Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richy Leafs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Richy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

As an artist, so many people only see the good things you do in life and most likely disregard the struggles and obstacles you might have to over come. For an example my ultimate goal was to completely be free from my employer and support myself in my dreams. I worked so hard and gave every ounce of myself for many years to finally push my small photography business and for years it was amazing but with tough times and losing a family member I was shot back down and had to make a hard decision to get back to the 7-7 grind. My ego was pushed and some of my intrusive thoughts had me backed into a corner as if I failed myself and that was a feeling that I truly disliked.

The beautiful thing about getting older is that with time you get to learn that adversity and ambition is what keeps you going forward and my struggles only make me a better person and a better artist. Sometimes your road will have it’s delays and it’s own alternate routes but the important thing is; is that you keep pushing forward and you’ll see the results you want. Just remember to keep pushing and to find acceptance in your mistakes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello,

I’m Richy Leafs and I am a artist/photographer based out of Portland, Oregon.
I’ve spent most of my time shooting environmental portrait photography and creating visual projects that best represents my passion for the culture, wether that be chicano culture or culture of street fashion and hiphop.

Honestly as a young teen I started doing hiphop and learning how to mix and engineer myself and even going as far as building somewhat of a brand off the name “Leafs” inside of my local hiphop community. When I was 18-19 I moved to Los Angeles to pursue music but really ended up falling in love with visual art but even though I fell in love I was mostly sticking to music at the time and just had friends who were into shooting short films and photography. As I got older and moved back to Portland, I started producing music videos and cypher videos for myself and thats when I really got introduced to creating visual art. I have always loved the idea of blowing myself up in a creative way and I’ve always had big ideas for visuals floating in my head and it wasn’t till after I’ve done my first little hiphop tour is where I just wanted to be behind the scenes and create visual art.

In my late twenties I realized I had bigger ambitions for myself and photography was going to play a big part in my journey. I figured if I learn the visual aspects of the game It would bring a more dynamic and cinematic experience to my music but honestly it lead me down a road where I honestly forgot to hit the record button in the studio. Even though on the occasion I will record a track but most of the time I’m always searching for that new photo shoot location and finding ways to be innovative and create photos that will best represent who I am. What inspires me the most is colors! I’m always starting off with the color selection and then the ideas grow from there.
I can be driving down the road and if I see a location (building) and if the colors and esthetic hit me just right I will ponder for days and even weeks to find a way to create a set and style my model there. Sometimes it will eat me up so the best thing you can do is just get to it when the opportunity arrives!

As a photographer I am hoping that I can create a legacy and not just for myself but for chicano/hiphop culture. I have always spent my days admiring people like Eddie Guerrero, Kendrick Lamar, and Lourdes Grobet and I loved how they left a foot print in their craft and culture. I hope one day that I can do the same and leave a legacy where kids can gain inspiration from me as well.

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

As a person of color I wished I knew more about community recourses! I have always done things on my own and some what still work that way but if you’re in the Portland Oregon scene reach out to RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council.) They are providing opportunities all different types of artist in the community.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I have spent Many hours grinding wether that was on a fishing boat in Alaska or finding a job that paid me enough. I always made it a thing to always set aside money strictly for my craft. The truest thing about independent artist is that you must fight through the weeds of regular mundane jobs to get where you want to get. The end goal wasn’t to get a job and give up on my days off but to spend my days off for creating and to save for equipment that will end up getting myself more opportunities to create an income.
Being an independent artist isn’t a get rich quick scheme but its a slow burn and being inspired and motivated will always put you on top.
So yes I Saved for months and took small steps to creating my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.richyleafsphotography.com
• Instagram: @highleafs

Image Credits
Jimmy Mendoza Chofas Toombs Jodecy