Meet Isaiah Moore | writer & artist

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

Hi isaiah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
If you were to ask me this question about four years ago I would have had a completely different answer. I would have considered myself career oriented and was indeed someone who would take on many responsibilities. To the point that while in undergrad as a full time student I worked three jobs, was apart of a couple of student organizations in leadership roles, and volunteered when I had the time. I thought that the more work I had to do and the more I could accomplish, the better my life would be. Until one day I began to realize that the goals I accomplished did not satisfy or contribute much to my happiness. I was unfathomably tired, on the verge of burn out, and quite frankly could not be in several places at once.

Today I prioritize meaningful relationships, family, and experiences over work. I still indeed do have career goals and aspirations but most days that comes after the aforementioned priorities and most importantly after doing what matters to me. I do not plan to spend most of my time working at the expense of living life. Work will only consume as much as I allow it to. I refuse to be at the beck and call of any job that in a majority of cases values money and exploited labor over my existence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I left home when I was 18 to move to Chicago to pursue my undergraduate degrees in Television and Cultural Studies, and made another move across the country five years later to Los Angeles to pursue a master’s in Television Writing and Producing. What these two moves have in common besides educational endeavors is that I took a leap of faith. I trusted in my vision, my goals and what I wanted. It is not easy to essentially start over from everything you’ve come to know and love. I made these moves without established support in either of those cities. But one thing I’ve been able to learn along the way is that home is where you make it. And although I have friends in family in other parts of the country, I have been able to create meaningful and loving relationships on my path. I aspire to write. To make films. To create art. To cultivate and be apart of community. Life has brought me to this point because of what I have been dedicated to and dreams I am too stubborn to abandon. I continue to overcome challenges by going through them. It is not easy facing your fears and constantly being in challenging situations that makes one rethink everything they know. But it is necessary in order to move along on the journey of life and find a place that you want to be. I have no idea what the place will be, but I sure as hell look forward to discovering all of the possibilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to show a friend some of my favorite bookstores in the city such as the last bookstore in DTLA, Stories Books & Cafe in Silver Lake, and Skylight books in Los Feliz. We could then read one of those books at Elysian Park or even Griffith Park. Followed by lunch at Hifi Kitchen in Historic Filipino town or Millie’s Cafe back in silverlake. If we find ourselves out on a Saturday or Sunday, I would want want to hit up one of the many flea markets happening in Los Angeles, either in silver lake, los feliz, or further southwest in Long Beach. Dinner would most likely be at one of my favorite pasta places in the city at “Met him at a bar”. Depending on the vibes to end the night we may find ourselves at Sunset & Vinyl in Hollywood for an evening of drinks and listening to records, in K-town at DwitGolMok Soju Bar drinking and eating great food, or dancing the night away at Locke & Key. I am also very big on BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ led and hosted events, so I would be constantly checking out instagram and eventbrite for those things.

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?
I want to thank everyone that has supported me throughout the years. I know that is a bit vague but I am a culmination of everyone I have ever met and even it was a simple “I’m proud of you” or a “that’s such a cool idea”, I am grateful for all those that have come into my life. No matter the time frame, I hold you all with me.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-moore-73b74a126/