Meet alessandra manias | artist & art director

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

Hi alessandra, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I don’t see an end, but rather a continuous transformation. I strive to make my career a representation of myself, forging a strong connection between me and my chosen path. As a creative individual, I dedicate myself to projects that encompass beauty, meaning, and the ability to have a positive impact on others, evoking deep emotions. In both my life and career, I aspire to make a difference in a positive manner—creating beauty, encouraging critical thinking, and even altering the trajectory of lives for the better.

Now, more than ever before, I find myself aligned with my values, fueling a strong desire to generate a positive impact on the world through my work and projects. Witnessing people’s smiles, seeing happy children, and opening the eyes of the public to important topics are all among my aspirations. I used to believe that I was too small to effect change, but I have come to realize that actions are the only way to initiate progress. My hope is to attract like-minded individuals to form a community dedicated to bringing about this change.

One of my secret goals is to win an Oscar, with a project that I write and direct. I envision a project that possesses the power to significantly impact people’s lives, leaving a lasting impression.

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.
I am a creative person who has worked in marketing and design in Italy for 15 years. Since moving to Los Angeles, I have been focused on Production Design and Art Direction for the past 7 years. My career path has certainly not been a straight line; it has been filled with obstacles, detours, crossroads, and doubts about what to do next. Being creative is a different state of mind and a unique way of life. It involves a constant search for what’s new, original, unique, and meaningful.

Throughout my life, I have never held a regular job. Instead, I have always either created my own company or worked as a freelancer. I enjoy working on various projects with different teams. I find that I learn much more from people with diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and this approach allows me to experiment and grow. As I get older, I do crave more stability in my life, but I still possess the passion that drives me to push myself and explore something new every day.

At this particular moment, I am writing content for documentaries and movies, laying the groundwork for the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Additionally, I am a painter specializing in acrylic on canvas. Recently, I have ventured into the realm of digital painting and selling them as NFTs. In August, I will be participating in my first international exhibition in Hvar, Croatia, as part of an international group of artists. This exhibition is organized by the NFTAA Art Alliance in collaboration with the Richard Bernstein Foundation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a city that caters to your preferences, offering a wide range of choices. In my case, I enjoy spending my free time with friends, engaging in activities like hiking, visiting museums, and dining at top-notch restaurants. One of my favorite hiking spots is the picturesque Malibu area, which treats you to breathtaking views from its summits. Additionally, I find great pleasure in ascending to the top of Griffith Observatory and strolling from there towards the iconic Hollywood sign. California, in all its glory, showcases magnificent natural beauty, encompassing its captivating beaches, vast ocean, lush trees, vibrant flowers, enchanting hills, as well as its mesmerizing deserts and awe-inspiring mountains. The heavy rainfall of the past months has completely transformed the landscape, creating a vivid green scenery that I have never witnessed before. It’s an incredible gift that I am seizing, and I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the wonders of nature.

Regarding museums, my top picks include The Broad in DTLA, LACMA, the Getty Museum, and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. What’s remarkable about these museums is that they are either free or quite affordable, making them accessible to everyone, even those not as passionate about art as I am.

As for breakfast or lunch spots, I find myself once again drawn to the Malibu area, where you’ll find gems like the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, Moonshadows Restaurant, Paradise Cove, and Zuma Beach Cafe. As you might have guessed, I have a profound appreciation for gazing out at the ocean. In the evenings, I enjoy exploring different restaurants and neighborhoods. I find the dining and bar scene in Hollywood particularly intriguing, with Yamashiro topping my list for its stunning view and delectable Japanese cuisine. For live music and cocktails, I like Desert 5 for the view and the other bars in the same block. In the Santa Monica area, I prefer Montana Avenue for its cozy cafes and intimate eateries. Being from Italy, I tend to gravitate towards places that are not too crowded, warm, and welcoming, and, of course, serve up exceptional food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my story to all the women who strive to change the world and make it a better place. These remarkable individuals face challenges in finding their space in a world that is predominantly controlled by men. We are warriors, harnessing feminine energy, and for far too long, we have been sidelined. We possess the sensitivity to comprehend and shed light on various subjects from a unique perspective. It is not my intention to be labeled as a feminist; rather, I aim to discuss reality, supported by reliable data and personal experiences.

Website: https://www.alemaniasdesign.com/ and https://www.alessandramaniasart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandra_manias/?hl=it and https://www.instagram.com/alessandramanias_art/?hl=it

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandra-manias-7095346/

Image Credits
Ekatherina Sheino, Michelle Danner, Paul Bunch, Milena Mortati, Francesca Da Ros