Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Almeida.
Elaine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The quick version is that I am an artist and a student. I think someone more pretentious might just call themselves an “artist” or a “student of the world,” but I like both titles. It’s more honest and equally reflects my time and interests. I am currently in my second year of selling art prints via my brand Almeida(Again) and I am starting the first year of my Ph.D.
I’m self-taught as an artist and largely self-motivated as a student. I was the student who took all AP classes in high school and even took AP exams without taking the class—I would teach myself the material in the months leading up to the exam. I graduated my bachelors early so I could start grad school sooner. I think it’s immodest to say that I work hard and have always worked hard, but I am trying to be less harsh on myself, so I will say it, I work hard. And it’s funny because people always say “oh your mom is Asian—she must have been a tiger mother, that’s why you are the way you are.” Well, no, I am the way I am because my mom wasn’t a tiger mom—she kept me safe, reeled me in from my meltdowns and helped me catch my breath when I felt like I was drowning. I owe a lot to her. She’s an artist as well and I used to be so jealous of her. I never felt like I could compare to her. Once, and this is a true story, I came home from school and she had built a couch. All by herself. In a day. Later, when I got over my insecurities and pride (which is a process, let me tell you) I was able to fully see how much and how unfailingly she has supported me in all my endeavors from the start.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. And it’s so important to tell people that not only when they’re starting out—because we’re all so cocky, we all think that we are the exception and never listen—but tell them that during the lulls and the lows. For me, it’s a relief to know that trials and tears are expected. That tells me that not only is it ok, but it’s survivable. You can make it to the other side.
In regards to advice, for all parts of the journey, my three pieces of advice for young women (and myself) are:
- Get out of your own way. I hold my self back so much with doubt and self-hate. Learn how to navigate the difference between your gut and your head—they sound similar, but for me, I find your gut wants to keep you safe, and your head wants to keep you afraid.
- Find mentors, find people to share with. Find women, and they may not necessarily be in the same field or position as you, but who have a work ethic or style or trait you admire. Everyone tells you to have questions ready to ask, but I believe it’s equally important to come ready to listen. You don’t have to sound smart to listen.
- Finally, and this is the one I’m working on, be mindful of people who want to take advantage of you. People who seem interested in your work or your passions but really just want to flirt or just get things for free. I think it’s gross that we still have to give women this advice, but I have been headstrong and naive about these kinds of things and it never works out well. For instance, when I was just starting out selling prints, I was going on some casual dates and my dates kept talking about being my “manager” or getting a cut. The “joke” gets old fast. Or I’ll find people who say they’re interested in participating in a study I’m doing, but then will just flirt or ask suggestive questions during my time instead of helping me generate data. That gets old even faster. Keep your work and your self safe, that has to be a priority.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
What I am most proud of is that my art and scholarship are able to orbit around the same question: how do marginalized men reimagine masculinity and the world around them?
For my art account Almeida(Again), my motto is “strength in tenderness.” I create minimalist sketches of men imaginary (and more often than not) real. I occupy this small corner of Instagram where I see masculine folx from all over the world share the realities of their lives and bodies. I feel like it is so drilled into our head that women have different body shapes—apple, hourglass, pear, blah blah blah—but we see the same caricatures of men everywhere. Did you know men’s’ bodies come in a plethora of sizes and shapes and hair and fuzz? Of course, inherently yes, you know this, but how often do you see this? I have the incredible honor of being a part of a community that celebrates this and is constantly working towards creating an equitable visual landscape. The work that POC queer folxs do doesn’t just affect us but affects everyone. And I am so grateful that Almeida(Again) gets to be a part of this space.
And then, of course, there’s my time in school. In my undergraduate and Masters degree, I looked at one side of the equation, which is how the media (and in particular, advertising) impacted men. Now, in my Ph.D., I look at the other side, which is how communities are insurgently creating their own media and stories. And that bleeds and leads into my art and its community. This moment in my life is a rare one, where everything is lining up. I am really excited to enjoy it.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Women are equipped to lead. To form tighter communities. To be authentic and have the luxury of choice. Right now, people are more primed and ready to hear stories from perspectives they never considered before. Women should lead the charge on this. Women should support women. And that means trans* women too. Women are equipped to truly advocate for each other. And today, more than ever, there are opportunities for women of color to be seen, heard and honored. I am so lucky to be a multiracial woman and to have all the history that comes with who I am. There are opportunities for girls just like me to feel immense pride in all of themselves, not just the little part that conforms and blends in.
Contact Info:
- Website: etsy.com/shop/almeidaagain
- Instagram: @almeidaagain
Image Credit:
Photograph courtesy of Riley Blanks of Woke Beauty
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