Meet Alex Thomas | Illustrator & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Pensacola, Florida. I was heavily influenced by the DIY and hardcore scene since the age of 12. I owe my creative process to that type of upbringing. I learned that if you want to create something cool, just do it. If it sucks, or fails, that’s okay. Hardcore was all about the amplification of the voice, and not tradition. I would make flyers for any band, and create merch for all types of projects. I just wanted to join in on the collective efforts that had already been paved. Once I moved to Dallas in 2013, that really grew in me. I fell in love with the mindset and intention of underground music. Those pillars built me into who I am as an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is constantly fluctuating. I feel like I’m in a shift of styles pretty consistently, but I feel as though it’s really healthy to my creative process. I create art that doesn’t have much grip with the human world, and I really don’t want to change that. The alligators that pervade my art are a slight symbolism to myself, and my aspirations to create a harmonious and joyful world. When I was a young kid, my nickname was Alligator from my parents. I sort of personified that name into a harmless character that is overly optimistic. I think this world is desperate for change and if my little doodles bring a smile to someones face, I feel like I contributed. Years ago, my art was very edgy and full of dark imagery, but the way I draw now is the opposite. I never really made a conscious decision to change my style, it just gradually happened and I’m totally okay with that. I still think to this day that I am incredibly mediocre, and it blows my mind that people love my art. I keep going for the personal pursuit of advancement in myself, but when people say they actually like my art it gives me a huge burst of energy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s my picks for great things to check out. – Grab comics at Red Pegasus Comics – Eat at Roti Grill – Cycle at White Rock Lake – Take pictures at Trinity Bridge – Get coffee at Wayward Coffee – Go to a show at Central Arts (after COVID)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout would be the Dallas hardcore scene. There were so many bands that inspired me, gave me chances, loved my terrible phases of art, and encouraged me to share my voice. Shout out to Central Arts in Hurst, for their continued effort to build creative fire in kids, and amplify voices for change.

Website: wenducreative.com
Instagram: alexledon
Twitter: @devotiontwo