Alyssa Lee Designs: An Artist Supporting Artists

Writing and Photography by Sarah Harbaugh

20-year-old Alyssa Lee is an artist and entrepreneur working and living in Springfield, Missouri. She is a tattoo apprentice at Dreamland Tattoo company, under mentor Maddie Bates, and recently started tattooing clients. Lee’s journey as an artist has been a long one. Growing up, her whole family loved art, her mother specifically was an art teacher, which fostered a highly creative environment in her home. Lee has said on her Instagram and TikTok that she can’t pick a favorite art medium, which is evident through her featuring creations of all kinds. Her first art drop, The Market Collection — available on her website — included drawn stickers, prints, paintings, ceramic charms, jewelry, and dishes. As impressive as her magnitude of talents is, one thing that sets her apart is her monthly print club. With a small monthly fee, customers are mailed a hand-drawn print, sticker, artist note, and more. Each month's art is inspired by the month and season itself. With fireworks in July, and shamrocks in March, she beautifully captures a nostalgic and evocative feeling with the mail.

Lee said that her favorite part about the print club is “doing all of the tedious sewing and packaging because [her] mom and sister help… and get to bond.” Bringing back the art of snail mail, Lee appreciates the value of anticipation. She loves the fact that the print club gives her customers continuous gratification. Lee’s inspiration to form the print club came from her “urge to create something meaningful,” as well as to “give people something to look forward to, something real and tangible.” The club just recently gained its 1,000th member, joining customers from across the world.

Along with the nearly lost art of snail mail, Lee also enjoys trading art with other artists. She said that trading with fellow artists creates a community.

“The work is truly valued in a way that money can’t buy,” she said. “(The artists) understand the creative process, which makes (them) even more appreciative of the item or service.” Lee has also taken part in fundraising for people affected by Hurricane Helene and the LA County wildfires, by donating art to a raffle that raised money for relief funds. Her kindness and love for her community are clear through her philanthropic acts and the art itself. Lee's appreciation for art in general, especially drawing, made tattooing a perfect fit for her. She always knew she would like to do something creative for her career, and since her first tattoo, she “fell in love with everything about it.” 

With Lee's growing success, she has remained immensely grateful to her customers, print club members, and fellow artists. Supporting local artists and small businesses is a great way to get involved in your community, and Alyssa Lee is an artist worth supporting.