Rarely does one associate beautiful model with gifted freelance illustrator. It’s an interesting talent blend of the visual variety; someone who not only acts as art, but can also create it with her own hands.
You could say Hannah Alexander’s artistic tendencies are just a part of her genetic makeup. The Searcy native comes from an entire family of creative geniuses. Her mother, Phyllis, was a portrait artist for many years; her father, Tom, is musically talented; her sister, Rachel, is a photographer; and her brother, Isaac, is part of Little Rock advertising firm, Eric, Rob, and Isaac and is also an artist and singer/songwriter/musician.
Her husband, Heath Carpenter, is an English instructor at Harding University. “[He] fancies himself a ‘writer/poet’,” said Alexander. “He’s written a couple of children’s books as well, and is sore at me for not having already illustrated them.” The couple has three children: Tristin, 7, Silas, 3, and Enid, 1. “Though I don’t make a ‘living’ doing it, the work I’m most proud of is the work I do as a mother,” she said.
Alexander graduated from Harding, where she studied art. “I think my degree is a B.S. in fine art but, honestly, I’m not entirely sure.” After graduating from college she took an internship with a local advertising firm. “I learned a lot about how illustration can be used in advertising,” she said, “and I learned that I didn’t want to be in an office all day if I could help it.”
On Illustrating:
FrankCards.com. I recently did a series of Christmas cards entitled, “Merry Recession” for some friends of mine. They both worked for an ad agency in Little Rock once upon a time but have relocated and gone freelance since then. The cards were quite clever, and I was happy to be part of the venture. Adaptable. To be able to adapt your style to the visions of an art director is advantageous in a small market like Little Rock. People around here want to use local artists because we’re local and, let’s be honest, we’re cheaper. Gigs? Arkansas Bride, Little Rock Family, BOOM!, Box Turtle and a couple of other local fashion boutiques, Stone Ward, Harding University, Frank Cards
On Modeling:
I love the hours, being able to deduct things like haircuts from my taxes, wearing things I could never afford, even if it’s just for a few minutes or hours, Photoshop! I dislike the focus on appearance and size, though I suppose it’s necessary. When you model, you are just a piece of a final product. If you’re too human, you’ll throw everything off, or you would if it weren’t for Photoshop. Dream shoot? Maxim. Obvious joke. Ummm, I don’t know. Vogue? It’s just so legendary and artistic. Shop local. I’ve got to give a shout out to Box Turtle. I love how supportive they are of local designers and artists. I’m cheap, and I like an interesting find, so I am no stranger to Savers. Gigs? Dillard’s, Leisure Arts, Arkansas Bride, Minx, Missy Lipps, Arkansas Life, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, At Home in Arkansas, Inviting Arkansas…I’ve never done anything nationally. I have had people email me telling me they took their picture with me in a Dillard’s in Alabama or Tennessee, or that they saw me in the Hobby Lobby in Missouri in a Leisure Arts knitting book. I had someone tell me once that I was on clearance at their Hobby Lobby. Pretty impressive, I know. That’s about as national as I’ve gotten I guess. T.V. “I did a commercial for the City of Hot Springs once. Part of it was filmed at the racetrack, and I had to pretend to play blackjack and win and stuff. I was laughing at myself a lot.”
She happened upon modeling through her sister-in-law, Angela, who is a local stylist. “And from there, The Agency picked me up,” she said. “I’ve never pursued a career in modeling other than what jobs have come my way through The Agency, but I am very grateful I’ve been able to do the little I’ve done, and I’ve had a lot of fun.”
Even though her modeling and illustrating gigs can keep her more than busy, Alexander says her first priority is always family. “To say my family is ‘important’ to me would be an understatement. What work I am able to do would be impossible without them. They help out a LOT, especially my sweet mother. When I work I know someone who loves my kids is caring for them. That is very important to me,” she said. “Family is first. Everything else comes after family.”
Sometime in the near future, Alexander hopes to sell her artwork and illustrate children’s books. “It’s a matter of finding the time and energy to be creative and productive,” she said. “I certainly have artistic goals for myself. I do not think by any means I have reached my full potential, and I think there are several directions I can go with my art. I want to push myself artistically to see what I’m capable of. I am eager to find the time and energy to produce.”
Hobbies: I love the Internet. When I’m relaxing, I peruse the web.
Music: My current music repertoire consists of things like, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” I don’t mind a good Beyoncé hit on occasion either. I don’t care who you are, you’re lying if you say you didn’t like “Single Ladies.”
Future: I would like to travel more, and I think I will one day. I feel like I keep saying that, “one day,” like my life is on hold right now. My life isn’t on hold, but I am a little limited in what I can and cannot do right now ’cause of my sweet kiddos. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I most like being home with my kids.
Heels or flats? HEELS! I feel squatty in flats.
Fashion role models? Milla Jovovich
Favorite things to wear? Vintage or vintage-inspired clothing
Jeans or dresses? I probably wear jeans more, but I prefer dresses.