Kiri Østergaard Leonard is an artist, storyteller and creator living in Austin, Texas. She’s been drawing ever since she was a child, but decided to take art more seriously by the age of 19. Since then she’s attended several art schools, had mentorships and started her very first personal and commercial art project The Fairy Pin-up calendar in 2012. Then in 2013 she started a freelance career and has stayed on that path ever since. She mostly works in the realm of digital art but much of her work and education is based on experience from traditional art. What makes Kiri’s artstyle outstanding is her interest in everything related to folklore, specifically northern european storytelling culture and mythology. She’s inspired by everything from the nature in her home country Denmark and H.C Anderson’s fairytales to D&D and Unicorns. Immediately when you look at her artwork i can feel a spark of curiosity and wonder. If you take a look at her online portfolio there’s no doubt that she’s mastered the art of creating a thousand words with a single painting. If you take a look at her website’s about page you’ll see a picture of her arm with a couple of tattoo’s reading 

“Be true to your work and your work will be true to you”

“Do it to make your soul grow”

Kiri’s journey in art is a living testament to these quotes. Her personality clearly translates into her artwork. And even though she’s had her ups and downs in art, she’s kept on working hard with the aim of a successful career. And that work ethic and focus has been fruitful to say the least. Please enjoy today's episode with Kiri Østergaard Leonard. 

Kiri's website https://kirileonard.com/

Kiri's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/hellcow64

Kiri's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kirileonard/