Today we’d like to introduce you to Macki Alvarez-Mena.
Macki, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Growing up, I have always been interested in integrating my artwork into everyday items. At the age of 12, I created a cartoon likeness of myself as well as my sisters, hand painted these characters on to canvas tote bags, and took them to school the following week. The response was overwhelming. Classmates began ordering their own “Macki Bags” at the rate of 40 to 50 bags a week. Unable to keep up with the demand, I began mass producing my designs on to screen printed versions, establishing the beginning of “Macki and Company.”
Macki and Company is a brand targeted to girls between the ages of 7 and 12 and has since evolved from its start in 2008. I continued working on Macki and Company until age 15, displaying my products at 225 Unlimited, Inc., one of the premier showrooms inside the Americas Mart in Atlanta, GA and from there selling my designs in over 30 stores across the East Coast. I was also featured in the Miami Herald, local CBS affiliate, and MegaTV in addition to being invited by Disney World to participate as the youngest featured artist in their Festival of the Master’s art fair in Downtown Disney in Orlando, FL.
In high school, I decided to put a hold on the world of Macki and Company as I explored more traditional art forms such as acrylic and oil painting. However, the passion for re-establishing Macki and Company was still alive, and it was not until I was accepted into USC’s inaugural class of the Iovine and Young Academy that I was able to gain the knowledge and skills I always knew I needed in order to make my dreams a reality.
Founded by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre with a major in Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation, the program focusses on harnessing creativity, strategic thinking, and gaining a strong skill set in order to execute one’s ideas. Throughout my time at the Academy, I was able to tailor my education towards design thinking and entrepreneurship. I was also grateful for the opportunity to intern in the Consumer Products division at both Dreamworks and Nickelodeon, gaining the knowledge and confidence to officially re-establish Macki and Company through my capstone project my senior year at USC.
Since graduating in May of 2018, I have continued to work diligently on my company expanding its identity in numerous ways. Macki and Company is a lifestyle brand for girls between the ages of 7 and 12 that instills creative thinking, the importance of friendship, and an ability to make one’s imagination their reality. Our mission is to enhance each customer’s world by expressing themselves through their own set of characters, adventures, and unique style through an ecosystem of digital and physical consumer products. Macki and Company encourage each girl to embrace her own life story and fuel it through creativity by collaborating with others and bringing her imagination to life.
I am currently working on crafting a storybook of Macki and her friends, presenting the opportunity for consumers to do the same. As I continue to work on Macki and Company, I also handle freelance on the side which includes hand painting denim jackets, designing logos and branding upcoming businesses, as well as selling individual art pieces to others!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I have always considered myself to be more “creative” than a traditional artist. I enjoy creating mixed media pieces and applying my illustrations to physical items. I have been known for hand painting denim, such as jackets, pants, and/or shorts. I also illustrate a number of customized digital pieces, whether it be for individual needs or re-branding upcoming businesses.
While I love handling freelance projects, my true passion lies within my company, Macki, and Company. While I am building my business, I enjoy exploring different projects through my freelance in order to apply what I have learned to Macki and Company one day.
If you would like to know more about the freelance projects I have done for different brands and/or companies let me know!
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
This is a tricky one! I believe everyone should have their own meter for success. Success is not an objective standard. We all come from different backgrounds, whether that be socio-economic, ethnic, and/or interests. I believe success should be measured by appreciating what you have been given and making the most of your talents – no matter where you begin on the scale. Success is determined by diligence, passion, and hard work. The amount of money one makes is irrelevant to their success factor. Not all industries generate as large of a profit as others, but often times, those within those industries have worked harder to rise than those with greater salaries.
My younger sister is a professional ballerina, dancing as a Corps position with Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, OR in the fall. She is by far the most hardworking person I know, filling every second of her time the past eight years with academia, dance intensives, side jobs, performances, spearheading mental health resources for athletes, and most importantly, passion, to finally accomplish her dream of becoming an official professional ballerina. Although she will not be making a high figure salary, I consider her to be infinitely more successful than others I know who are. Not to say those who do make high figure salaries are not successful, because that is similarly not true, but it is about merit and hard work rather than the number and title. I believe success comes down to an individual scope – measuring where you began, where you currently stand, and how you have filled in the gap.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can check out my work primarily on my Instagram, @__macki! People can support my work by hiring me for freelance and/or just striking up a conversation with me. I love to chat about any and all things with whoever I cross paths with. There is always something to learn from one another, and collaboration is the best form of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @__macki
Image Credit:
Macki Alvarez-Mena
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
