"Don't pursue fame. You'll arrive at it eventually." These were the words that our featured artist, Alex Castro, dropped on us this month as we sat down to interview him. It's a simple, but very strong, statement that couldn't have come at a better time as the "artist" explosion seems to be coming to an all-time high.Being an artist has always been a fascination and life-exchanging experience for many, but it seems that as of late the trend is growing at a phenomenal rate. Artists have always been an essential part in building brands and whereas the designer was always in the background, they are now being used as the marketing tool. From almost every manufacturing and advertising base, it has become pretty evident that corporations are seeing the light and using artists as the keys to their target market.Companies such as Scion, T-Mobile, Nike and Vans have used lowrider-based artists to launch key events and if you follow the T-shirt biz then you've probably heard of the brand, The Hundreds. This company used artist Usugrow to launch a special edition hoodie that was sold out in less time than it takes you to order and eat at Sizzler. Yet, it still doesn't end there. Artists create a cult-like following of patrons that eventually offer brands the upper hand and exclusivity, and things are no different when it comes to artist Alex Castro.
Alex grew up in Long Beach, California, and is part of a rare breed of creative souls who love to invent, recreate and express. At a young age, his brother, who was a sculptor, influenced him and it was at that moment in time that Alex chose to follow his path as an artist. But the following years would bring a host of trials and negative experiences that would deter, but never break, Alex's passion for the arts. From teachers offering bad advice to personal frustrations with his own success and level of skill, Alex would overcome all of the distractions to get to where he is now.
Alex's story is one which is as interesting as it is educational for aspiring artists. He quit, came back, has been burned, and even through it all, he still remains a genuine artist with a passion which is inextinguishable. He's got a mental and artistic prowess that has put him on the map, but beyond that, he remains a well-spoken artist who kids all across the world can look up to. You can see more of his work at www.sinlessfactories.com.