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

Hi Isabel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has honestly been love and support. Support from loved ones, friends, coworkers, people I’ve collaborated with, my community, and businesses who all believed in my work and what I do. I could not have possibly gotten to where I am today if it weren’t for those who have rooted for me since the beginning of my artistic career to the newest people I meet day to day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an illustrator and painter who specializes in realistic cartoon styles where vibrant colors lead the eye across my pieces. Nature, animals, people of color and women are all very important subjects in my art and although I am quite the perfectionist when it comes to my line work, my work bridges surrealism and realism through all the tiniest details. I have been very blessed to receive support from countless people in my life and I have been able to make my passion a means of income and a quite serious practice. It hasn’t always been easy through challenging experiences such as self doubt, but there is always a way with the right kind of support and discipline to keep pushing.
Some lessons I’ve learned have revolves around believing in myself and knowing how to stay motivated regardless of life’s surprises. Learning to navigate the art world is scary at tímese especially as a tiny brown woman, but these are also the very reasons I persist to continue the narrative of the importance of art as well as inspiring others along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my most favorite spots in the city is Barrio Logan Chicano park area. You can never go wrong with the love you feel in this community whether you want to dive into the amazing art scene, try delicious foods and drinks, or simply just visit a culturally rich and beautiful side of San Diego where the Chicano culture greets you with art, love, music, and food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank my family and friends: my parents Manuel Andrada & Olga Garcia, my older brother Jose Garcia aka YoungSample, above all who have always pushed me beyond the limits to pursue my wildest dreams. YALL DA REALEST. Teachers, bosses, mentors, (Special special shoutout Nate Howard) and other amazing community members who have given me such beautiful opportunities.

Website: https://www.artbyisbl.com

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

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