Meet Alani Sinclair | Artist & Art Teacher Assistant

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

Hi Alani, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well to put it simply, I just wanted to support my family financially by doing what I love. During the covid lockdown in 2020, after finishing up my senior year online, I decided to practice painting again. I haven’t painted anything for a long time. I’ve only been making origami and sketching occasionally because school took up most of my time. I started making spacescape paintings and sent some to my friends. Eventually my friend’s mom decided that she wanted a painting for her home. Not a spacescape though. We came up with an idea, a 3pc purple-mystical raven bird. Totally new, something I’ve never done before not even drawn. I didn’t have much, but I got creative and used what I had. I ended up selling that piece for $40 and she loved it! I wondered how I could keep this up to support my fam. Since then, I’ve had people ask for commissions and I was able to make more. But, in order for me to be a successful entrepreneur I needed licenses, supplies, equipment, etc. I knew I would have to get a job, but I didn’t want to just get any regular job and risk getting rusty. I am currently an art teacher assistant at Art With A Heart and working here helps me sharpen my skills. Not only that, but I also get to work at schools and programs to help encourage and inspire others to have fun and express themselves through the art they make. I always wanted to start my own art business. I want to make people happy with the artwork I create for them and support who I love with what I gain from it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The things that set me apart from others: One main thing is that yes, I was always creative but haven’t had the time to really “hone my skills“. Before now, I haven’t painted since I was 5 (and I mean basic little animal faces and stuff) and painting is one of the main things I do in my business. So, every piece I’ve most likely never done before, commissions that I complete are learning experiences for me, so as I progress, I get better. I definitely never consider myself a pro or a top tier artist because unlike many other artists, I didn’t go to an art school, I was self-taught. I was passionate and determined about learning all the mediums and different forms of art. So, if there was something I didn’t know I taught myself. I practiced until I can get it right. I’d play instruments by ear, make my own comic books, learned to make little trinkets and I even picked up on crocheting. Next up sculpting! All of that is how I got to where I am today.
I’m still seeking to get the licensing to properly distribute my artistry. Now it definitely wasn’t easy, I’m still pretty young and going through highs and lows. Shortly before the first covid lockdown alert, I was still in school and didn’t get to have no prom, no proper graduation, and my school forced me to apply to a college prior. Eventually, I was conditionally accepted into Full Sail University, the only college I wanted to go to. But I couldn’t, and I was definitely going through a tough time with housing not only that, I was later diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2020. On top of everything that happened, I didn’t know how I could keep up with my art or if I even mentally/physically had the energy to keep going. I had my mom there to keep me motivated, to help me get through this illness. I never thought I would ever get past the stress or even get a job as an art teacher assistant. There were many times I felt I should give up, but I pushed myself. I told myself I can’t let this illness stop me from doing what I love, stop me from what makes me happy, what make others smile. So, I just kept going, practiced painting and occasionally others saw my work and wanted a piece or two. I am proud of how far if come considering all I’ve been through.
One of the lessons I’ve learned is to NEVER GIVE UP. Take a break or two but don’t give up. There will always be ups and downs, but they will stay up through perseverance and effort. Giving up will keep you down, so just don’t ehe. It’s not easy for everyone, and certainly not me but, will get easier if you try. Another lesson I learned was NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT. Struggling financially is not uncommon, so I was always thinking why sell my art for like $100+ when I know people have other priorities, bills, etc. I only just started painting again so I never thought much of my art. I always thought I needed more experience to even price my work like that but, my clients and fam thought otherwise and told me I’d better “Raise that price” Don’t sell yourself short, your art is intricate work. “Know your worth“. I want the world to know that everyone is unique in their own way. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I’m from Baltimore, Maryland
Other than my own home where we’d just chill and play video game tournaments, I know Federal hill has a great view!
Fell’s Point looks amazing at night, perfect for a nighttime stroll.
I’d eat at Cheesecake Factory, there is one in the Inner Harbor although the one in Towson is my favorite. Another place I love to go although not in my city, is out White Marsh, Kobe Japanese steakhouse. They offer you an awesome hibachi dining experience, the chefs perform teppanyaki-style cooking at your table. I’d tell you more, but you should come see for yourself. Most of all the food be bussin’!
My favorite park to go to is Patterson Park. It’s huge and a great place to have a picnic, stargaze, or even play sports! My favorite thing to do there is catch lightning bugs at night, it’s fun & beautiful!
The Enoch Pratt free library downtown is my favorite library, lots of genres to choose from, they have a jumbo chess game in the lobby and a children’s department with toys & a beautiful fishpond!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Special shout out to those who motivated and supported me
My mom Octavia Jennings!
My sister Taters
Art with A Heart
My Best Friend Daysha Williams! ♥ ♥

Instagram: kl_artzndkraftz

Other: Gmail: klartzndkraftz@gmail.com