We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bam Leon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
So, I’ve managed to make a mostly-steady income doing what I love creatively. Freelancing has always been my thing—I’m a designer by trade, and I’ve been at it professionally for about 14 years now. Six of those years, I’ve spent as a full-time freelancer right in the heart of New York City. It wasn’t exactly the path I had in mind, but hey, it’s been quite the ride.
My journey into full-time freelancing actually began while I was still in college at UArts, working towards my BFA. At the same time, I was also juggling a gig with the National Park Service, where I wore multiple hats doing IT, design, and development work. It was a busy time, but it laid the foundation for what was to come.
During that time I found it easier to move through the world with a company name as opposed to my own. I came up with and developed studio concepts named Venti Leone and Agera Prime, and I didn’t just land gigs—I learned a ton. Managing clients, handling project management, figuring out how to price my services, and navigating legal matters were all part of the gig. I tackled everything from branding projects for companies like Taste Creators to handling all design aspects for artist performances like Veteran Freshman. Additionally I worked with clients like DJ Damage, Blink Not, Lapstone and Hammer, and OCF Realty to name a few.
As time went on, the work I did through those studios snowballed, and before I knew it, I found myself fully immersed in freelancing. Once I graduated and my time with the Park Services came to an end, freelancing became my main source of income. It was a natural progression, really, fueled by the skills and experiences I’d gathered along the way. When I haven’t freelanced, I have worked in more 9 to 5 design settings whether it was brand side or with an agency. Experiences at places like Snipes, Comcast, and leading a design agency in Philly called Productive Machine were invaluable in showing me the more formal side of the game. Pitching, presenting, managing projects and junior talent. Learning methods to work more efficiently and how to pitch for clients. The ins and outs of building a portfolio to showcase your work.
In 2018, things took an unexpected turn when the design agency I was with, Productive Machine hit a rough patch and had to downsize. It was a tough blow, especially since my boss, Jeff Foster, had been one of my biggest supporters and mentors. He assured me he’d support me as much as he could, even offering to continue paying me until he couldn’t anymore and providing references if needed. As the end date in November loomed closer, I felt the pressure mounting.
Despite my efforts to find a new job in the Philly area over the next three months, nothing materialized. With nerves kicking in, I decided to cast a wider net and began applying for positions in cities like NYC, DC, and ATL.
On my last day at the agency, Jeff, his son Alex who served as partner, and I had our usual lunch together, but this time it felt different. We celebrated the time we had together over drinks and food, reminiscing about our shared experiences. On the way back to the office, I received a call that I thought was about an interview opportunity. To my surprise, it was Elite Media Will, an agency in Harlem, expressing interest in working with me on a freelance basis.
Without hesitating, I accepted the offer and took a leap of faith, using my last paycheck to secure an apartment in NYC. Over the course of a whirlwind weekend, I viewed six apartments and made a decision by Sunday to put down a deposit on one. The following Wednesday, I began my journey at Elite Media Will, and since then, I’ve called NYC home. It’s been quite the adventure ever since.
Throughout my time at Elite Media Will, I didn’t stop pursuing full-time roles. However, my stint there only lasted about a month and a half. Suddenly, I found myself back at square one, but this time in a bustling city with significantly higher overhead costs. To navigate this new challenge, I tapped into creative staffing agencies to broaden my search for work. In addition to the countless job applications I was already sending out, I saw this as another avenue to explore. It wasn’t easy, but I remained determined to carve out my place in the creative landscape of the city, one opportunity at a time.
Working with recruiters at those agencies was an absolute lifesaver for me. One opportunity led to another, and before I knew it, I was bouncing all over NYC, working with various brands and agencies on a multitude of projects. Since then, my portfolio has grown extensively, and I’ve worn many hats in different capacities. However, one thing remains constant—I’ve never landed a full-time role.
Most of my work these days revolves around freelance gigs, consulting, or contracting. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed agencies like Translation, Kingsland, Productive Machine, and VMLY&R, among others. Through these partnerships and through others on my own, I’ve had the opportunity to work with notable brands such as Amazon, Formulus Black, AT&T, Lobos, Beyond 8, and many more. Whether it’s through my own freelance ventures or opportunities presented by recruiters or my network, I’ve been fortunate to continuously contribute to exciting projects across various industries.
It’s been quite the journey, filled with its fair share of challenges. Despite boasting a well-versed portfolio and a stellar skill set, navigating the fiercely competitive talent market, the unpredictable shifts brought on by the pandemic, and the constant hustle to find work have all been significant hurdles. It can be downright exhausting at times. Sometimes contracts end and the time to find another creates a gaping hole in finances, which as you can imagine might look like trouble paying rent or taking care of responsibilities.
I’ve experienced both highs and lows throughout this journey. There have been moments of stability that felt incredibly rewarding, but there have also been times when work slowed to a trickle, leaving me feeling uncertain. Through it all, I’ve come to realize that while money may come and go, there are certain things that are truly invaluable.
This journey has taught me a great deal about resilience, strength, and faith in myself and my abilities. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of budgeting, particularly when it comes to navigating the complexities of taxes—let’s face it, taxes suck. The time in between contracts or gigs can also suck pretty bad. But somehow, amidst it all, I’ve managed to figure it out on my own. For the past six years, I’ve been running my own creative studio called Therum, which has become the home for much of my work. It’s been a labor of love, filled with both challenges and triumphs, but ultimately, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life.
Absolutely, everything in its own time. Hindsight has this remarkable clarity, doesn’t it? Looking back, it’s easy to think about how we might have moved faster or taken different paths. But truth be told, every experience, every twist and turn, has shaped us in some way.
It’s a bit like connecting the dots backward. We wouldn’t recognize the lessons and insights gained from certain experiences if we hadn’t lived through them. So, I find solace in the belief that everything unfolds as it should.
My story is still unfolding, too. Right now, I find myself in one of those valleys, working my way back up to a peak. But I’m holding onto all that I’ve learned along the way to guide me through this chapter. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth, and I’m determined to emerge stronger and wiser than before. After all, the journey is ongoing, and there are still many chapters left to write.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Bam Leon
I consider myself a curious individual, driven by a relentless desire to explore and comprehend the intricacies of the world. This innate curiosity has been the driving force behind my creative journey. My fascination with design first emerged during my high school years, igniting a path that led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Since then, I have cultivated a dynamic career trajectory, encompassing roles as a freelancer, consultant, and staff member for various esteemed brands, fortunate enterprises, and distinguished creative agencies.
With a wealth of 14 years in the creative realm, I take immense pride in my accomplishments. Notably, I’ve contributed to notable projects such as crafting Brand and Identity for Netflix’s Creative Labs and producing Title Cards and Lower Thirds for esteemed publications like Essence Magazine, Jergens, and Grey Goose.. My expertise extends to building and managing brand and design systems using tools like Figma, with successful implementations for renowned entities such as Ford and SiriusXM.
Additionally, I’ve demonstrated proficiency in developing and maintaining enterprise-scale CMS platforms like WordPress, alongside undertaking full-stack development and UI/UX design responsibilities for esteemed companies like Ny Distilling, Daily Pay, Women in Product and Timberland. Furthermore, my portfolio includes the production of impactful out-of-home creative solutions for entities like Spectrum, Lobos, and Visa as well as the design of web banners, emails, and landing pages for industry giants such as Comcast, JP Morgan Chase, Blackstone, and Altice. To Date I’ve worked with 100s of brands and clients in fashion, retail, media and entertainment, B2B, B2C, real estate, e-commerce, Tech, and more.
My multifaceted interests are a reflection of my muti-hyphenate nature and entrepreneurial journey. When I am not designing, I am listening to or making music. I operate a creative studio known as Therum, where I channel my creativity into various projects. As an entrepreneur, I also helm Sidemoney, an apparel company, alongside my ventures in auto, real estate, and cannabis industries planned for this year. Inspired by the world around me, I’m shaped by my experiences, both wins and losses, acceptances and rejections. Through these experiences, I’ve honed a diverse skill set, taking pride in my talents and often taking on multifaceted roles. As a creative savant, I thrive outside the box, gravitating towards the experimental and daring. Ultimately, my aspiration is to share my knowledge and inspire others, perhaps one day teaching and mentoring to spread creativity and innovation.
What distinguishes me from others is my unique thought process, which feels almost otherworldly at times. I believe my innate talent lies in my unwavering determination—once I set my mind to something, I have the confidence and ability to excel at it. What I’m doing now is simply a choice I’ve made, driven by this belief in my capabilities and a deep sense of purpose.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting creatives is all about connecting on a personal level. Here’s how we can do it:
Pay for their work: It’s simple—show your appreciation by paying artists for what they do. It’s not just about the money; it’s about recognizing the effort and talent they put into their craft. I would also say to abolish the NET payment system many of us have to deal with. At best a NET 14 makes sense, as most people are paid biweekly. Asking creatives to work for basically free from 30, 60, to 90 days is completely unacceptable. We are being asked to be professional and produce high quality assets yet the companies seemingly want us to be responsible for their financial situations. That has nothing to do with us. I would encourage those working with creatives to truly re-examine their relationships with creatives and their own organizations. Should you really be engaging with creative talent if you can’t pay them properly or timely? I think the answer is no.
Share and talk about their work: Spread the love! Share their creations with others and start conversations about what makes them special. It’s a great way to show support and introduce others to new artists. Too many times people are wrapped up in the final product and at times cut the actual creatives out. NDAs are the only time this makes sense as creativity is sensitive. But more times than not people use creatives for their own spotlight.
Celebrate their contributions: Let’s give credit where it’s due. Celebrate the impact creatives have on our lives and communities. Whether it’s through awards or just a heartfelt shoutout, every bit of recognition counts. A tag, a mention, a “hey this person did this” goes such a long way. I often wonder how much that could’ve helped me in various ways over the years.
And let’s not forget about community. Building connections with other creatives is key. It’s not just about sharing ideas—it’s about finding inspiration, support, and a sense of belonging. So let’s come together and create something amazing!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My main goal in life is pretty simple: I want to use my creativity to help people and educate others. Kids and young folks are especially close to my heart because I truly believe in the power of art to help them express themselves, understand their feelings, and tap into their creativity.
I’m all about using my creative skills to brighten someone’s day or make a positive impact in their life. Whether it’s through drawing, writing, or any other form of art, I want to spread joy and inspiration wherever I can.
And then there’s education. I’m super passionate about making sure kids have the chance to explore their creative side. I think it’s crucial for their growth and development, helping them become more resilient and open-minded individuals. I am actually looking into teaching opportunities at my high school and searching for ways to teach at university.
So, yeah, that’s me—just a regular person trying to make the world a little bit better, one creative spark at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bamleon.com
- Instagram: bvmcmxci
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bamleon/
- Other: www.theurm.us