Meet Isaiah Diaz | Artist

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

Hi Isaiah, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I am a parent to 3 children, all of whom are extremely curious. The thing I have tried to impart on them the most is that they can do whatever they want. As cliche and vague as that is, I think it is the most important thing I can teach them. When I was a kid, creating a brand was something that I didn’t think was possible. When I got to High School I learned how to screen print and it de-mystified the manufacturing process. That simple act of seeing “how the sausage was made” changed how I thought about making a brand. My kids are now annoyed with how often I remind them of this simple lesson. “You like that game? – Make one”, “You like this dish? – Learn how to make it”, “Don’t buy that shirt, I’ll teach you how to make your own”. Constant reminders of how they can build their own greatness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a graphic designer by day, painter and a sculptor by night. My passion for art spans as far back as I can remember. I have always sold my art in some capacity, but only recently have I explored selling more of my sculptural work. The past couple years I have made hand-crafted Oni Masks inspired by pop culture; creating something that has ties to ancient mythology with a twist of the contemporary. I have combined all of my interest into this brand by also producing apparel and other products all based around the same theme and idea. However, selling my own art has always been a struggle. I think many artists suffer from the same social paralysis when marketing their art. Art has been my way of communication. I am ill-equipped when it comes to talking about or marketing my art. I am efforting to talk more about my personal connections to the characters and worlds I depict, which has helped immensely.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have two interests: art and food. Orange County has many great All-You-Can-Eat options. Some of my favorites are Tsuruhashi and Yumi Yaki. And after overindulging in meats and sushi, it’s great to walk it off at some of the local art-walks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My art career would not exist if not for my mother Barbara Diaz. When I wanted to draw as a kid, I was never told that art was a waste of time. My mother only asked me, “What supplies do you need?”. She is my biggest supporter.

Website: https://www.oni-x.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oni_xart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oni_xart

Image Credits
Miguel Cervantes @miiigscervantes