Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiri Leonard.
Hi Kiri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in the oldest European kingdom: Denmark, home of the Vikings and H. C. Andersen. It’s a small country spread over 400+ islands in the north. I am descended from old-world farmers who worked their fields with hands and horses. I grew up in a village of just 180 people, surrounded by beautiful nature and animals. While living in Denmark, I attended The Academy of Fine Arts in Århus. Later, I continued my studies in art at Pratt Institute in New York City, USA. I could only afford one year at Pratt Institute, but it was one of the best years of my life. After that, I was faced with the choice of returning home to Denmark or taking the leap into a career as an artist. I knew I wanted to be an artist, so I took the leap and began my career as a freelance illustrator. It has not always been easy, but it has always been the right path. Every day I wake up, I am thankful I can do this for a living.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Making a living as an artist requires much more than just learning to make good artwork. You also need to be educated on how to run a business, how to design products, how to market yourself, how to do social media, how to do taxes, and so on. The first hurdle in learning the language of art is learning how to get it in front of the right audience that’ll connect with it. It took me many years to figure this out on my own, and if I were to do it over, I would be more open to seeking out courses, teachers, and mentors earlier. It will save you so much time!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m passionate about folklore, mythology, and their impact on the human experience. I’m also enamored with imagination, nature, animals, whimsical worlds, fantasy art, and the psychology behind them, which are topics I frequently explore in my work. I’m a storyteller at heart and am currently working on two book projects of my own making: Montague Mouse and Locke the Legend. In my work, I combine deeper themes of life with adventurous, whimsical, wondrous visuals and sometimes with a touch of darkness and mystery. I am most known for an award-winning tarot deck called ‘The Green Witch Tarot,’ which I had the pleasure of illustrating for Author Ann Moura. Beyond that, I’ve also worked with companies such as Wacom, ArtStation, Paizo, Orbit Publishing, and more and had the pleasure of working for large brand products such as Pathfinder and The Witcher. Beyond art and writing, I am passionate about animals, philosophy, art history, cooking, gaming, and adventure roleplaying games.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 Crisis was hard for many people. In my field many artists struggled with loss of income from the cancelled art shows and conventions. A good bulk of artist’s income is reliant on meeting people in person and them being able to see the artwork up close and talk to the artist. For myself, I was incredibly fortunate that I was working on some larger client projects at the time that didn’t require in person attendance. The value of having a well cared for online presence through social media but also an online shop was highlighted through that crisis.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valkiri.llc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkiri_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiri.oestergaard.leonard
Image Credits
Kiri Leonard
