Meet Alex Ferreira

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Ferreira.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alex. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Alex Ferreira. I’m a freelance artist and musician based in Denver. I moved to the US from Brazil back in 1994. I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. I’ve been an artist all my life and my family has been a great source of encouragement since childhood. Art school solidified and polished the raw talent I’ve had for years. Although, I’m reluctant to use the term “talent”. The word has connotations of something that’s in-born or even an element of luck. From my experience, to obtain skills/talent, you need dedication, study, practice, discipline and sacrifice.

After college, I hit the ground running with my art. Doing any freelance work I could get my hands on logos, murals, caricature work (people and pets), children’s book illustrations, etc. A large percentage of my graphic design commissions come for the Denver music community. I’ve been a professional drummer for 21 years now, and I try to bring my art into my music circles. In the form of logos, poster design, CD cover art and t-shirt design.

I’ve always offered musician-friendly rates to my musician clients. We’re not known for our fat bank accounts. And the discounts generate good word-of-mouth and more business. Relying financially on art and music is challenging, but tremendously rewarding. The writer Kurt Vonnegut once said: “Arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way to make life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow”.

Great, 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?
The only thing I can think of is paperwork. Contracts, estimates, invoices, etc. I’m a predominantly left-brain person. And logistics and the administrative elements of the business fall through the cracks from to time.

I often have trouble getting clients to pay on time. A big part of this problem comes from a stigma attached to art. And a lack of respect towards art as a profession. People tend to think of art as a fun hobby that needs no financial compensation. What I hear a lot in the art field as well as in music, is: “it doesn’t pay. But, hey, this will be great exposure for you”. To which I reply “Let me check with my landlord first. To see if I can pay this month’s rent by just exposing myself to him”.

Please tell us about your business.
Well, It’s a one-man operation. I get clients from word-of-mouth and Craig’s List. Alex Ferreira Artworks L.L.C. offers the following services: Graphic Design – logos, poster design, T-shirt design and CD art for musicians and bands. Caricature – for people and pets. Commissions or on-location events. Mural paintings and faux finishes – for commercial and residential. Children’s book illustrations.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing soccer with my father back in Brazil. He was such a great man. Very supportive of us. He went above and beyond to give us the best life. He would enrolled me in after school programs like art classes and Martial Arts. And he exposed me to some really great music. Stuff that I still listen to this day. The Beatles, Mamas and the Papas, Pink Floyd, Chicago and many others. I’m forever grateful for all the memories and all he’s done for the family. Sometimes I play that YES album “90125”, and it brings me right back to those days. He loved YES.

Pricing:

• Logo design – $200
• Caricature (people or pets) – $35
• Murals – $12 (per sqft)

Contact Info:

• Address: 6680 W. 32nd ave. Wheatridge, co. 80033
• Phone: 7203395359
• Email: lexferreira@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexferreiraartworks/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/knightswhosaynee

Image Credit:
Dan Fong

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