Meet Laishan Ito | Graphic Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laishan Ito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laishan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is an important factor in my career. Taking risks allow me to discover my strengths, my weaknesses, and my limitations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of and excited about my public art projects. Public art allows me to share my artistic skills, gives me the freedom to create, and share my point of view with people in different communities. It wasn’t an easy start on pursuing my art career. I had a strong interest in art since I was young. However, growing up with the stigma of artists were bound to be financial unstable, I was told to choose a major in college that was more practical so I could find a job with promising income after I graduate. With my parents’ good intentions, I chose to major in Business Administration even though I wanted to study art. I found myself a work-study job as a scientific illustrator so I could have a creative outlet. I met my husband Eishu in my junior year at UC Riverside. He saw my potential and he encouraged me to pursue art. He gave me the courage to follow my heart. I attended night classes to build my art portfolio to apply for and accepted to Art Center College of Design. Graphic Design was my major because I have always liked letterforms and logos. It was truly a dream come true as I felt a sense of belonging and my life has finally began. I am grateful for the experience I gained and the professionals I met along the way in my art career. The lessons I learned are getting over the hurdles of trusting my instincts and believing in myself. There is nothing worse than living your life with regrets. Life is full of challenges, taking risks is part of it and you will never know if you don’t take the first step. I also see failure and rejection as valuable lessons despite the fact that they could be excruciating. In November 2022, I faced one of my biggest challenge in life. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer during a seemingly unrelated procedure. It was a shock to me and my family since there were no signs leading up to the diagnosis. Fortunately, my surgeon was able to remove the tumor and I was on chemotherapy shortly after the surgery. Fast forward to now, my life is never the same as chemotherapy treatments continues along with routine checkups and testings. It affects my ability to take on some projects as I realize my limitations. Regardless the emotional and physical hardships, I have not given up hope or the opportunity to work. To me art means healing, art means life. I sketch and coloring during my treatments to find a sense of calmness and focus on recovery. My perspective has changed to appreciate each and every single day with my friends and family, and to live my life to the fullest.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend out to have dumplings at Ding Tai Fong, Tonkotsu ramen at Men-Oh in Little Tokyo. I would take her to Berry Opera in South Pasadena for pastry and a great cup of cappuccino. I would take her to The Huntington Library for an outdoor adventure, Norton Simon Museum, and Griffith Park Observatory to see the skyline of Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Eishu Ito deserves the recognition behind my artist journey. He is the reason why I followed my dreams of becoming an artist. He was there with me through thick and thin, sickness and health. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it isn’t for his love, friendship, and support.

Website: https://www.laishanitodesign.com

Instagram: @laishanitodesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laishanito

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laishanitodesign

Image Credits
Laishan Mui Ito