Today we’re joined by Lexi. Lexi is a phenomenal visual artist who specializes in illustration. They enjoy drawing mostly lighthearted images and characters. Their work shows a beautiful use of line and color and the characters they draw are adorable. It’s clear they’re a dedicated artist who loves what they do. My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
My art style changes a lot depending on what sort of mood I’m in, but usually consists of silly drawings that I do for myself or friends and evolve into bigger projects. I love making patterns and stickers a lot as well.
What inspires you?
I base a lot of my silly drawings on funny jokes or ideas that me and my friends come up with but I also have lots of other artists that inspire me such as kanahei and ssebong. I watch a lot of cartoons in my free time and those inspire me as well for things like character design.
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
I grew up drawing, honestly. I’ve been doing it so much I can’t even imagine doing anything else. If anything, I can only list here what things have gotten me more interested in my field. I took 3 years of graphics in high school and that sparked my interest in pursuing a graphics related career, however I’m still deciding haha
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?
I have my signature I guess, but other than that maybe my style?? I don’t include Easter eggs in pieces, as they look out of place to me oops haha
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
You’re going to start out bad, it doesn’t matter how quickly you learn, you can only get better. It’s alright to admire artists but don’t compare yourself to them. And always keep practicing, you can never do it enough. One of my favourite examples of practicing to get better is from Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule. (from his book, “Outliers”)
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I identify as asexual!
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
Yah, with people I talk to and even my family. My mom doesn’t really think it exists or it’s just an “fake persona” due to my environment and a few of my friends just aren’t educated on it. If they do say/assume something incorrect I try to correct them but with a few of them, the point just doesn’t get across.. I meet a lot of people who say they thought they were ace but just realized they were around ugly people or something.. 
Or they consider it an excuse for not being desirable. I try to educate people as best I can, but sometimes I just get tired of re-explaining.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
That it’s just about waiting till the right time and/or person comes along & that as an asexual I’m not interested in love, physical affection, etc. I enjoy hugs and holding hand just as much as a sexual. However past that I am a bit neutral haha
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
No one should or can tell you how you identify. You also don’t have to come out to everyone you meet, or anyone at all. Do what makes you feel comfiest & safest. It does help to find a place to talk about stuff though, I have friends I talk to when I’m upset about things relating to being ace, and while they’re not all ace they still support me and that’s what good friends will do for you.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
I’m on Instagram! At candy.shrimp and RedBubble if you just look up “yaytso”
Thank you, Lexi, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 