About

I am Rou Leonard — a Haitian-American Photographer and Brand Strategist based in Seattle.

My journey in visual storytelling began with drawing and printmaking, grounding me in design and composition. That foundation evolved into photography, where I discovered my true medium: creating imagery that merges artistry with brand strategy to shape cultural relevance.

I earned my BFA in Digital Media & Brand Imaging from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, a training ground where I honed both technical mastery and creative direction. Since then, my work has spanned New York, Seattle, and Paris — from documenting street culture to capturing Paris Fashion Week — blending cultural heritage, luxury aesthetics, and modern brand narratives.

Over time, I realized my impact extended beyond images. As a Marketing Content Manager, I learned to translate visuals into strategy — leading cross-channel campaigns, elevating brand voices, and shaping content ecosystems that drive measurable growth. This path has positioned me as a Brand Strategist on track toward Art/Creative Direction, where I merge artistic instinct with data-driven strategy to craft experiences that resonate and endure.

A woman in a white off-shoulder satin gown holding a bouquet of flowers, standing indoors near a window and a wooden cabinet with plants.
A man wearing glasses and a cap that reads "Creative Arts Dept" is seated at a table with his hands clasped and resting near his face, in a black and white photo.

WHO IS ROU ?

A black and white portrait of a man with dreadlocks wearing a head wrap, glasses, a pearl necklace, and a dark shirt, looking slightly upward.
A woman with bright green hair wearing a black beret, a black leather jacket, and black distressed pants, squatting in a room with a plain white wall and wooden floor.
Woman in black fur coat and navy blazer standing inside a boat or ferry with green benches and windows showing water outside.

HAuS OF HIGHLIGHTS

Photography —10+ years

Creative Direction —10+ years

Luxury & Lifestyle Brand Positioning — 7+ years

Content Marketing — 7+ years

Social Media Strategy & Management — 7+ years

Campaign Development — 7+ years

Visual Design & Art Direction — 7+ years

Marketing Analytics & SEO Strategy — 6+ years

UX-Driven Content & Digital Experience — 5+ years

Cross-Industry Collaborations

(Fashion. Hospitality. Real Estate. Interior Design) 8+ years

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging b.f.a PHOTOGRAPHY & imaging

TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Why Work With Me

What I BrinG

Brands don’t just need visuals — they need narratives that spark emotion and build cultural relevance. I create strategies and stories that elevate perception, inspire loyalty, and connect audiences to brands at the intersection of art, design, and lifestyle. My work isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about curating experiences that leave a lasting imprint.

  • A Dual Lens: The instinct of a fine artist paired with the strategy of a brand director.

  • Cross-Industry Impact: Campaigns and collaborations across fashion, hospitality, real estate, interior design, and lifestyle.

  • Global Influence: Work across New York, Seattle, and Paris, enriched by diverse cultural perspectives.

  • Luxury Positioning: A refined ability to design visuals and strategies that feel aspirational, intimate, and timeless.

  • Leadership Vision: A clear trajectory from content creation to brand strategy to creative direction.

A black and white photo of a rocky island with trees on top, surrounded by water, with a lighthouse visible on the island.