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.
WHO IS ROU ?
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.