Welcome Laihha Organna, the creative force behind LOINDAFLOW. An inspiring digital artist from Maui, Hawaii, known for her unique style. Laihhas’s inspiration is a testament to the vibrant energy and natural beauty of her surroundings. Before transitioning into a full time art career, Laihha had a career in sustainability education and youth entrepreneurship. Creating art was just a pastime for her until the pandemic, when she discovered that her art could make a meaningful impact to those that encountered it.
In the newest artist collaboration with LOINDAFLOW, Laihha displays her artistic vision onto our new socks. The collection is a reflection of her love of surfing, traveling, motivational quotes, and connection to nature. Featuring images like skulls, skeletons, surfboards, and palm trees– everything that fuels her imagination and calms her mind. Each design captures the true essence of her artistic journey.
Join us in celebrating Tailored Union's collection with LOINDAFLOW by reading more about Laihha, see what has inspired her and learn about her journey as an artist. We are excited to see how her artistic journey will continue to evolve and inspire.
What does creativity look like to you and how do you find inspiration? How do you incorporate creative processes into your everyday life and work?
I find inspiration and spark my creativity by doing the things I love outside of art. Much of my art is inspired by surfing. For me it’s important to get out and surf and be in nature as much as possible. I find that it gives me ideas and calms my mind. I also think it’s really important to travel, see the world and meet new people. Anytime I am away on a trip, I am buzzing with new ideas.
How has creating LOINDAFLOW affected your worldview? How does it inform your creative practice?
Before becoming a full time artist, I was working in sustainability education, teaching others how to become leaders for our planet. I also worked in non-profits helping youth on Maui learn about entrepreneurship. I always had a role that was meaningful and mission-led. When I decided to switch gears and focus on art, I wondered if I would have the same social impact. I was surprised to find that I really can make a difference from my art! I get messages from people who look up to me as an artist, and others who just enjoy my art and its message, sharing with me how much it’s helped them. It’s made me realize that we can make a profound impact on the world when we are doing the work we are meant to be doing. It has fueled creative practice and gets me thinking of ways to use my art for impactful causes.
Can you tell us a little bit about artwork/designs for the sock collection and inspiration behind it.
I wanted this collection of socks to really represent me as an artist and feel like my signature work. Skulls and skeletons are a repeating theme throughout my art, so I wanted those to be included. I also use a lot of edgy, yet uplifting quotes throughout my work to generate some positivity. I use the phrase “ Get out of your head” a lot, so I wanted to make sure that message was included in the collection too.
What is your favorite style from your collection?
I think my favorite has to be the ‘Life Rips” style!
How would you describe your personal style?
Edgy, yet elegant.
What inspired your artistic path and where did you get started? When did you know you wanted to pursue art full time?
I was always drawing as a kid. My dad was actually a tattoo artist. It always felt like a big part of me! I did not know I wanted to become an artist full time until Covid hit in 2020. I spent the extra time at home drawing and finally got my first ipad. It all snowballed from there when I realized I had a skill and dreamt of drawing all day everyday.
Before LOINDAFLOW, you had dabbled in sustainability education. How did that start? Did that influence your current journey in becoming a freelance illustrator?
I got my degree in sustainability and worked in the field. I had a lot of really cool opportunities to make an impact and work with students and youth. I had a knack for it, but always felt most drawn to the creative tasks. I started taking on more of a role in designing maps, flyers, presentations and painting murals. It was these creative projects that got me back into drawing and creating art.
What subjects or concepts do you explore in your Illustrations?
I explore surf and board rider culture, mental health, hawaii and tropical landscapes.
What does your illustrative process look like?
I start by writing down all the ideas that come to me on my phone! Sometimes I start with an idea and other times I just start drawing random shapes and lines until I have something to work with. I always start with a super loose and sloppy sketch. From there, I use my sketch as a guide for linework. I then pop in some color and text and finishing touches.
Your innovative use of a bus as your creative space is fascinating! Can you share more about your set up and how being in this unique space impacts your creativity?
I currently live on a farm property in a shared house, but only have a small area of my own for living. I knew I needed separation from my living quarters, but wasn’t able to find the perfect fit for an art studio to rent either. I found someone selling a short bus and thought it would be perfect! It’s just the right size for me right now and it’s on wheels! So my hope is that when I move, it can come with me. I designed and decorated the bus to maximize my creativity. I have an ocean view from my desk, warm green tones throughout, bamboo floors and beautiful stained butcher block top desks. It feels very me!
What aspects of Maui’s vibrant landscape and culture inspire your artwork? How does living in such a picturesque environment influence your creative process and the themes you explore in your illustrations?
I take a lot of inspiration from Maui! I try to make the waves in my drawings feel like the ones here on Maui but adding in a lot of spray and white wash. While we have perfect glassy days from time to time, it’s mostly windy and I like to reflect that into my art. I include lots of palm trees, monsteras, hibiscus, lilies, ferns and more found around maui, but specifically the area of maui where I live in Haiku. It’s more wet and jungle-like here.
Your portfolio includes collaborations with established brands like MadHippie, Carver, and DAKINE, each offering diverse products from skincare to skateboards. How has your experience been navigating the unique offerings of these companies? What aspects do you enjoy the most when working with companies like these?
I’ve learned so much through working with notable brands and small businesses alike. There are aspects of both that I love! What I love most about working with some of these companies is that they are coming to me seeking my style and my creativity for a branded collaboration. As an artist, these are the best opportunities because a brand wants you to do what you do best.
Who are some of your favorite artists/designers and why?
A couple of my favorite artists are Ten Hundred and Hannah Eddy. I just love that their art is so uniquely theirs and consistent! If you see one of their murals and products, you know it’s theirs. I aspire to have that level of consistency! I just love their bands and use of color too.
Do you have advice for other aspiring artists?
Make a commitment to your creativity! Make art everyday and start sharing it with the world before you think you’re ready.
Do you have some inspiring quotes that guide you or that you live by?
“Nothing changes if nothing changes” always motivates me to take action.
What do you find most fulfilling about your creative pursuits?
I am most fulfilled knowing I get to work on my own terms and every step I take in my business is for my future, no one else's! I am fulfilled knowing I am working towards my own dream, rather than making someone else’s dreams come true, like a company or employer.
What should we expect to see from you this year, anything exciting in the works or any goals for 2024?
I am hoping to have more merchandise available on my website! Starting to focus more on T-shirts and other affordable ways for people to rock my art and support me.
Where can people find out more about you?
Website Link: loindaflow.com
Insta Link: @loindaflow
