Meet Alexandria Vargas | Artist

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

Hi Alexandria, how do you think about risk?
I tend to think about risk as something necessary for growth rather than something to avoid. I remind myself that if I don’t pursue an idea or opportunity, someone else will. So I’d rather take the chance than wonder what could have happened.
Taking risks has played a big role in my life, especially creatively. Putting my work out there, selling it, and showing up to events all require a level of vulnerability and uncertainty. But each time I take that step, it builds confidence and opens new opportunities. For me, risk isn’t about being reckless. It’s about trusting my instincts and being willing to grow through experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d like to think my art is very cohesive and intentional. I’ve built a distinct brand where everything feels connected rather than random. I focus a lot on mood, especially in my sad clown girl pieces, which lean more melancholic and introspective. Alongside that, I create cat clowns and cat designs that feel a bit lighter and more playful. That balance, while maintaining a consistent style, is what really sets my work apart.
I’m especially proud of how far my art has taken me. I’ve been able to vend in multiple cities, not just in California but in other states as well, including events like the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Seeing my work resonate with people in different places has been incredibly meaningful.
It hasn’t always been easy, though. For a long time, I was creating what I thought other people wanted instead of what felt true to me, which made it harder to find my style. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts and create for myself first. That’s when everything started to feel more authentic and aligned.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your voice becomes strongest when you stop trying to fit expectations and start embracing what naturally comes to you. I want people to see my work and feel that it’s not just art, but something personal and intentional.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not directly local to LA, and I’m honestly more of a homebody, so I’d plan a mix of going out and keeping things low-key. I’d try to catch a concert in Santa Ana, Los Angeles or Riverside, since live music always makes things memorable. I’d also take them to San Juan Capistrano for a slower day of antique shopping and trying a new place to eat. The rest would be simple: exploring small shops or just hanging out and enjoying the time together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my family and friends for always believing in me and supporting my work. Their encouragement has meant a lot, especially early on. And a special thank you to my boyfriend for being such a big part of this, helping me set up, sell, and tear down at events. I definitely didn’t get here alone.

Website: https://blackcatart.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: @_blackcatart_