We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommy Lei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a content creator, designer, and artist, I get asked this question so often. And quite honestly, it’s not an easy one. For one, an artistic and creative career isn’t for everyone. It really stems from this pulsing urge and need to create, to tell stories, to start a visual dialogue. There is a calling aspect to it. And this exact calling had reverberated throughout my life. It didn’t stop until I picked up the camera again and began sharing with the world my love for photography, interiors and travel on my blog and Instagram. Life was never the same again. It felt so right and so invigorating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I share a common thread and story with many of fellow Asian-Americans. So many of us were brought up to pursue pragmatic, technical careers in law, engineering and medical care – any deviation from those expectations warranted endless arguments and raving rants from our parents. So while this is certainly not the case for everyone, I didn’t embark on my artistic pursuits until after my corporate career had ended.

It’s challenging trying to balance making art and making something that is also commercially viable. I juggle the two everyday. If it was easy, one would be complacent. I believe that is what makes my artistic journey so rewarding because you are constantly challenging yourself and pushing your own boundaries on what it means to make something artful, creative and impactful.

The main takeaway in all this is that you are in essentially running a one-person marathon. Enjoy the process, savor the journey and take time to appreciate the milestones along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fantastic question. One that is particularly tough to answer because there’s so many parts to Los Angeles. Each city neighborhood vastly differs from one another.

For now, I will defer to my usual must-dos in no specific order:

See – Huntington Library and Gardens
Do – The Broad
Feel – Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens
Drink – Maru Coffee
Tea Ceremony – Steep
Hike – Vasquez Rocks
Eat – Union
Brunch – Yang’s Kitchen
Buy – The Webster

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, friends and Braden. To all those who’ve shown any ounce of support and love throughout my journey, I see you and I thank you.

Website: www.mybelonging.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mybelonging

Other: Portfolio – www.tommylei.com

Image Credits
Michal Czerwonka (only for the personal photo).

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.