Meet Paul Flores | Artist and Graphic Designer

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

Hi Paul, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been a huge part of my life and career. I see taking risks as crucial part for growth. If I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I would’ve missed out on a ton of opportunities that shaped who I am today. Whether it’s diving into a challenging design project or making big life choices, taking chances has taught me valuable lessons and led to some surprising wins. This mindset has helped me tackle obstacles with a chill attitude and bounce back when things get tough.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been into art since I was a kid, always doodling and tracing old graphics from skateboard magazines. It was a way for me to express myself and connect with the culture I loved. I was focused on graphic design for a while, but during quarantine, I felt this pull to get back to making physical art. That’s when my homie Ozzie hooked me up with a space at Tlaloc Studios, and it opened up a whole new world of experimentation for me.

The journey wasn’t always smooth; I faced plenty of challenges along the way. But those obstacles pushed me to explore new techniques and ultimately helped me define my style. Each setback became a stepping stone, sparking fresh ideas and deeper creativity. It’s been an exciting process, and I’m stoked to see where it me leads next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Haha, it really depends on who’s visiting! I usually like to take people to Dan Sung Sa or Musso & Frank’s for dinner—both spots have their own unique vibe. For a quick bite during the day, In-N-Out is a classic go-to. My buddies just reopened the Silverlake Lounge, so I’d definitely hit that up for drinks. You can’t skip the beach when you’re in L.A., it’s always a must.

And even if someone isn’t super into art, places like LACMA and the Getty are still pretty cool to check out. I’m also a big fan of Knott’s Berry Farm; a day there would be a blast! It’s all about mixing the iconic spots with a bit of local flavor to give them a true taste of L.A.

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 Parents for always supporting me. My partner Kika for always pushing me and having my back. All my friends who lead me and support me and guiding me to push boundaries without any of them I wouldn’t be who I am today. Skateboarding and Music are also a huge part to thank!

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

Image Credits
Photo: Eduardo Medrano Jr