Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Tretiak.
Hi Alexandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a creative person and I knew I would not be fulfilled in life if I did not pursue my passions. I never had formal training but from the ages of four to about nine I was learning foundational art techniques from a local art teacher. I never studied art at school, instead, focused on design, building, and textiles. I was always fascinated by how things were made and loved to create tangible work with my hands. After high school, I studied Design in Animation at the University of Technology Sydney where I completed a Bachelor with Honours. In my final year at university, I had written and produced a short animated film titled “The Springs”. For me, animation encapsulates why humanity needs art. We tell stories, convey emotion, and teach through these mediums, and I think that’s really special. Since university, I have been freelancing as a graphic designer and 2D animator. I have worked for sole traders, small businesses, alternative rock bands, picture book publishing houses, and a university, creating a breadth of different graphics tailored for each brief. I enjoy the spontaneity of working with a variety of different individuals and seeing how my skills transfer across different mediums and uses.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think most visual artists have similar experiences when finding work and pursuing their art practice. At the moment I am trying to strike a balance between the work I want to create versus the work that pays the bills. Currently, I am transitioning into personal projects. I find that, and I think a lot of creatives might relate, that we often go into the industry with a rather romantic idea of what being a creative is like, and suddenly we are put into roles where we create work for other people with very strong opinions and very tight constraints. This can be appealing to some, but I find it immensely satisfying in being able to pursue my own inspiration and take my idea into its final form.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At heart, I am an illustrator. But in saying that, I find that animation has allowed me to explore the narrative behind the image. My work is often layered with meaning, reference, and textures that attempt to elevate the message or emotion. A good example of my work can be found in my thesis film from UTS. “The Springs” fully employs maximalist, surreal and colourful visuals, while exploring personal and introspective story moments. Developing my short film has also helped me carve out my voice and art style, and since completing “The Springs”, I always try to show movement in my illustrations and try to push for detail in my animations.
Any big plans?
I hope to make more animated films and learn as much as I can. Although I am more selective of the projects I take on these days, I am open to work in the animation industry. I hope to continue learning and expanding my practice so that when the time comes, I will be able to have the knowledge to support my more challenging personal projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexandratretiak.com/
- Instagram: @alexandratretiak
