Irla's professional career as a commercial/digital artist began in the mid 80's and continued until 1999, when she began working as a muralist and decorative artist in the Dallas area. In 2003, her artistic focus turned to fine art oil painting, with Cherokee or Southeastern Native American culture being the primary subject matter. She is self-taught but credits her artistic mother for her early "creative wiring". She also cites the techniques of Master artist, Caravaggio for the development of her Old Master-style painting technique to achieve dramatic illumination of skin tones. Aside from her goal to classically represent Indigenous feminine beauty, Irla uses the platform of her work to project inspirations that flow from a profound place of heartbreak and gratitude for the Mother Earth.