Meet Leon Parker

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leon Parker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leon below.

Leon, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome can truly affect work production and progress if you allow the thoughts in your head to feel as if they are real. I overcome by first reminding myself that I truly love what I do and I’ve been creating for most of my life. Therefore, I have the right to be in this space. Another big contributing factor is going over the list of clients and collectors who sought after my work. Meaning, they found me and wanted my services.

Not too long I had to document a list of work related projects I’ve worked on over the past few years for a city wide grant for artists. After taking the time to gather my past jobs I wowed myself by the amount of achieved accomplishments listed. The most important part was not only was the list impressive but the clients simply chose me to work with them. This may not sound like much but when someone or quite a few people choose you to do something, that means they believe you are good at what you do. That really says a lot. It feels good. They could’ve chose anyone but, they chose me…. The feeling of being wanted, sought after and trusted can really boost your confidence.

The next step is getting back to the work. Keep working and never stop creating. Create, create, create…. post to social media…and document your journey. Show your audience what you’ve been working on. Let them see you are passionate and serious about your craft. I have a saying…. “People won’t know you make dope sh…t if you don’t create dope sh..t!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a visual artist. That means I create visual works of art with my hands. I actually started making money weekly doing this as a teenager by painting designs on denim clothing for my peers and adults. Now I’m doing the same thing later in life in as an adult working with private collectors, small businesses, corporations, and people who simply love art.

I have a range of experience with painting large canvas art, sculptures, large scale wall murals, creative decor, digital design and brand concepts. I work in different mediums, therefore my day to day is always changing. The challenge of working in different mediums definitely keeps you on your toes. Sometimes I really don’t know what to expect due to the many changes I experience. I feel working with clay and sculptures are the most difficult.

Being creative inspires me to achieve. Making art for the world to see feels amazing when you can challenge the barriers of what is considered normal. Having the ability to make people dig deep into their inner thoughts, spark conversations or simply making them stare at something I made with my hands is a heart felt experience.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Have an understanding of who you want to be as an artist.
2. Stay consistent. Continue working on your craft and challenge yourself to be better.
3. Show your work. Expose your art to as many eyes as possible.

My advice for upcoming artists is create your own style. Yes of course a few things get borrowed or stolen but you want to be known for your creativity. Having the style of another artists eventually won’t seem so creative and will make it hard for you to stand out

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I love seeing a great collaboration between two types of companies wit different audiences. Giving the people something they would never expect from two of their favorite brands is so exciting.

My goal is continue partnering with brands and showing them in a different light based on how I produce their product(s) or service with my designs.

If anyone wants to temporarily redesign their company with custom colorful product design, pop-up art exhibitions or add a nice piece of decor on their wall. I’m all ears if the opportunity feels good and makes sense.

“Let’s see how creative we can get!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LeonSparker.com
• Instagram: @leonparkervision
• Facebook: Leon Parker Artistry
• Youtube: Leon S Parker Artistry

Image Credits

Photo of me walking across the street with a painting in was shot by photographer Kenneth L Howard