Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

Hi! I’m Alexej. I’m a concept artist, game dev, and instructor born and raised in the cornfields of the midwest. In 2017 my kernels drifted in the wind to Los Angeles, where I attended OTIS College of Art and Design receiving my BFA in Digital Media. In 2020 the wind picked up, and flew my kernels back to the midwest. I love creative mediums of all different kinds,  you name it and I’ve probably tried it.

What attracted you to work at One River School?

One River was really only supposed to be an interim for me, I had just graduated college during the pandemic and needed something to pass the time. One River Evanston is in my hometown, and it also served as a way to get  involved with my community since being away for about five years. What I didn’t expect was to really fall in love with the community that One River has created. Being able to have a space outside of the student’s regular schooling that allows them to be creative and silly is the biggest reason I continue to teach at One River. I see so much of my younger self in my students and it brings me joy to be able to aid them in their artistic growth. 

How would you describe what it is like to teach here?

Teaching at One River is extremely rewarding. Being able to be a cogwheel within my community that allows my students to feel safe is the ultimate joy. It’s also always exciting to see what the students come up with when it comes to projects. 

What has been your favorite project to teach and why?

My favourite project to teach was probably the Style Swap project! The style swap project is a great way to learn about your students interests. My students and I usually have similar interests so it’s really exciting to be able to talk with them about their favourite shows and characters! I also think the style swap project is a great way to grow advanced students’ skills. The best way we as artists can learn, is by referencing and studying the styles of those we admire! So, this project was a great way to have my students get used to using more references in their work, and also recognize the parts of other artists’ artistic style that they enjoy.

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

A moment that I go back to all the time was the first time I was a teaching assistant at One River. I am extremely open about being trans/non-binary and a student in the class who was also trans/non-binary and I immediately bonded over the shared experience of being LGBT. At the end of the camp, the student had made me a bracelet with the trans flag colors and I still wear it to this day. It was the first time I really felt like I had made an impact in a student’s life.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Outside of One River, I love to read fantasy novels, crochet matching hats for me and my dog, draw cute girls and make 3d Models! I’m also currently in the early stages of developing my own game called Keyseeker.