Meet Alex Lopez aka Friks84 | Creative Director and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Lopez aka Friks84 and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex Lopez aka Friks84, how do you think about risk?
Risk plays a huge roll on how your life unfolds. So many are scared to leap into their purpose. Most are scarred of failure, others are making excuses to prolong they’re actions because of distractions. The true fear shouldn’t be in the risk, but in the regret. We get one life, and we all have to work. Turn your passion into your day to day grind. Thats the definition. of success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art tends to reflect my position in that moment or project at hand. Im very adaptable and versatile when it comes to creating. Since I started I never put up any boundaries in one particular style. I went through different phases in art preferences over the years so just learned to soak it all in. I love branding with custom typography and illustration projects most. What excites me these days is doing a project that pushes me towards getting better. I see them as a test to prove to myself I still got it. Getting to where I am today was not over night. I graduated college in 2006. Didn’t land my first graphic design job until early 2011. It was in that year that I opened my business Friks84 Studio marking a decade in the biz this year. So many challenges starting off. The not knowing if this is going to work out as a freelancer or how much is coming in next week, next month. It was always a surprise, and would definitely feel overwhelming at times. Over the years by continuously proving to myself I got this time and time again. When times get difficult, creativity must be applied. Thats the key to freelancing, being able to see the issue and pivot with a solution. To any one sleeping on their dreams and passion, you are wasting time on the wrong things. Eliminate your distractions, and focus on what make you feel alive. Thats your purpose. Do whatever it takes to take that role on full-time!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is a beautiful city and proud to be from it. Wynwood, is definitely a great place for a night out in the town and great restaurants. Shoutout to Buya , the food is insane. Also, the art is everywhere there. South Beach is definitely a spot to check out. There is also Doral city place, the Frost museum, and design district. This city is filled with endless things to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to my parents. They’ve successfully ran they’re own business Lopez Photo Studio for over 25 years and still going. Totally different industry but I was raised watching them grind and chase their passion. Starting from nothing, I remember us having Wendy’s practically everyday for a couple years. 3 Jr.Bacon cheeseburgers and medium fry we’d all share. Five dollar lunch but it kept us going. Tagging along to their work events and once I was old enough, I’d help out. There’s a lot of appreciation once you get older and start finding your own lane. Id also like to give a shout out to Mike & Lissett Acevedo. Ive been working with them for over five years now, but 3 years ago I took on the role of art director for their company, Outrank Brand. They’ve taught me so much on what happens on the other side after design. Business, scaling, wholesaling, leadership, personal finance goals and on and on. Grateful to be a part in what we are building. Shout out to my best friend/business partner, Will Leong. Thankful for him being around through the good and bad. We need people in our lives we can be 100 with. Will approached me with Toy Snobs 5 years ago. Im glad I took it on. Not only have we grown that business, but its made our relationship even stronger. Last shout out goes to Daniela Rojas. You meet people in life that just make you want to better yourself. You also learn that its not about what you want, its whats good for you. When we met I was spinning out of control with substance abuse and battling other inner demons. I opened up to her and she didn’t run. She held my hand and helped me want to get my act together. Im sober almost 3 years now and life is blessing us in so many ways. People can’t change you, but them just being around makes you want to. Last shout out, I promise. My kids, Capri & Mila. They drive so much to get ahead. I want to show them that chasing your dreams in possible.

Website: toysnobs.com

Instagram: friks84