We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful RJ Izquierdo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with RJ below.

RJ , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The Von Gala

RJ , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is RJ Izquierdo and I am an artist, actor and poet. I received my bachelors degree in acting in 2019. After graduating I booked random small jobs like turbo tax commercials and a social media campaign for tik tok. I wanted more from my career so I went back to school at The Groundlings in Los Angeles. While in their intermediate improv program the lockdown hit and still hungry to work I started creating these art collages and putting together everything for a short film I wrote and wanted to produce. October came and it was my 25th bitrthday. I wrapped filming on my short film and had completed over a dozen collages. Once new year came I went back to New Jersey and worked with some locals to finish post production on my film and made connections with some art galleries in New York and was able to put together a huge Gala event in the heart of Chelsea, Manhattan, NY. Debuting my film and at this point 25 collages. I’ve found success in both acting and art ever since. I even published a poetry book last October for my 27th birthday. It’s called “who said peace was so great?” And is available on all major book platforms.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want everyone to realize they are artists. Lean into your creative urges and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Your perspective is valid and the more you put yourself in whatever you do the more people will understand you and we will be able to come together as a society through art. I call it The Artistic révolution.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I went to Los Angeles at 20 years old after completing a conservatory acting program in NY. I thought I was just going to go out there and be an actor. After a month I found my self back in New Jersey at a rehab center after being arrested in Malibu blacked out. Once out of rehab I took multiple acting classes through the winter while working a graveyard shift 5 days a week as a doorman in New York. Saving up to go back to Los Angeles the following year and finishing my bachelors degree program in acting. Booking an agent and finding great success while putting my past behind me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rjknowsbest
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-izquierdo-47b6a2135