Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Ingram.
Will, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started drawing on sneakers in 5th grade, doing flames on my black Chucks. Eventually, the designs got more colorful and surreal, and I kept wearing my hand-drawn sneakers around as I got older. I remember a P.E. coach told me “I know the other kids think your shoes are pretty gay, but I think they’re kind of cool.”
That’s when I knew I was onto something. Eventually, more and more people started commissioning sneakers of their own, then it snowballed into other types of projects ranging from custom jackets and skateboards to our line of apparel that features the LOTF style of art.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, let me back up for a second. I’ve been doing sneaker art since elementary school, but Land of the Freak actually came into existence in 2009 as a zine. I was 15, and my friend Juleon and I wanted to promote DIY bands around Atlanta.
We released a couple compilation CD’s with the zine, and by the time I moved to Athens in 2012, the main focus was releasing music and putting on shows. I see my art and music as one body that discusses the same ideas, but it started getting confusing because my bandmates are talented musicians, not employees of a sneaker company.
So LOTF went through a lot of evolution before it became the visual and merchandising wing of expressing those concepts. Honestly, the hardest thing now is finding time to do non-art activities like laundry, grocery shopping, or being social. The art is going to happen regardless.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Land of the Freak – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The most important piece of Land of the Freak is the “freak.” Our ideology revolves around championing outsiders, outcasts, misfits, and people that value uniqueness over doing what’s cool right now.
In the world of fashion and apparel, most designers are concerned with being trendy, and by default that makes you similar to everyone else on the bandwagon. The people buying my work want to wear something that no one else has.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m so glad I grew up in Atlanta. The worst thing about it is traffic (obviously), but I’d say learning to drive in ATL teaches you to be aggressive about getting where you want to go. The best thing is art and music scenes that have birthed some of the greatest acts of all time. Everyone knows the best music in the world comes from Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://landofthefreak.shop
- Email: landofthefreak@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/landofthefreak
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
