Meet Bella Ortiz | Actor and creator of EDTHEGOATKILLER

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

Hi Bella, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For me, the most important factor has always been honesty. Whether I’m acting, painting, or building something under my brand EDTHEGOATKILLER, the through-line is truth.

My art isn’t about being palatable or perfect. It’s about being real. Sometimes that means confronting uncomfortable truths. In my ETGK art, it’s like it’s the only place I can be raw or messy and without the need to explain it.

So as long as I know I’m showing up honestly—whether that’s in a performance, or a painting– then I consider that success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about truth and it is unfiltered. Under the name EDTHEGOATKILLER, I create across mediums, from large-scale paintings to blind contour portraits to conceptual series that explore struggle, transformation, and the body as a site of memory. I’m drawn to subjects and emotions that many people look away from—bruising, grit, resilience, the quiet weight of lived experience.

What sets me apart is that my work is not about perfection or polish—it’s about presence. I draw from both my artistic instincts and my experience as an actor, tapping into deep emotional truth and bringing it forward visually.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built this path without waiting for permission. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m not really interested in what is easy. Being an independent artist means living in constant uncertainty—financially, emotionally, creatively. My biggest lesson has been that persistence and adaptability are just as important as inspiration.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here to tell the truth. Whether it’s through paint, performance, or conversation, my work exists to make people feel something real. EDTHEGOATKILLER isn’t just a name; it’s a statement about challenging what’s expected, killing the idea of untouchable idols, and making space for our humanity.

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.
Probably a creative day— check out The Broad and grab ramen at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo. Jazz at Seven Grand.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Jennie Urman Snyder. She believed in me as an actor has which changed the course of my career. She also showed up for me as an artist—buying pieces from my EDTHEGOATKILLER shop and encouraging the messy, honest parts of my work. Jennie leads with rigor and heart; she builds rooms where excellence and kindness can coexist. Her advocacy didn’t just give me opportunities; it modeled the kind of generous leadership I want to embody for others. I’m deeply grateful.

Website: https://www.edthegoatkiller.com

Instagram: @bellaortizz