Artsit Marz Leon lives the lifestyle many of us can only dream about, days filled with crowns (fit for the queen of a Tim Burton movie), clothes, and amazing prints. But seriously, everyone wants to work in art and music, how do you know if you can make it? It takes a specific kind of girl, the kind with balls-out unquestionable confidence, who isn’t afraid to do what she wants, even if no one else likes it. In other words, just the kind of girl Marz represents. Marz formed a fast friendship with Dorothy (of Dorothy The Band fame, obviously) over fashion: the artist has designed a pair of headphones and even a pair of moon-boots for her friend’s After Midnight music video. In this interview, Marz reveals it all to Dorothy, from what’s on her playlist to her secret dream job.
Interview by Stephanie Janetos and Dorothy
How did you get into art, fashion and design and how did you know you wanted to do it for a living?
It’s not something I do for a living, it’s a lifestyle. Since I was a small child, I just always expressed my creativity through clothing, music, and art.
We both know it’s hard to make it in music and art. What’s your advice for those who don’t know if they want to commit to a creative path and those who are struggling to make it?
M: I always say if it doesn’t come naturally, don’t do it. If you feel it from your heart, never give up, no matter how tough the road is and always put your full soul into it until you are at a level of happiness and truly content. It will always be a struggle to get to where you want to be in life, just keep in mind that the struggle is always beautiful – good or bad. It’s what makes you, YOU. Never give up on yourself.
Any tips for finding the perfect creative outlet?
If it comes from the heart, pursue it.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
Fashion and directing.
What’s the craziest artistic method you’ve experimented with?
Everything I experience in life is crazy. And I plan to continue my days experimenting with more to grow into an even better artist each day.
The boots you made for my “After Midnight” video were so sick – how long did it take you to make those?
Merci. About 20 mins.
Would you ever design for or collaborate with a brand? Which one?
Of course. I plan to collab with plenty of brands I’ve looked up to. Just making my way in to connect and vibe with them first. I know they’d love my mind as I love theirs.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever designed? Your least favorite?
I love all my pieces old and new. My crowns are always my top favorite because they resemble how worthy I am to myself.
Who are your artistic influences?
Alexander McQueen, UEG, Frank Ocean, Lady Gaga, anything or anyone out of their “right” mind and thyself.
Which time period or artistic movement do you find the most inspirational?
Man, can’t give my juice away!
Share some music with me – what are you listening to right now?
Always myself first, along with Frank Ocean, Etta James, SADE, Musiq Soulchild, Frank Sinatra, and Post Malone.
What’s next for you?
Music and more music.