Today we’d like to introduce you to Leon Araujo.
Hi Leon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always made art. I remember being a young child, sitting in the backseat of my parent’s car as we drove through the colorful streets of Mexico City and admiring all of the graffiti and art on the walls. I would always think to myself. “One day, one day I will have my art on a wall for all people to see”.
As I grew up, the dream never went away, however, I did get shy and didn’t share my art as much. I always strived for doing art or having an artistic job. I would always sign up for art classes throughout my education. I took a couple of design classes at the ATC until I couldn’t afford them anymore. I preferred living on my own and working over continuing my education.
I worked in the restaurant industry for years. Once COVID hit our doors at Coffee Links (my place of employment at the time) I wanted to help. I decided to do a quick sketch of the building in my notebook, I included the name of the business, the operating hours, address, phone number, social media, and website. I posted it online, and it got a lot of shares. I thought to myself, “wait a minute, there are a lot of other businesses and restaurants I love, I can show some support this way”.
I went ahead and do a few other business facades on my sketchbook, included their information, and posted them online. People really seem to enjoy those and they would get a lot of shares and likes. I ended up doing over 52 buildings total. At this time, my sketches were being shared all over social media. The magazine Indie Ogden sent me a message, they wanted to use a collage of some of the sketches I made as to their cover art!
I couldn’t believe what was happening. I said, “okay, let’s do it”. Shortly after the organization Ogden Downtown Alliance also hit me up. They wanted me to do a couple of their social media posts. I ended up being part of more projects with them. Created their end-of-the-year report art cover, social media grids, illustrations, and a small mural over tri-ply wood. I created a backdrop for a musical production “Catharsis II” with Good Co. Theatre.
I continued my relationship with Indie Ogden and ended up creating video blogs (“Ogden together”) for important community members. The relationship ended up developing into a partnership for a brand new company; Rail City Productions. Fast forward to 2021 We evolved Ogden Together into OGtv and I acquired full creative control over it. Rail City started having concerts at local markets and First Friday Art Strolls.
We were able to bring to Ogden a Hip Hop Legend Chali 2na, we had the best local hip hop artists Kenai Reyna, Wes Burke, and Earthworm open up for him and it marked a milestone in the company’s history. Some of the music videos created in 2021 received awards. I later joined the Dia de Los Muertos festival from Nurture the Creative Mind in Ogden. Which happens around the end of October and the beginning of November. It was my first time as part of a committee.
The festival was a success and I cannot wait for this year. I had my first art show on Jan. 2022 and it was amazing to see the support from my friends and family. I have gotten to participate in incredible projects and events! I debuted my live painting performance as I participated in Salt Lake City’s second Art Battle. I was encouraged to apply for the Ogden’s city art committee and was recently accepted.
At this time, I’m creating cover art, continuing OGtv, making logos for artists, making merchandise, and directing music videos as well as serving my community through the committees. You can find some of my art on the historic 25th st. in Ogden, online on my Instagram and Facebook (@noise_explosion), and soon on a wall on Washington Blvd. Once I finish my first mural!
It has all been thanks to your support and love. I am extremely thankful.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road but I am happy to have been challenged throughout my travels.
One of the biggest challenges for me, personally, has been learning how much workload I am physically and mentally capable of finishing. Staying at a creative sweet spot has also been challenging.
Through lessons, I learned from talking with other successful artists and other members of my community I have been able to keep chasing my dream. Always pushing through the lazy days, the sad days, and the in-between days.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a visual artist based out of Ogden, Utah. I specialize in digital media and photography but all kinds of visual arts are fun to be part of. I am known for my wide variety of vibrant, bold, and contemporary styles.
The diversity in my art shines through music videos, interviews, abstract illustrations, creative portrait photography, branding, and more. Out of all the things, I am the proudest of is how many friends I’ve made throughout my career.
Getting to know so many members of my community on a personal level and being able to collaborate with so many talented artists make my heart full. What sets me apart from others is my community-focused approach and for using my art to promote other artists and businesses.
What do you think about luck?
I like to think I am extremely lucky to have so much support in my life. My friends and family’s support have helped my pursuits.
Pricing:
- Portrait Photography starts at $250
- Video project starts at $500
- Illustrations start at $60
- Murals (Pricing depending on size)
- Branding starts at $1500
Contact Info:
- Email: rosanegramedia@gmail.com
- Instagram: @noise_explosion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noiseexplosionogden/?ref=pages_you_manage
Image Credits
Austin “Ozzy” Jamieson, Andre DuBois, Jordan Verdadeiro, and @Noise_explosion
