Conversations with Monsieur Lamont

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monsieur Lamont

Hi Monsieur, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The emergence of Monsieur LaMont was the birth of my new found love for art and death of the person I was. I found myself yearning for a new passion and expertise. Although my career has always been centered around my creativity, it never allowed me to express the emotions and kept me contained to a box that was essentially not fit for me.

My move to Atlanta, Georgia from St. Louis, Missouri helped solidify the foundation into various creative spaces. Although the transition removed my safety net, it allowed me to find comfortability in the uncomfortable. I found myself working harder than ever and landing notable projects with Hip-Hop and R&B artists and even local colleges. The success wasn’t sufficient as I knew there was more to my talent that I could offer.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to Monsieur LaMont was personal. I had to mentally, physically and spiritually reset. As black men, we aren’t given the proper tools to deal with our emotions appropriately, so we look to toxic coping mechanisms to suppress our internal issues. Finding yourself in depression can be shocking to even yourself, because the numbness you’ve been feeling isn’t apparent until you’re alone. I did the work. I did the work to find coping mechanisms that spoke to my inner childhood passions and trauma and brought me internal peace.

I started my journey with a physical change, by being consistent with myself and choosing healthier options. The physical changes then led to mental clarity and an internal realization. I realized I wanted and deserved more. Although, on the outside looking in, my career was taking off, it didn’t make me feel whole. Creating digital art that spoke to me as the man I once was, who I am today and who I want to be tomorrow brought me full circle.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self-taught digital artist specializing in photo realism. I’m currently curating an album containing eight digitally crafted art pieces accompanied by cinematic elements to further capture my story “Karmatic Pneuma”.

I am most proud of being able to tell my story in my own way. I’ve developed a detailed album that hones in on family trauma, heartbreak, depression, rehabilitation and love. The process has shown me the willingness to learn, the consistency to muscle through creative blockers and acquired skills to navigate life.

My vulnerability sets me apart from others as my art tells stories of relatability and embodies a deeper meaning to life’s challenges and successes. Exposing your hand and wearing your heart on your sleeve is taboo for men, especially the ones of color. I pride myself on being the voice for the silent and emotionally reserved.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Graphic design comes with its own skill sets and mastering it over the last 10 years has been one of my major accomplishments. But to take a chance on yourself and learn a new skill like digital art can be intimidating. Digital art specializing in photo realism is a more intricate skill, typically taking years to master. I’ve spent hundreds of hours away from the outside world, my friends and family to enhance my skills in digital art and storytelling to one day become one of the most notable artists in the industry. Beginning this journey just shy of one year ago, I’ve been able to complete five out of eight pieces in my album with meticulous attention to detail and speak to an untapped demographic. Overcoming fear of risk is only the beginning of new goals and accomplishments, that lead to my journey of more stories to be told.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hitone-dma.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MSSR.LAMONT/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElevatedTouchDesigns
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mssr.lamont
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mssr.lamont/featured

Image Credits
@QualityLenz (Quality Lenz)
@hitoneenterprises (HiTone Enterprises)