Check Out LeRoy King Ellis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to LeRoy King Ellis.

Hi LeRoy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is LeRoy King, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist studying at SCAD Atlanta. I started out creatively through acting, visual storytelling, and community arts programs, but music was always at the center of what I wanted to do.

Growing up, I was always interested in telling stories and creating experiences that connected with people. I was brought up in church, with a family of rappers, painters, and fashion designers. Over time, that transformed into my personal love for songwriting, performing, modeling, creative direction, and producing my own projects. While I’ve been recognized through academic and community leadership programs, what has always mattered most to me is making work that leaves an impact.

Where I am today is the result of combining all the things I’ve loved—music, theatre, film, design, and performance—into one vision. While I’m still early in my journey, I’m focused on building something that has both cultural impact and lasting artistic value.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There were a lot of things I felt like I wasn’t supposed to talk about growing up as a young Black boy. I learned early on how to be strong, but not always how to be vulnerable. For a long time, I kept a lot of my feelings, questions, and experiences to myself because I wasn’t sure there was space for them.

As I’ve grown, I’ve had to unlearn that. Some of my biggest struggles have been finding confidence in my voice, trusting my perspective, and allowing myself to be fully seen through my art. I’ve also had to navigate the realities of building a creative career while still being a student, meaning I have limited resources and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next.

But those challenges are what led me to the work I’m making today. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of telling the truth. The music, performances, and stories I create now are really an extension of that journey: learning that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s one of the bravest things you can offer.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a musician, storyteller, and creative who’s passionate about building experiences that bring people together. While music is at the center of what I do, my work has taken many forms, from performing and acting to modeling, content creation, journalism, and community leadership. I’ve always been interested in how stories connect people, whether that’s through a song, a live performance, an interview, or a creative campaign.

What I’m most proud of is how I’ve grown by taking advantage of every opportunity available to me. I’ve contributed to projects connected to the FIFA World Cup Atlanta campaign, interned with Tyler Perry Studios, created viral interview content through ESSENCE GU and SCAD TVfest that reached millions of viewers, and modeled with brands like SNIPES and DTLR that led to me walking shows covered by VOGUE. Each experience taught me something different about creativity, leadership, and connecting with an audience.

What sets me apart isn’t any single accomplishment. It’s my willingness to start before I feel ready. I’m still a student, still learning, and still figuring out who I want to become as an artist. But instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, I’ve learned how to create my own. Whether that’s stepping onto a stage, leading a project, or pursuing an idea that feels bigger than my current circumstances, I try to approach life with curiosity and courage.

At the core of everything I do is a belief that young people don’t have to wait until they’re older, more experienced, or more established to create meaningful work. I’m still becoming, but there’s a lot of power in embracing that process.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give is: don’t wait for permission.

A lot of people think they need more experience, more connections, more money, or more certainty before they can start pursuing what they care about. I used to believe that as well, but I’ve learned that some of the best opportunities in my life came because I was willing to show up before I felt completely ready.

I also wish I understood earlier that growth doesn’t always look like success. Sometimes growth looks like being rejected, changing directions, starting over, or creating something that only a handful of people see. Those moments can feel discouraging, but they’re the ones that teach you the most.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be yourself. As a young Black creative, I spent a lot of time wondering if I was too much of one thing or not enough of another. The older I get, the more I realize the things that make you different are what make your work meaningful.

I’m still at the beginning of my journey, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. Sometimes the act of starting is what helps you overcome your struggles.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leroykingellis