Artist Highlight: So Lazo
Around here, we’re absolutely living for Spooky Season. And we can’t think of a better way to kick off the creepy than with So Lazo–a Geo-favorite artist who’s managed to get haunting down to, well, art.
But before we dive into their unique artist perspective, let’s get to know So Lazo’s roots, inspirations and experiences. Chances are, you’ll be as intrigued by them as you are by their magical art!
Fashion, Family and Early Inspo
So Lazo’s artistic roots run deep, with their creative journey starting with childhood in El Salvador. Growing up, So Lazo was exposed to fashion in a unique way – through their mother’s love for personal style. Trips to the seamstress, fashion magazines and fabric choices were a regular part of their life, and So Lazo found joy in watching their mother design her own clothes with flair.
It wasn’t long before So Lazo picked up a pencil, sketching outfits on old notepads and developing their own sense of style. But it wasn’t just fashion that sparked their creativity. By the time they finished high school, So Lazo knew the traditional office life wasn’t going to cut it. They embraced the drive to create – drawing constantly – and eventually carved out a career that was anything but conventional.
“I wasn’t sure that I was talented enough,” So admits, “but I had the drive, so I started drawing constantly and just never stopped. I can’t see myself doing anything else anymore.”
Ideas to Masterpieces
So’s work is deeply intuitive, playful and emotional – a perfect reflection of their vibrant personality. Their creative process begins with a clear idea in mind, often centered on a main figure or character. From there, they start to play with composition, thinking about whether to add more elements and how to arrange them.
Color is also crucial to So’s process. They work with a limited palette, often using just five or six colors to keep the piece cohesive. This careful selection brings harmony to their art and ensures that every work feels intentional and balanced.
The act of drawing itself is where So finds peace and joy. Whether accompanied by music or a random TV show in the background, the actual creation process allows them to relax and get lost in their imagination. It’s a ritual they cherish, and it’s clear that this meditative approach shows in the care and detail of each piece.
Fun, Silly and Emotional
So’s style is unmistakable. Their work feels “clowny, silly and emotional,” with vibrant, colorful characters that embody both positive and negative emotions. They love to create art that might look fun and whimsical at first glance but reveals layers of deeper feelings upon closer inspection.
Their influences come from many places: music, fashion, and anime have all played a major role in shaping their style. “I’ve always been a fan of anime since I was a child,” they share. Kawaii culture, with its cute and expressive characters, continues to inspire So, along with vintage toys, mythology, and circus themes. There’s a charming sense of nostalgia in their work, but also a forward-thinking energy that’s both refreshing and exciting.
A Celebration of Life and Death
So’s recent collection for Geometry, inspired by the Latin American tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors those who have passed on, is steeped in colorful, symbolic imagery – something that naturally aligns with So’s own style.
For this collection, So wanted to portray Death as a friendly, caring figure – someone who looks after everyone once they’ve crossed to the other side. The result is a series of designs that are both playful and profound, mixing fun spookiness with deeper reflections on the cycle of life and death.
“I wanted to celebrate death as part of the natural cycle of life,” So explains, “and create characters that remind us not to fear it but to see it as a continuation.”
Art as Survival
For So, creating art isn’t just a passion – it’s a necessity. “It’s basically survival for me,” they confess. Art allows them to cope with reality, to surround themselves with images and characters that bring comfort, joy and a sense of belonging. It’s a way to process the world and stay connected to the things that make life beautiful, no matter how chaotic it can sometimes feel.
This sense of creating for survival ties into the themes of their work, where the lines between performance and reality blur. “Life feels like a circus most of the time,” So says, “and in a way, we are all performing. It’s also a reminder not to take things too seriously.”
Art-worthy Collab
For So, collaborating with Geometry has been a rewarding experience because it allows their art to move beyond the digital realm and into real life. “I love seeing my designs in real-life applications, not just online or in prints,” they say. “It’s positive to surround ourselves with things that make us smile, and if they have a practical use, then it’s even better!”
This mix of form and function is what excites So most about working with Geometry’s textiles and home products. And for fans of their work, it’s a chance to bring a little of that clowny, silly and emotional magic into their everyday lives.
We couldn’t say it better ourselves, and we’re so excited to deliver So’s unique artistic voice directly to your home! Check out her collection now!
If that’s not enough (and how could it be?), be sure to follow So’s work on Instagram @Solazo and check out their entire portfolio here.
