The artist's way

A job stacking shelves gave ACU alumnus Alex Lehours an unexpected break into the art world. Now, he’s an in-demand artist doing everything from creating soaring street art to working with Adobe to inspire the next generation of creators.

“I always knew I wanted to do something in art or design, I just didn’t know what,” said Alex. “My dad is a pastry chef – your typical French stereotype – and he used to draw. And my mum is a great singer who used to do voiceovers for commercials back in the UK. So, I think I picked up the creative gene from my parents.”

Making a start

“After I finished high school, I did a one-year design course at TAFE, but I really wanted to go on to university,” he said, describing ACU’s Bachelor of Visual Art and Design as a perfect fit.

“The best part of the degree was the range of subjects the course covered, from photography to sculpture, which really worked for me.”

It was during his studies that Alex got his unexpected break.

And like many side hustles, Alex’s casual work suddenly took over.

“I got so busy I decided to jump ship and freelance.”

Style leader

Alex’s career has since exploded and he has created everything from huge street art murals to a range of commissions for clients including Facebook, Converse, Wacom and Adobe.

Another big brand commission came his way from Armani Exchange.

“They asked me to make some t-shirt designs that were sold all across Europe and Asia. I went to Japan to help promote them and I was invited to paint live at an art festival while I was there.”

But whether he’s designing a t-shirt or painting the side of a house, Alex’s signature style is always big and bold.

“I like tattoo art, sci-fi and comic books. And when I was at ACU we studied the old masters – and Renaissance and Baroque art. I like exploring them all together in my work.”

Creating networks

While word of mouth and making connections has driven Alex’s growing client list, he readily admits he’s not a natural networker.

“I’m not a forward person at all! I don’t like approaching someone and saying, ‘Hey, this is my work. What do you think?’ I’d never show up with a business card to purposefully meet people.

“Instead, I’ll go to an art exhibition and have a chat with someone and it can go from there. With so many creative people around, you do have to promote yourself, but it can’t be forced as that can almost work against you. You have to let your work speak for itself.”

Sharing the process

As Alex’s success continues to grow, he is still a big believer in giving back to his community and recently shared his process with thousands of viewers through the Adobe Creative Cloud Masterclass Live series.

“We all create graphics using Adobe programs, so it was a great opportunity,” said Alex. “It was filmed in front of a live audience and it helps creatives connect and share their process.

I know now there isn’t a right or wrong way of doing things and it’s always good to see someone else’s approach.”  

Passion and persistence

For younger artists who are just starting out, Alex’s advice is simple – just keep going.

“If you’re passionate and it’s something you really want to do, you can and should pursue it. And don’t be scared to showcase your work and get critiqued. I think you have to be open to developing as a creative and as an artist.

“Yes, it’s a competitive industry, but it also acts as a great creative community with all sorts of ways of getting into the field. There are lots of opportunities out there.

But if you focus on yourself and do your thing, rather than worrying about what other people are doing, then good things will come your way.

“When I was just getting started I didn’t have much confidence and I was pretty naïve. But I assumed it would work out and it did – everything fell into place.”

If you’re interested in a career like Alex’s, explore creative arts at ACU.