Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Lee.
Hi Spencer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my creative journey at the age of two when I was put into music classes learning the basics of rhythm and notes. I continued on to learn the piano, flute, and guitar as well as began my dance training at seven years old. During my childhood and all the way throughout high school I performed and competed in various dance and music opportunities all over the Pacific Northwest. And during my last two years of high school, I discovered my love for film and photography through YouTube and an elective photography class, thus starting my creative media journey.
After graduating high school, I moved to Los Angeles, CA where I pursued a career in dance. I signed to Go2Talent Agency at 19 years old and had the privilege of dancing in a few professional dance companies as well as worked in the concert and commercial dance spaces over the course of 4-5 years. Simultaneously, I attended and graduated from a professional make-up academy, started a career in make-up and body painting, as well as discovered my voice for singing and songwriting.
Fast forward a little bit, I spent twelve years in LA working in various aspects of the arts and entertainment industry. From production within film and tv, dancing, singing, building my own photography and videography business shooting with dancers, actors, and influencers, to modeling, acting, creative directing, and much more. Safe to say I am a multi-passionate artist and creative who can’t choose just one thing.
Now we arrive to the present day. I moved to Atlanta, GA in 2024 and have been finding my way here as an artist and creative. As I build up my network here, I currently teach Contemporary and Hip Hop at Dance 101, an adult only dance studio, dance in and choreograph for Paradigm Dance Company, work at Moving in the Spirit, an award-winning creative youth development program, and own a creative community, called IAMONE, focused on building community while rejecting the toxic competitive spirit that often burns bridges, rather than building them.
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?
Is anyone’s journey ever smooth? Especially an artist’s? I giggle at this question but also love it because I think it’s important that we are as transparent and vulnerable with our stories as possible. We need to know we aren’t the only ones riding the roller coaster of art and creativity.
I’m sure many can relate to me when I say that I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome my entire creative journey. There’s something so vulnerable about a career path that requires you to expose your most hidden self and wear your heart on your sleeve, while trying to figure out next steps in a career that doesn’t technically have steps to it. Unlike the career of a doctor or school teacher, there isn’t one path to completion. The journey and career of an artist relies heavily on fate and connections. And to be honest, that’s a perfect formula for “struggle”.
I’ve questioned so many times, “Is this for me?”, “Do I belong here?”, “Am I good enough?”, “Is anyone going to even like this?” and so on and so forth. I’ve changed career paths many a time and have wondered if I gave up too soon or didn’t give up soon enough. I’ve been the broke artist, the confused artist, the depressed artist, the delusional artist. I’ve done, seen, and experienced most if not ALL the things you can experience as an artist and creative.
A smooth road? No. But definitely a whole lot of interesting stories to tell.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe the three things that set me apart from others is my skillset, my brain, and my ability to connect with people.
I have an extensive list of skills, talents, and experience, using both my type-A and type-B brain, that make it easy for me to step into most opportunities and be an asset. This also makes it easy for me to connect with most people and communicate in their “language”, making me someone who is easy to step into a “flow” with. Basically, I know I can “get” you and I know how to make sure you “get” me. I know how to bring both creativity and organization to anything and everything.
I bring this energy and these skills to every job and opportunity I am given. Photoshoots, video shoots, choreography, creative directing, content creation, social media, dancing, teaching, singing, performing, modeling… whatever it is, I have the skills and the brain to make it happen, build connection, and establish a creative and organizational flow to make it an enjoyable process for everyone.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’m not sure if this is my favorite, but it’s the one that comes to mind.
I remember as a child blasting music throughout the house and making the living room my personal stage. I would sing and dance for hours. I also have a vivid memory of playing Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 and performing that song in my bedroom over and over again. I have a lot of memories around music and dance and I’m happy to say those two things are still major parts of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itsspencerlee.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsspencerlee & www.instagram.com/spencerleeshoots & www.instagram.com/iamone.co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsspencerlee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/itsspencerlee
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3T731fHSfxx74ymLrZrpd9?si=xUUfReyaSbO6jFQTwvTRGA
Image Credits
Spencer Lee – @spencerleeshoots
