Meet Mo Levis | Illustrator and Graphic Designer

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

Hi Mo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was born in a family of art collectors and artists on both sides, and my mom was the one to always take us to new exhibitions in museums and art galleries. She was friends with artists and curators too, so I’ve tiptoed in that world growing up. But I was always a creative child. And even in high school, when I rejected the idea of becoming an artist or going to art school, it kept finding its way back to me. It’s a little ironic that that’s what I identify myself as.

Career-wise, it also kind of fell into place. Every time I made something for someone, like handmade greeting cards, prints, custom coffee cups or ski helmets, the response was “wow, thats so beautiful! You should sell these!”. So I started taking custom orders of different projects people asked for. I think the first big one was decorative skate boards.

I was pleased people were reaching out because they liked my art and my style. It’s always fun to get to create cool things with someone that already shares your artistic vision. But it wasn’t until my first art-related job in college that I realized I could pursue this as a career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art career, woof! It was definitely not easy, but I don’t regret a thing. I chose Graphic Design as a major in somewhat of a mental elimination game of what paths I didn’t want to pick. I ended up loving it. However, the fact that I switched universities three times in between, made it hard to believe that I was on the right path. Especially when I decided to drop everything and move 6,000 miles away and transfer to the Illustration Program at CU Denver. Everyone thought I was making this crazy shift, but to me it felt like I was getting closer to what I wanted. I didn’t realize that I was teaching myself resilience.

I’m extremely proud of the projects that I’ve made here in Colorado. I’ve gotten to work with close friends, new acquaintances and cool outdoor companies who share the same values as I do. I’m a big outdoor gal, so getting to create beautiful things for the space that I take inspiration from and spend almost all of my time in, feels very special.

My art has been a lot of things, but currently it’s a representation of the places I love, places that inspire me, a space for inclusivity and love; and a place where I can explore new things without judgement.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big planner, so here’s my weeklong trip with my best friend. Start with a few days in the city, and then run to the mountains. I’d get brunch at Lucille’s, and then go walk around RiNo. Hop in and out of shops, grab some coffee at Crema and a snack at Denver Central Market. Then go to Meow Wolf for a few hours, and grab dinner. Finish the night at Frozen Matter for a drink and then some ice cream, of course. I’d take her to Boulder for the day to hike Mt. Sanitas, and grab a coffee at Boxcar and a sandwich at Dedalus, they’re so good! And then after a chill afternoon, go to a Red Rocks show. The rest, we’d drive west. Camp in some BLM spots, do some hikes, mountain bike. Maybe a short, overnight backpacking trip? Especially if its the spring or the fall, I’d love for her to see the super blooms, or those gorgeous fall colors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people deserve so much credit! I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible community. But I’ll start with a big one, my Mom. She’s always been the one to encourage me to pursue my art even when I didn’t believe in myself. Both my grandmas, Molly and Rosa Martha, for always loving what I do and wanting to buy all my pieces to hang on their walls. My illustration teacher Lily Williams, for her unbiased honesty and sharing her knowledge and talent. And quite literally all my family and all my friends, in Argentina and the US, and my girlfriend. I have the most incredibly supportive and loving people. They are the best reminders that I chose the right path.

Website: moritalevis.com

Instagram: moma.creative.co

Linkedin: moritalevis