In celebration of Pride, we sat down with queer artist Alex Allen, whose work bursts with vibrant color, boundless imagination, and heartfelt storytelling. From dreamy sci-fi realms to unapologetically bold expressions of queerness, Alex invites us to explore new worlds—and new ways of being.
My love for bright colors reflects the joy and vibrancy I find in queerness—it’s all about self-expression and visibility.
Q: How has your identity as a queer artist influenced your path in art and life?
Being queer deeply influences my art by shaping the way I imagine and create worlds. I’ve always gravitated toward animation, sci-fi, and fantasy because they offer endless possibilities to break free from reality’s rules. That freedom lets me explore and celebrate the fluidity of identity.
My love for bright colors reflects the joy and vibrancy I find in queerness—it’s all about self-expression and visibility. I adore camp aesthetics; there’s beauty in being bold but also soft. That’s what I try to capture in my artwork.
Fantasy gives me the space to create places where everyone feels seen and valued, where diverse identities exist without limits or judgment. My art becomes a kind of sanctuary—a place of hope and inclusion, where queerness isn’t just accepted but celebrated in all its bright, bold forms.
Q: Did you always imagine yourself becoming a professional artist? What were some key moments when your career started taking shape?
Yes, honestly—there wasn’t much hope for me to be anything else! I don’t always function so well in the adult world, but I find peace and understanding in the art community.
A big turning point was when I saw the behind-the-scenes process for the movie Treasure Planet. That totally changed my life. I saw how animation was made, and from that moment, there was no turning back. I’ve been drawing ever since!
Q: Do you have any creative rituals or practices that ground you while making art—especially when expressing queerness feels vulnerable or powerful?
I love making inspiration and mood boards. They help me build the world in my head so that, by the time I start creating, it already feels real and lived-in.
Q: Can you tell us about the works you’re showcasing for Pride? What stories, identities, or themes do they explore?
I’ve been working on a series called Space Babes. What I love about them is how otherworldly they are. In other worlds, gender is what you make it—and these babes are free to love whoever they love.
Honestly, I love imagining a planet full of women just being cute and vibing. That’s the kind of world I want to live in.
Q: What hopes or goals do you have for your art moving forward—especially in terms of queer visibility, community, or personal growth?
Honestly? I would love to do a whole series of women kissing—just to get it out of my system!
Want to see more of Alex Allen’s dreamy, vibrant work? Follow them on instagram @alexallenart or visit their website https://www.alexallenart.com/ and stay tuned for their upcoming Pride pieces—an ode to freedom, love, and queerness in full colour.