Alex Labriola: Designer/Illustrator
#CreativeToWatch
Alex Labriola is a designer/illustrator and business owner based in NY.
What do you do?
I am the founder of a creative studio called Al Stampa LLC, that specializes in visual branding design and illustration. I am first and foremost a visual artist, so my approach to branding has a unique point of view, and can be layered with handmade techniques such as printmaking and illustration.
Where do you find inspiration?
Movies, books, art, being with people I love, and mostly from everyday life. I find a lot of inspiration from Amsterdam and living in Europe. We are not there 24/7 currently, but I take a lot of inspiration from the way of life, the biking, the markets, the water.
What’s on your summer playlist?
Oh no… can I say it? Harry’s House is on a lot in my house these days. There… I said it.
How do you break out of a creative funk?
Do something else creative that is totally different - I love to plan a big meal and cook on days when my brain just won’t catch up to my to-do list.
I use the ‘creative block’ days to just ‘take things in’ - whether that's in art books, pinterest, watching a film, going for a walk. The next day my brain is usually ready to go.
What’s some creative advice you live by?
“Make the work you want to be hired for,” is definitely a piece of advice I was given early on that I really believe rings true. I would also say put yourself out there, reach out to people who you admire and start conversations. I have made so many connections and friendships out of just that and ultimately have the best creative community because of it. Oh and make things from your soul.
Who would your dream creative collaboration include?
One of my closest friends introduced me to the NY Times Kids section on Sundays and I would absolutely love to create illustrations for that section of the newspaper.
I dream of collaborating with small wine/beer makers and creating illustrated labels to live on their packaging. Packaging design is a big area I want to explore more and more.
Favorite form of self care?
Reading before bed, taking time with a sketchbook, biking - especially when my son’s in the back seat, cooking big, beautiful, fresh dinners for my family or friends, swimming in the lake after a long hot day at the computer, and jeni’s icecream (salted peanut butter).
How has motherhood informed your work?
Motherhood has allowed me to push for the things I want faster, to get more done while I have the time to, and to put the pen/pencil/mouse away when it’s time to be with family. It also really solidified my desire to do what I am doing, because if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t have the energy to keep pushing forward. Having your own small business is another child in itself - both need love, care, devotion, a plan, and patience. I love working with many amazing women in the motherhood industry as well.
You moved from NYC to Amsterdam to Vermont, how have each home impacted your life and work?
I think each place has impacted me greatly. New York gave me the opportunity to make big connections, learn by doing in impactful environments, and see what was possible. Amsterdam allowed me to actually take all of that intel and put it into action. Ultimately I was able to create my dream life of working for myself in a way that I had always envisioned, in a place that actually cares for their people and allows them to work and live quite easily. Amsterdam lacks a lot of competitiveness within the creative community, which I love. Everyone I ever reach out to, work with, grab a coffee with, is always willing and excited to pull more people into the community.
I am newly in Vermont, and I love the creative community here as well. I feel people create from their hearts and souls and maintain beautiful lives centered around nature, craft and being outdoors. I am also lucky enough to still have our home in Amsterdam, so it’s still very much a part of our life.
What is something you are excited about in 2022?
I just finished working with Ask Holly How (highly recommend her services if you want some help with how you’d like to grow your business) and what came of that work was actually a clearer sense of what I qualify as success. Is success the biggest client and the name recognition, or is success the ability to build a life that is meaningful while doing work you love and making money. I choose the latter. I am excited to work with brands I really love and believe in this year, and in creating some of these connections I have produced some of my favorite work, while still maintaining time to go outside, be in our mini garden, or jump in the lake with my 2.5 year old son and husband.
Work you’re excited about?
I am working on a finalized wallpaper collection, I’m in the midst of buying a small letterpress, I’m partnering with a brand I love, Lewis, as their lead graphic designer, and working on a children’s book with an old friend.
