Today we’d like to introduce you to Leroy Dawson
Hi Leroy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved drawing. However, it wasn’t until high school that I considered art a career option, and it was not until my 20s that I earnestly pursued a career and education as a graphic artist.
2016 was a pivotal year. Out of the blue, I was invited to participate in a showcase by RAW Artists, an organization I had never heard of, at City Winery. Immediately, I was skeptical – “How did they find me?”, “Am I ready for a public art show?”, “Is this a scam?” – but I took the plunge, showed up, and had an amazing night! Numerous people visited my booth, talked about and bought my art! At the end of the evening, I was approached by a woman who encouraged me to participate in the Franklin Art Crawl. I was thrilled! I had participated in my first art exhibit, and was already booking my next! I received other invitations that year, and enthusiastically said ‘yes’ to every opportunity to share my art! Since then, I’ve displayed my artwork at numerous venues and across multiple platforms, building “Leroy Draws Things”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it’s been a path pockmarked with periods of uncertainty. I doubted my ability to make a living with my art. “How do I make enough money creating?”, “How do I run a business and get clients?”, “How do I get my art seen?”, and “What pushes me to create and how do I stay motivated?” were some questions that plagued me. Bills, stability, and company benefits took priority; and the security blanket of consistent pay at my “regular” job often convinced me to downplay my art as a hobby or side hustle. My confidence would ebb and flow and I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to make it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create shareable, sometimes wearable art. I love working with colored pencils, acrylic, chalk, and markers. I make stickers, customize shoes, and create illustrations of all sizes. From past showcases, I gained a reputation as “the noun guy” for an earlier series called “Every Noun and Then”, and now, I want to be known as a solid human who’s also a solid artist. I want people to enjoy my aesthetic, but also to enjoy my company, want to work with me, and say “That’s a guy who I like being around. I enjoy his energy.”
What sets me apart from others? At the risk of sounding cliche, my lived experience. My upbringing, experiences, and people who have touched my life all contribute to what makes me, me! It influences what I draw, and how I approach a creative problem from brainstorming to finished composition.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Apples are one of my favorite fruits, and for roughly 6 years I avoided them. I shattered one of my front teeth in 6th grade doing The Worm. My dentist constructed a tooth for me, but I was terrified that it would be sensitive or easily destroyed. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I mindlessly bit into an apple. I recall yelling and being so thrilled because of my “accomplishment”, but not explaining to anyone around me why I was yelling – I probably looked ridiculous. Now, anytime I eat an apple, I remember that time and feel compelled to eat more apples to celebrate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leroydrawsthings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leroydrawsthings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leroydrawsthings
