We were lucky to catch up with Justin Groom recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I remember in elementary school seeing some kids setting up STAR WARS figurines and creating stop-motion animation videos and just thinking that was the coolest thing. I knew I wanted to do something creative, so started drawing – I made pages of stick-figure battles. Epic samurai sword – machine gun battles. I had a red pen and a black pen. And I just kept on drawing from there, all the way through high school, when those pages of stick-figures became pages of comic books – zombie comics. The kids liked the gore – the teachers were concerned.

Walking around my neighborhood in my high school years in Tampa, FL, I passed this music store called Greenshift. There, I met a man named Al Shevy, and he would be instrumental in moving my artistic path forward – inviting me to illustrate for his periodical WORLD OF FANDOM, and by serving as editor for my comic BIOHAZARD, which I published on my own label – OmniComics – while still in high school.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My artistic career is currently in its second iteration – and there was a 20-year gap between the first and second. As a late-teen, early twenty-something, I was pretty sure comic books were my future. That and illustration, for children’s books mostly – and murals. I painted nightclubs in Ybor City and did trompe l’oeils and 3D art panels – moving beyond murals into creating atmospheres. But by about 1997, I second-guessed art as a legitimate career path for myself, and changed course – working corporate jobs and in family businesses. Around 2017, a long-time collector and friend encouraged me to put pen to paper again, and I eased back into art. In 2019, I met my current partner, who has been a major influence in the rejuvenation of my career, and the pandemic was the final catalyst to say, “This is who I am, and how I want to spend my time on this planet.”

All of my work derives from an illustrator’s heart – I am always crafting narratives even in the most seemingly simple things. I enjoy pen and ink as well as digital, appreciating each for what they offer. Recently, I had my first opportunity in 25 years to create on a large scale – completing a public art utility box commission – and it renewed my desire to paint murals.

I finalized the LLC for my creative business in 2022 – Leafmore Studios – with my partner, Becca McCoy. We began with primarily vendor markets and paper crafts, and by the end of the year, had 25 gallery exhibits, 4 public art projects, and 2 book covers completed. We create original fine art, sell merchandise based on my designs, collaborate together with pieces called “Illustrated Photos” – where I hand-draw onto her photography creating little vignettes, and offer creative services such as cover art, logo and poster designs, and individual commissions. We are the right fit for clients looking for strong visual narratives, with an appreciation of distinct line work and touches of whimsy or irreverence.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When my work truly connects with someone. As a young artist, it can be a challenge to identify your own style, or Voice, or be confident in what you authentically do. Returning to art later in life comes with some logistical challenges but it also comes with life experience and knowledge of self. Being unapologetic about my style and THEN having someone connect to it is so rewarding because it is real.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I am learning about grants and other kinds of support, and I wish I’d known about things like that sooner (and wish I knew now how to secure them more regularly). In terms of materials, I recently discovered paint markers – like POSCA and Montana – which have blown my world wide open. To be able to translate my line art to different surfaces, at different sizes – just a flick of my wrist. And in terms of technology, I continue to learn Clip Studio Paint, which is a fantastic digital medium for my style. And lastly, in terms of community, I have been so grateful for everyone I’ve been able to connect with through the Atlanta metro art markets and such. Finding like-minded people, learning by sharing knowledge and experiences – my work may be independent but I thrive as an artist within a tribe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leafmore-studios.square.site/justin-groom
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyenduser/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinGroom420
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-groom-40395779/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/leafmorestudios
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@happyenduser
• Other: ArtStation – https://www.artstation.com/happyenduser Threadless Artist Shop – https://happyenduser.threadless.com

Image Credits
Becca McCoy