Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Loveland.
Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m Alex. I’m a Graphic Designer and Photographer in Clearfield. I’m married to my favorite human. He’s seriously amazing. We have two little boys who are the absolute light of my life. They’re pure joy. When I was younger, I never really saw myself getting married or having kids. Now I can’t imagine my life without them.
I started out just making t-shirts for fun and for family members using a Brother Scan-N-Cut. I graduated with an Associate in Art and Design from Utah State University in 2017 just after I had my oldest child. I was originally going for my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, but after I had my son I decided to graduate with my Associate’s and finish school when he was older.
I had a background in photography, so I started offering photography sessions as a way to bring in a little bit of income while also staying at home with my wonderful tiny human. Once word got out that I could design custom t-shirts, I started getting more orders and did that alongside my photography. I did custom vinyl tees for a while and eventually branched out and got myself a sublimation printer.
It’s now my new favorite way to make t-shirts. I also do sublimation on water bottles, mugs, wristbands, and neckties. I’m now back in school at Weber State University to finish up my degree in Graphic Design. I graduate in May of 2023. I get asked a lot why would I go back to school when I can work from home, and this is my answer: One, I love to learn. Honestly, if I could continue attending classes in all sorts of different subjects I would, but tuition is expensive.
Finishing my degree has allowed me to learn tons of great stuff that I didn’t really get to do with my Associates. Two, my dream job doesn’t really involve making t-shirts from home. I love doing it, and it’s allowed me to be home with my boys, which I’m forever grateful for. I think I’ll always continue to do it. But my dream job is to either be a comic book artist or get in as a cover designer with a publishing company.
Both of those require me to get my degree, so I went for it. And three, my mental health is better when I have work to do. Doing t-shirts and photography is wonderful, and as I said, I think I’ll always do it, but it’s not always steady. Some months I’m super busy, and others I have almost no work to do. Those are months when my brain gets mean. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for a long time, and the meds I take have worked wonders to help with that, but obviously, meds aren’t a magical fix-all, I have to put in some work too.
My husband and I have both noticed that I’m happier, and my ability to fight the mean part of my brain is stronger when I have a job to do. Once I graduate, my husband and I are going to switch places. I’ll be working full-time, and he’ll be working part-time and taking care of our adorable little boys. I’m pretty excited to get back into the workforce.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I still struggle today. There have been so many times that I’ve wanted to give up. Sometimes it’s giving up school, and other times it’s giving up on working from home to provide for my boys. Going back to school with two young kids has been extremely difficult.
Especially in the Graphic design program because every assignment is a project that requires hours of work. Trying to cover tuition and supplies has made money tight, especially during the months when I don’t have a lot of work coming my way. I think that’s the hardest part of trying to start/own home business: not giving up when it seems like it’s just not going to work out.
You have to keep plugging away, keep posting on social media, keep trying to drum up business, and keep putting out new products… sometimes it gets a little exhausting, but it’s worth it to do something you truly enjoy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do photography, custom tees, custom decals/stickers, logo design… a little bit of everything, which is part of the reason I picked the name Geek Chic Boutique. The Geek Chic part of the name is because that’s what my sister once described my style as. I’m what you might call… a humongous nerd, and that shows through in my style and my designs.
With photography I specialize in candids, I love capturing moments. When it comes to my design, I specialize in customization. I like making things that are unique to the customer.
I’m most proud of my ability to take unique and memorable photos and create unique and personalized designs for my clients.
I think what sets me apart from others who do what I do, is that I work until everything looks just right. Whether that’s photo edits or a custom design, I work until the client is happy and everything is perfect.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Is this specifically about Salt Lake? Or the city I live in?
I’m based out of Clearfield, and what I love most about it is the sense of community. It’s not a big city, but the people here love to support and uplift local businesses. I think the same thing could be said about Salt Lake. There are tons of small businesses that thrive there thanks to the people who live there.
What do I dislike? I’m not sure, there’s not a lot I dislike. When it comes to Salt Lake though, it’s the traffic. Oof. Driving there stresses me out.
Pricing:
- Custom Designed tees $20+
- Wedding Photography $350 per location
- Custom Paintings $50+
- Photo Sessions $150+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/GeekChicBoutiqueAlex
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/geek.chic.boutique.alex
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/geek.chic.boutique.alex
- Other: www.geekchicboutique.threadless.com
Image Credits
Alex Loveland
