Alex Alpert is a name that resonates in the world of contemporary art. A creative director and illustrator based in New York City, Alex has built a distinctive career that bridges the gap between art, business, and culture. Known for his unique style of freestyle drawing, his work has left a lasting impact across various industries. Here’s an inside look into Alex’s journey as an artist, entrepreneur, and storyteller. In an interview with Alex, he recalls the moment his unique style emerged. “I’ve been lucky enough to explore many forms of art,” he says. “But about four or five years ago, I really started to focus on illustration. It kind of clicked for me—this is my style. It’s about creating lines and shapes and telling a story through those forms.”
LAPSOFLUX: How did you discover your art style?
In an interview with Alex, he recalls the moment his unique style emerged. “I’ve been lucky enough to explore many forms of art,” he says. “But about four or five years ago, I really started to focus on illustration. It kind of clicked for me—this is my style. It’s about creating lines and shapes and telling a story through those forms.”
This breakthrough in his career not only defined his artistic journey but also helped him carve out a niche in the creative world.
LAPSOFLUX: You mentioned collaborating with major brands like Red Bull and McLaren. How did these opportunities come about?
“People supported me at different stages of my career,” Alex reflects. “One of my first collaborations was with a handbag company, Hammett, out of LA. The CEO believed in me early on, and I created a line of bags with them. We raised a lot of money for the New York Children’s Museum of Art. That was a moment when I realized my art could make a difference.”
His ability to connect his art to meaningful causes and brands allowed Alex to expand his creative reach. A collaboration with Red Bull introduced him to a whole new world—Formula 1. “I did a project with McLaren to create an art car for them, which was amazing. It wasn’t just an art piece, it was part of a culture I’d never imagined entering,” Alex shares. “That’s when I started really getting into the Formula 1 world.”
LAPSOFLUX: How do you view the business side of your career?
While Alex is undeniably an artist at heart, he understands that success in today’s world requires more than just creativity. “I learned a lot about the business side of things because before I went full-time as an artist, I worked in the music industry,” he says. “What I’ve learned is that it’s not just about the art; it’s about connecting with people, networking, and positioning yourself strategically as both an artist and a business person.”
Alex’s story exemplifies the importance of networking, building relationships, and maintaining professionalism. “Almost all of my projects have come from word-of-mouth recommendations. Like with Red Bull or Diageo, people hear good things about you and they want to work with you.”
LAPSOFLUX: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
“One of the biggest moments was when I collaborated with Bugatti,” Alex says. “I worked on two cars for their 100th anniversary, creating permanent artwork on two historic Bugatti cars. The project involved me flying to Europe to apply my art to the cars, and it was an honor to contribute to such a legendary brand.”
The Bugatti project was an extraordinary milestone for Alex. He describes how they recreated the first Bugatti cars ever made and turned them into art pieces. “They wanted my artwork to be permanent, so I used a special permanent paint to apply black line work on the white car and white line work on the black car,” he explains. “It was a tribute to the brand’s history, featuring elements like the Château where they’re based in France and abstract references to their iconic elephant sculpture.”.”
LAPSOFLUX: What role does storytelling play in your artwork?
“Storytelling is at the heart of what I do,” Alex emphasizes. “Whether it’s customizing shoes or painting helmets for athletes, it’s all about telling a personal story. I had someone commission me to paint shoes based on their love for California, surfing, and The Beach Boys—along with their connection to New York. These kinds of stories are what make
my work special.” His ability to connect with his audience on a personal level has been a cornerstone of his success. “It’s about blending the person’s story with my art style, making each piece uniquely theirs.”
LAPSOFLUX: Can you tell us about your work with Nike and Adobe?
Alex shares, “I’ve been fortunate to work with brands like Nike and Adobe, doing live art events for major occasions like NBA All-Star Weekend and Adobe’s events. I’ve always been a fan of Adobe products, and to be hired by them was a great experience. Those kinds of collaborations help me stay connected to both the art community and big brands.”
His experience with live art events has also deepened his connection with brands that prioritize creativity and innovation.
LAPSOFLUX: How do you handle the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship?
“It’s definitely a rollercoaster,” Alex confesses. “After getting a big deal like the Subway partnership, I remember thinking I should be ecstatic. But instead, I felt this weight. It was like, ‘Okay, now it’s real, and I’ve got to keep pushing forward and get the next big thing.’
This honesty about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship is something many can relate to. “The art world is filled with emotional highs and lows. You have to stay grounded through it