Meet Léa Fernandez | Photographer & Drummer

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

Hi Léa, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think I was never willing to take a “normal” job because It would have impacted my well-being too much. It seems a bit over the top to say that but doing art is what makes me the most fulfilled and I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love on a daily basis.

After finishing high school I was a bit lost, I tried to go to college but It was not for me, it was too theoric. I wanted to create things more than learning about it (It was interesting but I prefer to learn in my own way, not with the academic pressure)

However, artistic careers are really tough and I’m lucky to have a family and friends that support me in my choice.

I’m a musician besides being a photographer and there are the two worlds that I love.

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’m still learning, as an artist and human. As I said previously artistic careers are not the most easy and I always suffered from low self esteem, then imposter syndrome as I started having success. But I think we all have something to bring to the world, as we are all unique. I think you have to work hard and still explore creativity, and I try not to compare yourself to others, but it’s the most difficult thing! Especially with social media around.

What am I proud of in my art? In photography, I’m really happy about how I work with colors and angles, I always had an eye for that and I always success to capture what I have in mind.

I recently did a 3 weeks roadtrip around west america (going across California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada) and my way of doing photography has been changed forever. I always loved traveling to photograph things and sceneries, but this roadtrip really made me realize how big is the world and how beautiful nature is. I want to travel more and explore. And bring my camera with me!

In music, I always try to compliment the music I’m playing, not doing much technical stuff just to impress the listeners (it’s really important to have technique, but you’re not obliged to show off every time you play a song). And the best feeling is when you see people dancing when you’re playing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re going to Lyon, France one day…come say hello! Lyon is a beautiful city, not too big, you can do everything on foot and the architecture is pretty interesting. You have to go to “Pentes de la Croix-Rousse”, which is a nice arty neighboorhood (but be prepare to walk stairs and slopes roads!). Then go to the “Musée des Beaux-Arts” which is one of my favourite place, it’s a great museum with a lovely garden. There’s also a lot of restaurants in the heart of the city, too much of them I can”t recommand one!

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 parents, who always supported me in my choices. I couldn’t have done it without them, they gave me emotional and financial support, which is important when you pursue an artistic career. They also gave me my first camera ( used to photograph every little thing with disposables cameras!) and I also learned music thanks to them.

It may seem cheesy but the punk rock band Green Day. As I said earlier I’m also a musician (I’m a drummer) and I listened to them since I was 12. And they really encouraged me to do what I want, not care about what other thinks…And it applies in both music and photography. Their music gave and still give me hope, emporwerment and courage.

And all the fantasy books I read when I was younger, that gave me imagination and dreams. It’s like creating new worlds with art and magic.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/leafrnz

Facebook: Léa Fernandez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leafzdrums

Image Credits
Personal photo : Portrait by Sandie Magnan (Noodle Photographie)