What do you do in San Francisco?
I’m currently an assistant at a local jewelry design company. I do photography and marketing for them. I also do custom jewelry of my own on the side. I’m in the process of launching an online retail store selling handmade and vintage finds.
What brought you to San Francisco?
I grew up in Santa Barbara. Going to a typical university never seemed like that important to me. I didn’t want the whole frat experience. I wanted an experience that was going to be different and art school seemed like the best fit.
How many hours/week are you working as an assistant as well as on your own stuff?
As an assistant I work about 25 hours a week and on my own stuff, probably around 10 right now.
Have you ever had a 9-5?
I had one for a summer as a hotel receptionist.
Do you ever want another one?
No, not ideally. Laughs. My lifestyle doesn’t really go very well with a 9-5 job. I’m trying to avoid that as much as possible.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I studied at the Academy of Art for 6 years. I studied fashion merchandizing and it wasn’t until my third year that I had some elective classes and started taking metal smithing, and I sort of fell in love with it.
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
On the moon? I have no idea.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly just anything creative. An architect, an actress, sort of all over the place but it was always in some sort of creative field.
What’s your favorite thing about making jewelry and being an artist?
Working with my hands and creating something that’s tangible — From start to finish, concept to polish.
What’s your least favorite part about being an artist?
Disappointing people. Laughs. You have to put yourself on the line for sure and it requires a lot of confidence. It’s difficult because you feel like you’re never really finished with anything as an artist; I do at least. You work on something for so long and it never feels done. And then having to give it to someone is kind of scary. I’m not always entirely happy with it; I feel like I could have done more.
Find Alex’s blog here: www.alexbronstad.com
Photos by Jacqueline Winn
Two O'Clock Tuesday 