Today we’d like to introduce you to Alena Jones-Craven.
Hi Alena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started painting at the age of 5. In art class, we were instructed to make hand turkeys and me, being the individual that I am painted an elephant instead. I knew that turkeys were a representation of Thanksgiving that was coming up but I also knew that elephants represented strength, wisdom, and good luck.
That was the moment that I realized my emotions would forever play a part in my talent. The next week my elephant was featured in the school’s art show with all the 5th graders’ work. I finally launched my business in 2017 by getting my LLC at 15. I had 3 jobs during high school and I used that money to fund my brand to the fullest extent. I was painting portraits on t-shirts for $5 and painting in the park to gain confidence and money.
I was doing everything it took for people to see my art. At the end of high school, I was involved in 8 pop-up shops, had my work featured in 3 fashion shows, and sold over 1,000 paintings. Now, I attend Morgan State University with a double major in Psychology and Art, am a current participant in the Goldman Sachs Business program, and am a published author of an Art Therapy coloring book.
My art has flourished and been in a lot of places that I hoped it would be. I dedicate my work to raising awareness for those facing mental health. Recently, I have been promoting a way for people to heal through art and use it as an outlet to express their emotions as I have done mine.
I always stick by my saying which is, “Pain in your heart, turn your pain into art.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have faced a lot of obstacles within myself and my business. The transition from high school to college was hard for me because I moved so I felt like I lost my target audience. The realization was when I gained a whole new audience of customers to market to.
The transition was hard at first but I was able to get my will to paint back through understanding that I have a purpose in every place that I plant my feet. Another obstacle that I faced was just being an artist in general. Being in the creative field is tough because there’s so much competition and it is easy to get discouraged by looking at someone else’s work or progress.
There are days you don’t feel like art is for you or you are not gaining any clientele. I have overcome that whole mindset by having a purpose. When you pour purpose into your work, you know that it’s meaningful and meant to be here for a reason. Any struggle can be overcome by having a strong mind through supporting YOURSELF.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an acrylic painter, muralist, tattoo artist, creative director, and graphic artist. I specialize in art therapy which includes creating art that lowers anxiety and makes people feel invited into any space that they are in. I am specifically known for a lot of murals and my recreation of albums.
I am most proud of how young I am and how much I have accomplished thus far. that is always my greatest achievement because it keeps me motivated knowing I have so much more to complete and have under my belt. What sets me apart from others is I include my personality when making and delivering the piece.
After every piece I make, I sign the back with a personal encouraging message for every customer that buys. When I deliver the painting, I build relationships that not only keep my clients coming back but it enlightens them to know the type of person I am. I thrive on building bonds with people who take interest in me.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that people do not know about me is that I am 20 years old.
Everyone always gets a kick out of that because they think I am a lot older doing what I do. As far as my work, a lot of people do not know my story and why I started. As I stated before, my emotions play a big part in my art.
I was able to heal myself from adversities that I face by using art as my own therapy and now I encourage others to do the same. That is how everything started and that is how it’ll all end.
Pricing:
- Murals ($300-$1800)
- Custom Canvas ($60-$800)
- Tattoos ($25-$200)
- Art Therapy Coloring Book ($20)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopruthless.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gxxnie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3trG7zme42V7mdbCma2fg/
Image Credits
Mal Studios
