Meet Leonardo Smith | Anime and Video Game Shoe Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leonardo Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leonardo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been invested in art, even at an early age. Art is, and always will be, a route for me to express creative thoughts onto a medium for others to enjoy. I pursued shoe art because I’m a huge fan of owning something unique, that no one else can call as their own. So it only made sense for me be able to help and elevate that thought. My art career is far from over, but I’m truly enjoying the journey of all the aspects the art world has to offer.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart from a VERY vast market, is how I apply my art and my thought process behind the art. It’s easy to just slap an anime character on a pair of shoes and call it done. But it what makes you different is knowing HOW you want to illustrate the character. I really pride myself on trying to achieve a the very emotion of a character to help express the moment. Initially that wasn’t the case, but like anything you do in life, you have to evolve to get better. Now EACH and EVERY piece MUST have a story told on it, One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was to NOT compare my progress to others. That is really a graveyard of thought for a lot of artist. Once I put the blinders on, and instead of comparing, looked at others work that was better as inspiration and a teaching moment, it was a night and day difference. Even to this day, if I see a piece that was done real good, ill look at and be like, “Yeah! There’s a lot I can gain from this!”

It really helps an artist a tremendous amount to be able to humbly accept their own flaws in order to gain in return.

So in essence, my journey has been a very interesting one, I’ve seen highs and seen lows, what never changed was my attitude towards how I wanted to see myself! So if anything, I hope my story can be inspiration for anyone wanting to do something, doesn’t have to be art, they are passionate about without feeling remorse or doubt. Believe in yourself and abilities, and the rest is sure to fall in line!

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?
Well its Atlanta, so there’s something happening somewhere almost on the daily haha! But for me I’d probably take them to a few art exhibits. Oddly, I actually like going to the zoo, its just something with me and nature that I really like to connect with(I probably would’ve ended up being a zoologist eventually) Now as far as nightlife, I’d probably go to the Battery, there’s a very nice selection of restaurants and bars in the area to choose from(always drink responsibly folks!) If the Hawks are playing, most likely go see a game, its always pretty dope seeing them play live! Most likely I’d have to end the trip out with a night of Karaoke, there are some really awesome spots in the Doraville area! I’m usually not a fan of clubs anymore, they’ve lost their shine in my life, so most likely a lot of the night spots we’d venture to would be chill spots, maybe with some live music!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Man, there are a lot of influences that have me in the position I’m in. First I have to give all due to the one above! It truly wouldn’t be possible without it! Second, for my family and friends. It’s always great to have a support system of some way, especially when you aren’t feeling 100% yourself. My actual artist name itself is inspiration from my own mother. The word “ichiro” is Japanese for “first son”. Me being my moms’ only son, it made sense to pay homage to my mom! Also, I have to give praise to my amazing clients. I wouldn’t even be able to financially support myself if it wasn’t for the many who loved my art and chose to invest in owning a piece of me. From the Twitch family, to the actual clients, you all make it awesome to continue to do art. Last, but definitely not least, I have to give thanks to all my fellow artist! For inspiring and motivating me, to take the leap of faith in my ability as an artist. The list of colleagues are pretty vast because the art community is so huge but believe me, every conversation I have with people really goes into consideration on how I approach my art, business, and life in general. I truly love everyone who has been apart of the journey I’m on!

Website: https://www.ichiroink.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichiroink

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ichiroink

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ichiroink

Image Credits
Image credits to Funimation, Toei Animation, Shonen JUMP, Viz Media, Cartoon Network