We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leon Tillman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Technology/Social Media has been the biggest challenge as an artist. Like the great Nina Simone, I seek to put out a message rather rather than gaining fame, Technology, especially social media has given society a platform to create an over-saturation of “artists.” Technology feeds the instant gratification bug and now shortcuts to producing masterful work are utilized by the masses. Likes and fame are now the focal point of today’s artist instead of speaking to people’s hearts and creating pieces that change the thinking of our world.

Leon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Leon Tillman and most people call me Lee or “Art.” I grew up in Brooklyn, New York; raised by an older southern woman who made me work hard and go to church and school. My biological mother along with my mother’s entire family were/are creatives. I currently work a 9-5 (like most artists) as an officer and before becoming law enforcement, I beat cancer (Hodgkin’s lymphoma).

I wanted to be a dentist, but I think my family history in the arts pulled me in. I love creating to make people think differently and more positively. I paint, sculpt, weld, carve and I’m currently working on decorative furniture and a clothing line.

When working on commissioned work, I like to ask a lot of questions. Asking many questions helps my clients feel more at ease, and at the same, keeps them in the know.

What sets me apart from most artists (MOST), is that I’m genuine. I’m not out to get people for their money. I rather teach a lesson and get my art out to as many people as I can. This helps beautify the world little by little.

I’m most proud of the mural I painted of Jesus in the church I attended as a child. My Nana (who was my guardian) was very proud and that was special for me.

My work comes from the heart like many, but I always make sure it’s from a positive place. Love. Peace. ART.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My life is the story of resilience. I’ve lost a mother to drugs when I was 12yrs old. As I mentioned, I beat cancer and around these times of hardship, I created my most notable works, and performed at my best.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

College was cool, but there’s so much pressure upon entering, especially choosing your major. I wanted to pursue science and dentistry but a mentor told me to do what I love, and that sparked my career as an artist.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leontillman.com
• Instagram: @_arttillman_