We would like to thank Sera for donating designs used on the SERA ALANA x LONELY COWBOY collaboration tee, available now (CLICK HERE). Because of her donation and desire to help the community, we are able to continue funding our Lonely Cowboy Scholarships - offered in high schools across the US, awarded to students interested in mental health education.
SERA ALANA Q+A:
#1 - Why do you believe taking care of your own mental health is important?
Creativity happens in the brain. I feel like when your mental health is suffering, your creativity suffers. I believe taking care of your mental health is important because at the end of the day, you're the one that has to live within yourself. The world is a chaotic place, but I feel if you learn to hone in the chaos to redefine that energy into beauty, that's real life magic. I feel like managing your mental health is similar to this concept: It's easy to get swallowed by your negative thoughts and perceptions, but if you learn to direct your thoughts into something positive, that's where the human spirit prevails at it's strongest, I think.
#2 - What are some practices you do daily to make sure your mental health needs are being met?
I run a lot and listen to music. I love music and the art of songwriting. I could literally wear headphones all day just listening to song after song. CBD is pretty dank as well. :)
#3 - What's one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Don't take yourself so seriously. Have more fun with your work, and use positivity to propel yourself forward, not negativity.
#4 - How do you think the education system could do better for mental health education?
I think it would be awesome if the education system re-emphasized it's arts and musical programs. There's something about doing something related to the arts (Pottery, Painting, etc) acting out a play with a group, or playing an instrument that reminds you that you're human, and can be such a healthy way to express yourself. I believe the arts in general connects your soul with the body and the mind in a special way.
#5 - What are stereotypes that aren’t true about heavily tattooed individuals?
I have met heavily tattooed individuals that were the kindest, most disciplined people I've met. But the coin flips both ways. You know what they say, never judge a book by its cover.
#6 - Give positive words of wisdom/encouragement directed to the next generation of tattoo artists/artists in general
Don't forget to have fun with your work. It's so easy to compare yourself to the next artist, especially with social media. I used to get discouraged in the shadows of the giants, like looking at a vast mountain scape you’re about to hike across. It wasn’t until I changed why I created, that’s when I felt free again, and walking the path from your starting point is worth it. I think it's even more difficult for beginning artists to get started nowadays because of the pressure and constant feed of imagery from social media. With constant stimulation, it's so easy to lose a sense of yourself. And creativity and passion come from the depths of the soul. When you lose sight of your soul, I think you can lose your desire to try. I think finding that center where you can work from true passion and creativity is key: and I definitely think mental health is directly connected to this. I think mental health is achieved differently for each individual since the mind is such a broad space, but I also think staying dialed in to your frequency is a good place to start.
#7 - Do you believe tattoos need to have meaning?
Like life, I think meaning bends and changes. I feel like tattoos can have that power too. In terms of having to have meaning, I think it's ultimately up to the individual with the tattoos.
Follow Sera on IG @seraalana to see more of her work!