It’s easy to get inspired by Jackson Alves' success — his striking calligraphy, global collaborations, and signature lettering style has been seen across brand campaigns and cultural spaces all over the globe. But behind the bold lines and viral posts is a grounded truth Jackson repeats over and over: success isn’t magic — it’s belief and persistence.

During our recent interview with Jackson in Phoenix, he shared something deeper than process or portfolio highlights. He offered a mindset. A way of moving through the creative world with clarity, courage, and purpose. This post distills that advice — the kind that doesn’t rely on hype, algorithms, or privilege. Just conviction.

Whether you’re an artist, designer, writer, or maker of any kind, these are the principles Jackson lives by.

1. Believe in Yourself (Before Anyone Else Does)

If there’s one phrase Jackson repeated more than anything, it’s this:

“The most important thing is to believe in yourself.”

Simple? Sure. But easier said than done.

“Even before I had any followers, any recognition, I believed I was good,” he said. “Not perfect. But good enough to keep going. I didn’t need someone else to tell me that first.”

According to Jackson, this internal belief is the difference between artists who keep going and those who quietly stop. If you don’t believe in your own potential, no amount of external validation will save you when doubt creeps in.

“You can have a huge opportunity land in your inbox,” he said. “But if you don’t believe you’re capable, you’ll reject it — maybe without even realizing it.”

For Jackson, belief isn’t ego. It’s a baseline. It’s the internal voice that says: “Why not me?”

2. Be Obsessed with Getting Better

Belief alone won’t carry you — craft will.

“I’m competitive,” Jackson said, “but not with other people. I’m competitive with myself. I want to be better than I was yesterday.”

After discovering calligraphy through a lettering workshop in 2010, Jackson didn’t just dabble. He dove in. He studied typography like a scholar. He practiced relentlessly. And he shared his work constantly on social media.

That consistency built his reputation. Not a shortcut. Not a viral post. Just years of showing up and doing the work.

Even now, with years of experience and a global platform, he’s still learning.

“I keep practicing, I keep improving, because I love it,” he said. “That fills my cup.”

The takeaway? Treat your creative practice like a lifelong apprenticeship. Stay hungry and keep sharpening your skills.

3. Persistence Beats Talent

Jackson is quick to admit he wasn’t the most naturally gifted student in art school.

“I had classmates who could draw better than me,” he recalled. “But they stopped. They weren’t persistent. That’s the difference.”

Persistence — not just talent — is what separates someone who creates a few cool pieces from someone who builds a lasting career.

“I just kept going,” he said. “That’s what matters. Not being the best. Being the one who sticks with it.”

This mindset is especially important in an age of fast results and online pressure. According to Jackson, the artists who make it are the ones who don’t quit when things are slow, boring, or uncertain. They adapt, reinvent, and show up anyway.

4. Adapt and Evolve (Even When It’s Hard)

As a freelance artist, Jackson knows that uncertainty comes with the territory.

“Sometimes I have a lot of work. Sometimes I don’t have any,” he said. “So I ask myself: What else can I do?”

That question led him to launch products like digital brushes, teach workshops, and create multiple income streams — not from panic, but from possibility.

“You have to be creative not just in your art, but in your business,” he said.

He’s also faced language barriers. When clients from the U.S. started booking him, Jackson didn’t speak much English. His solution? He flew to San Francisco for six weeks to study it.

“I knew I needed to speak directly to my clients. So I made it happen,” he said.

Adaptability isn’t a side skill — it’s central. You don’t need to have all the answers now. But you do need to be willing to learn whatever’s next.

5. Do It for Love, Not Just Likes

When we asked Jackson what truly fills his cup, his answer wasn’t money, followers, or fame.

“It’s doing what I love, and providing a better life for my family,” he said. “That’s it.”

He lit up when talking about his daughters. And it’s clear he wants them — and everyone watching — to understand that fulfillment isn’t measured in clicks.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘Your work inspired me to start learning calligraphy,’” he said. “That means more than a check.”

Art is all about impact. And impact starts with authenticity.

6. Stay Connected to Community

Even though Jackson is a self-taught master in many ways, he’s never been alone. He credits much of his journey to the creative community around him — first in Brazil, and now globally.

“Community is everything,” he said. “They supported me when I was unknown. And I try to give that back now.”

To him, having a network of other artists is not just about inspiration — it’s about support, accountability, and encouragement when things get hard.

“Success doesn’t happen in isolation,” he said. “We all lift each other.”

7. Remember Where You Came From (But Don’t Let It Define You)

Jackson’s upbringing wasn’t easy. He started working at 15. His parents couldn’t afford to pay for school. He found ways around it — drafting or printing by day, studying and drawing by night, never stopping.

And yet, he doesn’t see that as a limitation. He sees it as fuel.

“I used to think, ‘They have money, I don’t.’ But now I know what really matters is love and belief. If you have those, you have everything.”

He passes that same mindset to his kids, to his followers, and now — to you.

Final Words: Seize the Día

As our conversation wrapped, Jackson gave his final piece of advice:

“You can do anything you want. Just believe in yourself and keep going. Be persistent. Everything is possible.”

From humble beginnings to global stages, Jackson Alves proves that the real path to success isn’t paved with shortcuts. It’s built on belief, hard work, adaptability, and love — for your craft, your people, and your future.

So wherever you are in your journey, remember:

Believe. Persist. Create. And seize the Día.