Meet East LA Multimedia Designer: Alexandria Salas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Salas.

Alexandria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At a young age, I learned what it felt like to be different, I knew the uncomfortable feeling of all eyes and minds focused on you, questioning what they see . I have Tourettes Syndrome and Its something that has shaped how I see the world and how the world see’s me. Growing up with it made me fearless of the critical world and welcoming to all outlets of expression . I used music as therapy to suppress my Tourette’s symptoms, so I played in a youth orchestra for 3 years. In 2004, I was invited to play in a festival at Cargagie Hall, I was 14. In that same year, 2004. I landed my first design job designing the cover art for the East Whittier Middle school Instrumental Music Program CD , Ultimately I pursued art as a career went to college and graduated with a B.S. in Visual Communications and Graphic Design. I’ve worked with D.A.R.E , CVS Caremark, Pepe’s Mexican food, Mt.St.Marry’s College as well as many companies outside the LA area. I’ve lived in Florida briefly to escape the life I was in, to gain a new perspective and moved back shortly after.Today I live in LA Happily with my dogs,I love to paint and sculpt and build,I do it everyday and I still freelance as an Independent contractor while working part time as a secretary for an insurance broker.

Has it been a smooth road?
Struggled with addiction, and coming out to my family.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very active. I liked playing outside, started playing T-ball for Downey Fastpitch and played through Highschool. Always showed interest in design, Had many creative outlets. In high school, I won first place in the chalk drawing contest with a few friends. If there was one thing I loved growing up, It was being with my Friends and making them laugh. All about the good time.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
I remember being with my mom at the park. Looking back, I can’t imagine being able to recreate the world I was playing in. When sand was lava and falling in meant game over. The adrenaline and imagination of my 3-year-old-self has burned such a fine image in my memory. It’s one of the clearest memories I have.

What are your plans for the future?
I’ve come to a point in my life where I am starting to appreciate living in my moments. My whole life has been a long process of getting somewhere, as if never satisfied with where I am. I plan on continuing my journey to really understand myself because being truly self-aware Is transforming and I’ve been able to see moments in my life where I didn’t make the right choices and Now I’m ready to make amends. It will be an emotional process but that’s where the art comes from.

Contact Info:

• Website: MacSwell a.s.b.l
• Phone: 5627774760
• Email: LX.mack90@gmail.com
• Facebook: Alex Mack

Image Credit:
all original pieces by Myself