Following dreams and turning them into a career takes courage, risk, and perseverance. Illinois State University business alum Liz Flores combined her creative passion with a business mindset to build a thriving art career, collaborating with major brands such as the Chicago Cubs, Target, Apple, Lululemon, Sephora, and more.
When Flores graduated in 2012, she entered the corporate world but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. On the side, she began renting a studio, creating art, and sharing her work online. Her business degree from Illinois State, she said, played a pivotal role in helping her build a sustainable art career.
“I think having come from a business background really helped, because I adopted a business mindset to everything—marketing, networking, cost of materials, and things like that,” Flores said. “I think that a lot of creative people don’t really think about that, and it’s not really top of mind.”
Determined to make art her full-time career, Flores left her corporate job and took on several part-time roles to dedicate more time to painting. She managed every aspect of her growing business herself, from building her website and photographing her work to marketing it and attending gallery events. She wasn’t afraid to reach out and ask questions.
“You need to be networking and talking to people, and then also showing up very consistently in the art world. I think the other most important thing, aside from networking, is being consistent,” Flores said. “Being open as well, saying, ‘I’m here, I’m interested, and I’m consistent,’ is important.”
That persistence paid off. Her dedication to showing up, building relationships, and creating consistently opened doors to new opportunities.
“All Star Press Chicago gave me my first solo show in Chicago. They’ve been really great to work with over the years, and I built a really good relationship with them. I think all of that eventually led to, ‘Hey, do you want to maybe work on something with the Chicago Bulls?’”
That collaboration resulted in Flores designing a hat for the Chicago Bulls Artist Hat Series.
“My hat was the first ‘dad hat’ style in the artist series. I wanted to make something wearable, especially for women. I kept the design simple, with a quote in Spanish on the side that translates to ‘from Chicago to the world.’”
Most recently, she brought her creativity back to the big leagues by designing the Chicago Cubs’ Hispanic and Latino Heritage Celebration jersey.
The jersey’s red design, inspired by the geometric patterns and embroidery found in traditional Latino garments, weaves together faces, birds, and plants drawn from folk motifs. Ivy leaves are scattered throughout to tie those cultural elements to an iconic Cubs symbol—the Wrigley Field ivy.
“When creating the jersey, design elements were kept more broad because Hispanic and Latino encompasses so many cultures,” Flores explained. “I really wanted to make something that felt inclusive and that many Latino people could see themselves in.”
The jersey sold out and earned her the honor of throwing the first pitch at the September 25 game.
“Game day was such a great time with a great atmosphere,” she said. “It was really surreal to see everybody wearing my jerseys. I had a huge group of family come too, so that was a lot of fun.”
As Flores’ portfolio grew, so did her understanding of how to balance authenticity with opportunity. She’s learned to choose projects that align with her creative identity and values.
“If I’m no longer feeling like the integrity of the work is there, or it’s not feeling like it’s mine … if you still feel proud of it, and you still feel like it’s a good representation, like you would want your name on it, then I think that’s a good sign,” Flores said.
The path hasn’t been easy, but Flores’ story is one of persistence and purpose.
“I think for anyone that’s entrepreneurial, or wants to be entrepreneurial, you really have to want it, and it’s the long game. For artists, it’s the long game too. We’re not in it for the short term. The short term was my full-time job because the rewards were immediate, but for entrepreneurship, it’s definitely a long game.”
Flores didn’t rush into her art business overnight. She built her foundation through experience, relationships, and consistency, and has spent the past decade working as an artist in Chicago, with even bigger projects ahead.
“If it’s something that you really love and that you’re really passionate about, just remember why you got into the business in the first place, and always hold the values that you have.”
Listen to a Redbird Buzz podcast episode with Flores.
