Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leonardo Ledesma & Sea Zeda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Leonardo Ledesma & , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Leonardo:

Being an entrepreneur is fraught with risk. From day one, leaving architecture to pursue a career in the arts and taking calculated risks is what has propelled the business forward. There are never any guarantees your business will succeed especially a business in the visual arts. Selecting which artists to represent is one type of risk as it entails finding an artist whom you can develop a good working relationship, whom your clientele will respond favorably to over many years. Another type of risk is deciding which client relationship to cultivate as it takes a lot of time and energy that doesn’t always reap rewards.

Recently we had a very promising and lucrative project with a client that was going to commission several large scale works of art. We had been developing a rapport with this client over several months. Contracts had been executed, detailed design concepts had been presented and deposits paid. Everything was going according to plan when the client unexpectedly pulled the plug. It was a huge disappointment but that’s just the nature of the beast sometimes. You have to pick yourself up and dust yourself off and move on. Over time you learn to enjoy the highs and weather the lows of a business that can be a real roller coaster ride!

Leonardo Ledesma & , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Leonardo:

I founded Art Seen, as a multidisciplinary fine art advisory in 1993, driven by a deep appreciation for art and architecture. My creative passions led me to establish the business after recognizing untapped talent at the University of Southern California, where I was an architecture student. Over three decades, I have curated a diverse selection of global artists, shaping environments and fostering creativity in Los Angeles and beyond. My mission is to connect art with appreciative audiences. Art Seen has thrived as a conduit between artists and buyers of art, shaping environments with captivating artworks and fostering the careers of exceptional artists worldwide.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Sea:

Leonardo and I joined forces in the last few years. We met at an industry event in West Hollywood in 2019 and immediately connected on our shared love of art, design, aesthetics and culture. After a career in design and the applied arts, I’ve slowly come on board to support our initiatives and to bring attention to Art Seen’s portfolio of artists. Leonardo and I are partners in both work and life. We are most proud of the artists’ careers we are able to promote and the clients whose spaces are brightened by beautiful works of art. We’ve found that our personalities and skill-sets are incredibly complimentary. It might be rare to share your career passions with your partner, but if you do it can truly be magic.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Sea:

I find the most reward in the deep appreciation and understanding I’ve developed for the craftsmanship behind everything. Having worked in luxury fashion, artisan furniture, and fine art throughout my career, I don’t just see a blouse, a painting, or a chair; I recognize the intricate processes and skills required to create them. This magnified appreciation enriches my perspective and enjoyment of life.

Additionally, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and connections through creative community is immensely fulfilling. Not only do I promote and sell others’ artworks, but I also have my own artistic practice, allowing me to bring ideas into fruition. My education in textiles, apparel, and art at Pratt Institute laid the groundwork for this. In the creative world, ideas without action remain unfulfilled, and bringing concepts to life is essential – both the process and the final product bring rewarding satisfaction. That’s what we live for individually and together as Art Seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laartseen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artseenla/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-seen/

Image Credits

Art Seen, Carlos Gonzalez, Tanveer Badal, Gregg DeGuire