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

Hi Isabella, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Two and a half years ago I came to LA with nothing but a plan and $1,300. Even with a plan I had no guarantee that things were going to work out for me and the uncertainty definitely came with its anxieties. We’ve all probably heard this before so it’s nothing new but most great things in life lie outside of our comfort zone which has always resonated with me so taking a leap of faith to pursue my passion for art in this city, although scary, was a risk I knew I needed to take. I’ve had this idea since I was 14 and now over two years into my journey in LA, despite there being no shortcoming of hurdles, I know in my heart that I made the right choice. Besides, risks are the best way to keep things interesting wouldn’t you agree? 😉

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m not really sure what sets me apart, but the influences that I incorporate in my art are definitely what molded my style into the brand you see today. From psychedelics to Peruvian culture and the infamous 90’s cartoons that I grew up with I bring a touch of inner child, Pachamama (mother nature) and “sugar, spice and everything nice”. There’s sooo many lessons I’ve learned along the way. For the first few years of my 20’s I thought I had it figured out and maybe I was on the right track but my destination was still uncertain. Moving to LA was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve done. Starting with the wonderful welcome of my car being broken into the first day I was here, then having to sleep on my aunt’s couch for the first 6 months when I’ve never not had my own space. Last but not least the pandemic happened shortly after I moved. I was simultaneously the most broke I’ve ever been but also making the most money I’ve ever made. I was struggling to make a difference because it all went to rent. Getting paid for my first mural and having to use all the profit to buy more paint was yet another lesson learned the hard way. Relying on my partner for full support created a lot of anxiety and learning to just trust the process didn’t come easy. Those times feel so far away but also so close to where I’m at now. Im still on my way to where I want to be and by no means close but I promised myself I will never go backwards and the presence of mind I’ve gained through all the hardship has helped me keep that promise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

LA as well as the surrounding cities of Southern California has so much going on its definitely not for the indecisive. There’s activities, amazing food and just about the full spectrum of nature for any time of day, day of the week and season of the year. It makes it super easy to show my friends who come to visit a great time. For my adventurous early bird friends I love hitting the outdoors super early so we might hit a hike, some local mountains or a beach cliff for rock climbing. Gotta throw a little meditation in there too. I recently went carnivore for the sake of my hypothyroidism health but prior to the lifestyle change, after working up an appetite there was plenty of fire breakfast spots on the list. Unless of course we climb into the evening at the beach we would then definitely have to stuff ourselves at Paradise Cove with some giant piles of fresh seafood. Otherwise we would hit up spots like EggSlut, Cafe Gratitude, or Le Pain Quotidian. If we’re feeling like something lighter then we would hit up NatureWell(Melrose is the best location) for a smoothie. I love picnic decor so we would’ve definitely have to sneak in a picnic with an epic view of the ocean or pristine park. If we do go to the park we might even join Elevated Performance Warriors, a group that provides safe space and awesome activities for black neighborhoods, for a game of Warrior Ball. If not a picnic, lunch would have had to either be Tacos 1986 or Burgers Never Say Die. The nightlife runs deep too. For the music scene without a doubt I would make sure to take my friends to School Night on Mondays at the Bardot. If we get lucky the warehouse I’ve created out of for more than a year might be throwing a wacky party themed after only the weirdest kinds of awesome. If my friends are feeling courageous I’d challenge them to some night climbing most likely at Stoney Point. For all my indoor climbers my favorite place by far is Los Angeles Valley College rock wall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10pm. They are a close knit little community of amazing people. I would probably leave my friends off with some amazing Peruvian food either from Natalie Peruvian Seafood or the best rotisserie Peruvian chicken spot on Western. I almost forgot dessert! Wanderlust Creamery no questions asked. Oh and last but not least, before hitting the road I’d make sure my coffee loving friends get the best cappuccino in town made by none other than my loving partner David with a touch of vanilla, lavender and the best foam game around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could say that I did it by myself but that wouldn’t be true. I have so many people on my list to shout out: from my family sector to my social groups and professional peers, etc. Starting with the ones who brought me into this world, I’m so grateful for my mom always believing in me and feeding my passion for art since I was just a wee lad. My dad paying for all those art classes and buying me my first laptop has helped me create digital art for the past 10 years. My siblings who I’ve had the pleasure of watching grow and influence their arts have been a source of inspiration for me as well. My partner who has been through thick and thin with me and has supported me in any way that he’s able to, especially the impact of his stubborn insistence for healthy communication. To my professional peers who have believed in me and put me onto gigs that changed my life forever, I appreciate you. Thank you to my community back in Salt Lake City rooting for me and always having open arms whenever I’m in Utah. I’m grateful for my mentors who were willing to guide me through marketing strategies, the ropes of murals and spray paint that I was so reluctant to use for the longest time. For all those that haven’t surfaced in my mind while writing this, you are all but forgotten. To conclude I would also like to express my gratitude for all the lessons I needed to learn in the form of unkind people who have forced me to take responsibility for what I do and don’t allow in my life. Not only has that empowered me to not be a victim to circumstance but without it I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the people that bring me joy. As Chance The Rapper said in ‘Best Life’… “Turned all my L’s into lessons.”

Website: https://izinfinitedesign.com/

Instagram: artizinfinite

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-morillo-b57642a8/

Twitter: izinifinite

Facebook: izinfinite

Other: https://superrare.com/artwork-v2/bridging-through-art–30662 https://www.etsy.com/shop/izinfinite?ref=seller-platform-mcnav https://www.tiktok.com/@izinfinite

Image Credits
#1 un/dn by Flasch #7 Photographer David Pierson Rest I took the pictures myself

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