Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Quintos.
Alexandra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This question — definitely a battle to answer. I started when I was a kid and never really stopped. After my parents had 5 kids already, and me being the sixth, they just threw every hobby or skill at me and see what stuck. Well, arts stuck. From building makeshift houses for my toys, drawing Looney tunes character or even making dresses for my barbies. Anything creative just stuck with me. I have always done something creative even from my school days. Growing up in the Philippines, education took priority before the arts. So, only when I moved to the U.S, the resources opened more doors for me. Joining art shows, taking all the art classes to even having an art-related job, and only now that I’ve started doing my own art for my passion.
Even though I have been doing art, from graphite drawing, pottery, acrylic painting and now photography. It took me a long time to embrace my artistic side. I was drawn to arts but it took me a bit to recognize what other people saw in me. So, now in my mid 30s, I am now just learning to love and embrace arts as a digital and traditional artist and photographer. I’m a bit behind on starting my art as a career but I’m trying now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been smooth, I definitely didn’t want to be a struggling artist even in the year 2026. The biggest struggle along the way and even to this day, was finding my voice. I knew I had a style or skill but it was hard to voice it out, stand up for myself or share it with the world. I was uncomfortable in networking, but only now that I’m older that I learned to reach out to my community, my local art community. The local Tampa/St. Petersburg community has been a great help. The moment I started to reach out, they were willing to welcome me along with everyone else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally, I work in Apparel production, from designing to making it production ready. I never had a degree for it, but learning from the university of Youtube. I have been doing my job for more than a decade by teaching myself. A lot of trial and errors have occurred. Same thing with what I do with my own art, I have taught myself along the way using what I have learned in high school or random elective collage art classes as my foundation. I dove into trying out everything art medium so I can hone in my skill.
I have been proud of what I have learned from all these years and just have the freedom to use it. I can imagine something and just create it. Honestly, I wouldn’t know what sets me apart from everyone else. Like how I mentioned, finding my voice is a bit of a struggle for me. I hope people can see my work in the future and they can see it for themselves.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have taken the initiative to collaborate with other creators through my photography. I have asked every friends or acquaintances I have to do a creative photoshoot either me or even taking pictures of their events. But I would love if people would support my digital art creations as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbyarra.com
- Instagram: artby_arra
- Facebook: artbyarra
