Meet Leah McLaurin: Illustrator, Animation Artist, & Workforce Development Coordinator - Reimagine
Welcome back to Student Spotlights, where RE:IMAGINE amplifies our alumn, and shares the inspiring journeys of our all-star creative community as they get involved in our programming. Some artists create worlds. Others create opportunities for people to discover their own. Leah McLaurin has found a way to do both. As Reimagine’s Workforce Development Coordinator, Leah spends her days connecting emerging creatives with meaningful career opportunities while continuing to grow as a freelance illustrator and animator. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, she believes creativity is most powerful when it serves others—and that the strongest artistic communities are built through encouragement, curiosity, and a genuine investment in one another.
Purposeful Art and SCAD Atlanta
If you ask Leah what inspires her, the answer stretches far beyond a sketchbook. Beginning her journey as a dancer, Leah studied animation at the Savannah College for Art and Design before being referred to Reimagine’s team. Leah believes in the power of intentional storytelling and shares about where that spark comes from,
“I am inspired by my faith, travel, God’s beautiful creation, culture, fitness, and history. I’m truly inspired by everything about the world we live in and the people here.”
That perspective has become the foundation of both her artwork and her leadership. Leah is the perfect example of how education, a strong network, and authentic character can open doors. Whether she’s illustrating a new character, mentoring an apprentice, or coordinating workforce opportunities, Leah approaches each challenge with optimism and intention.
Finding Confidence at Reimagine
While many people know Leah as the smiling face helping apprentices navigate internships, workshops, and career pathways, she joined us as an emerging artist already expanding her own creative practice As Workforce Development Coordinator, she works directly with all of our emerging creatives as they transition from training into professional opportunities while helping strengthen partnerships across Atlanta’s creative ecosystem.
Leah’s journey didn’t stop there! While serving as a Teaching Artists Assistant in the ASIFA South EMERGE Animation Course, Leah gained something she calls invaluable: confidence.
“Working with [ASIFA South] and taking their animation course, I was able to gain a new level of creative confidence.”
That confidence has continued to open new doors—including mentorship opportunities with one of the animation studios she has long admired.
Growing Alongside the Community
Beyond her growth as an Animator, Leah has also been building a business as an illustrator designing work like reimagine’s distinct website caricatures, logos, and even illustrations for published children’s books! Serving as a Production Assistant for the 2024 Creative Impact Lab and an Associate Producer on Reimagine’s “The ASSIST”, Leah’s career demonstrates that artists can contribute both creatively and operationally to a variety of productions and organizations.
According to Leah, reimagine’s greatest gift isn’t measured solely by projects completed or skills acquired; it’s measured by people.
“My biggest takeaway from reimagine is the impact we are able to have in the lives of our community. I love that reimagine creates environments for artists to truly be heard and given the platform to grow at their own pace.”
Artists discover new confidence, build careers, and find communities that believe in their potential. Leah has experienced that same growth herself through collaborations, industry conferences, creative partnerships, and opportunities that continue to stretch her artistic vision.
Words of Wisdom
Leah encourages emerging creatives to pursue their goals with both determination and grace.
“Find what you truly desire to do and go after it. It is okay to fail and have to start over, but never give up.”
She also believes success requires focus.
Looking back, she wishes she had spent less time worrying about distractions and more time trusting the destination she was working toward.
“I wish I would’ve told my younger self to stay focused on the end goal.”
Looking Ahead
Leah’s ambitions are as imaginative as the worlds she hopes to create.
In five years, she envisions bringing her own animated series to audiences while working professionally in the animation industry. Whether she’s designing characters, producing visual stories, or mentoring the next generation of artists, one thing remains constant: her desire to create work that reflects hope, excellence, and purpose.
For Leah, every opportunity is another chance to grow—and another invitation to help someone else do the same.
Explore Leah’s illustration and animation work through her creative portfolio as she continues building the next chapter of her artistic journey.
Portfolio: https://leahren.my.canva.site/ Instagram: @_leahren
First published on reimagineatl.com