Today we’d like to introduce you to Leon Parker
Hi Leon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually started creating art in high school back in the 90s. As a teenager I was paid to paint on denim clothing, sweatshirts and hoodies. The first mural I painted was during my senior year for my high school Senior Fountain outdoor space. It was about 15 ft wide.
Later in life I went to college and graduated with a bachelor’s marketing degree. During that time I used my talent as an artist to create graphic designs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Having a marketing background helped me navigate how to present my design work and how to speak towards my ideas. I kept a good clientele of clients while working jobs here and there. Sometimes I had full time jobs and then there were years where I only did graphic design as my main source of income.
Working as a freelance a designer got pretty stressful. My days and nights were long. The work load took up most of my free time and leisure time. I was not happy. Finally I found a career recruiter who put me on with a small corporate company needing my skills as a creative video editor./media designer.
During my fourth year of working for the company I proposed an idea to help them sell the office space. I came up with the idea of remodeling part of the space as a modern workspace by using wall murals and up to date modern furniture. I designed a mockup of with multiple mural designs for them to choose from. The CEO choose the design he liked and there was one question left…. Who was going to paint the mural? I raised my hand to their surprise and stepped up to the challenge. They okayed the video guy to paint mural in their office space. I guess they really trusted me. This would be my first mural as a grown adult. The new lounge space was a huge success for the business and it helped potential buyers to see the place in a different light.
After five years of being there the company I worked for was going through a merge with a different company. A massive layoff occurred and I no longer had a job. The great part was I was already painting and playing with different art mediums on canvas for about 2 years before the layoff happened. Art was my therapy during stressful times and now I decided it would be my focus to clear my mind until I find out what’s next in my career.
Fast forward 5 years later art is still my focus and my full time thing. With the help of social media, friends, followers, art collectors, city art programs and bit of word of mouth my career is still on the rise.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles with being an artist has multiple challenges. One moment you can have a creative block. Then there’s moments of imposter syndrome while trying to stay consistent with production and staying on top of your social media content. Feeling like you need the approval or acceptance of an audience can as appear questioning if you’re creating the right kind of arts.
Finding new collectors in times of droughts when bills are due and more art needs to be sold can be stressful as well. New audiences that aren’t aware of you are can become finicky overly picky about what they buy.
The best thing to do is continue to pour into your core audience. Eventually others will follow as your messages will soon penetrate different audiences and different cultures.
Never stop creating and always share your work to the public.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m visual artist. A visual artist is someone who uses their hands to create different forms of art. Some moments I’m painting acrylic on canvas, a large scale mural, various sized sculptures, furniture decor….and the list goes on.
I’m currently known for my use of bold color and using images of hands in most of my pieces.
I would say I’m mostly proud of the fact that I’m not scared to leap into new parts of the art world while creating things I’ve never created before. I take on new challenges head on while learning new ways of producing unfamiliar crafts. That sets me apart from others due to the fact majority of artists are told to stick to one thing and one style. I see it as expanding on my natural God given gifts. I never want to sell my short by. being boxed into one particular thing.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know if good luck or bad luck plays a part in being an artist. I feel some may reap the benefits of being in the right place at the right time or maybe connected to the right person/people. Luck to me is like walking down the street and finding a one hundred dollar bill. Luck is winning the lottery even though you did have to participate by entering the lotto to win.
Bad luck for some people is what I call life. Some people experience more rough life situations than others. Sometimes things can be avoided yet other times it just happens. How you deal with adversity builds character and resilience. Resilience helps anyone fight for greatness.
Staying consistent with a great work ethic naturally attracts great opportunities and good things. Stay focused, keep your head down in your work and avoid distractions for the win in this game.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leonsparker.com
- Instagram: @leonparkervision
- Facebook: Leon Parker Artistry
Image Credits
No photographers. I took these myself with a camera on timer
