Meet Cesar Morales | Creative Engineer Designer

Hi Cesar, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I first started my creative profession working for an acrylic fabrication company in Santa Monica. The company at the time only accepted minimal designs such as vitrines and pedestals. During that time, there were not many acrylic fabrication shops in the area. I took it upon myself to approve more intricate projects that the previous Santa Monica company did not want to take on. Living in Los Angeles, home to risk takers, designers, and all forms of art creative professions, I felt there was a bevy of creative entrepreneurs to tap into. During this time, downtown Culver City on La Cienega had a big art scene emerging, as was the art walk scene beginning to gain momentum around Bergamot Station, DTLA, Silverlake and Los Feliz. After conversation and deliberation with my children and family, I decided to start my own Acrylic art design studio.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I had to put a finger on what got me to where I am today professionally, I would have to give credit to my grandparents. They were the ones who laid down the foundation and helped guide me to where I am today. Most importantly, it was their efforts to have me enrolled in a German-science based school when I was in Guatemala before I came to the states. That’s where I was exposed to the type of creative thinking I incorporate in my practice to this day.

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?
My favorite spot in the city to hang out is in Little Tokyo. Its not too far away from the art district, which has some of the most exciting art the city has to offer. After gallery hoping, not too far away is my favorite noodle place called Mr. Ramen. Its next to the Japanese American National Museum, which is neighbors to MOCA Geffen museum. MOCA always has some of the best installations to view. At the end of the day, I like to have a nice cold one at the Angel City Brewery. The best part about all of these places is they are all walking distance from each other!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Even though he is not with us today, I would have to give a shout-out to Leonardo Da Vinci. Although I have obviously never met him in real life, his legacy and contributions was something I had gravitated towards. Admiring his artwork was always fascinating to me, but what really got my attention was learning about how he incorporated function with aesthetics. I was truly impressed how a lot of his “sculptures” were actually inventions that had function we all still benefit from to this day.