aesthetics of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. I focus on a representation of repeat patterns and texture in our natural world, along with the anthropomorphism of animal characters, and messages of strength and acceptance, via hand-lettered typography. This love of smaller details— the repetitive pattern in a row of book spines, a cluttered kitchen, a cat’s fur texture, harmonious color in a sign, variations in a garden— is what I try to bring to my audience: an appreciation for the Lovely Little Things in life. I primarily work in gouache paint, with a particular love for dry-brushing, but create a lot of art digitally, as well.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
That’s a tough question! I think everyone should define success for their own life, and not just base it on your bank account or lifestyle, unless that’s truly the main thing that’s important to you. Lots of people get caught up in that race. I try not succumb to it, but obviously being able to pay my rent and bills and buying groceries every week is very important. The necessities aside, I’d personally define success as being able to create art as my career full-time, because doing this daily brings me a lot of joy and just feels “right.” This is absolutely, without a doubt, what I was “meant” to do. I also really love it when a piece I’ve created resonates with other people, especially when it’s about personal growth or self-acceptance. Often when this happens, people will tell me stories about their life, and why it speaks to them, which I think is such a beautiful thing. Assuming most people’s idea of success in this business has something to do with being a full-time, self-employed artist, I’d say that perseverance is key. You have to be stubborn about making this work. There will be times where you can see on your family and friends’ faces that they think you should probably call it quits and find another path.
There will be times where you feel like everything you do results in a dead-end. There will be times where you want to yell, “I already tried that!” to people giving you advice. You do it anyway. You keep doing it, over and over and over until it works. You stop tallying the “no thanks” or no-response emails. You send more. You learn to send inquiries and then immediately forget about them, because 99% of the time, you’re not going to get that gig. You grow a very thick skin, and just keep plunging ahead… and eventually, it pays off. If you really do keep consistently putting yourself out there and trying new ways to get people to see your work, it will pay off. Five years ago, I desperately wanted to believe in that sentiment, but also thought it was possibly not true. But it is, y’all. It is. This business isn’t for everyone, but if you’re stubborn and prolific with your effort, you’re in the right field.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work at cbaillustration.com, cbaillustration.tumblr.com, etsy.com/shop/caitlinbalexander, and @cbaillustration on IG. Other websites I sell through are Creative Action Network, Roots and Revival, and Gimme Flair. I’m often selling my products and prints at events in Austin, such as the Cherrywood Art Fair, East Austin Studio Tour, Boss Babes’ CraftHER Market, and more. Currently, my art is available for purchase in local shops: Parts and Labour on South Congress, Native Hostel, and the Downtown Austin Public Library.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cbaillustration.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cbaillustration
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/cbaillustration
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/caitlinbalexander
Image Credit:
Caitlin B. Alexander
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