"A lot of the inspiration I've had in the past few years has come from being surrounded by the bowling team," Leoj Chin says. He was encouraged by his dad to embrace his creative side from a young age.  That encouragement led him to pick up photography in high school and follow his inspiration to SCAD where he's now a senior majoring in UX Design and minoring in photography.

Leoj took up photography in high school and was inspired by his peers. He initially found solace in the world of landscape photography due to its accessibility. With encouragement from his friends, he tried his hand at portraiture. He felt comfortable in those mediums and rarely experimented outside of his comfort zone.  "Coming to SCAD and having the opportunity to take photo classes let me explore venues I wasn't initially interested in." Leoj says. "Being pushed allowed me to enjoy those aspects of photography."

A self-portraiture assignment forced Leoj to further explore the limits of his comfort zone. He talked the assignment for setting up his camera in his dorm room. The small space meant he had to be more intentional with lighting, camera angles, and posing. "It made me have to find more creative solutions." Leoj used a projector to create engaging compositions within his limited space.  After the project was completed, he realized that he learned more than just photographic techniques. "I never liked being in front of the camera," Leoj says.  "But this project forced me to be more comfortable in my own skin."
Leoj has also been responsible for creating the bowling team's hype video that plays at the SCAD Athletics Banquet every year. "I have complete creative control over this, and I want it to be the best," he says. He begins planning the video months in advance by drafting story boards, doing pre-visualizations, and finding the perfect song. For inspiration, he finds videos on social media that capture the feeling he hopes to convey in the video. "Most of the stuff I see has no relation to bowling," Leoj says.  "I just draw connections and try the shots with bowlers."

The team schedules one practice to shoot the video, giving Leoj two to three hours to capture all the footage he needs. Most of the video's assembly happens in the edit. Guided by his song of choice, Leoj arranges and re-arranges the clips until he is satisfied with the result. "It's kind of like building a puzzle, and music is the key that guides the way I edit," he says. He puts the upmost effort into developing the video out of love and respect for his team. "I'm super fortunate to be a part of the bowling team. I want to put my best foot forward because I wouldn't be in the position I am without them," he says.
 

Through his strong portfolio and connections on the bowling team, Leoj has been able to work with KV Strikeforce as a Marketing and Digital Content Intern. He spent the summer of 2024 working out of their Chicago office developing their YouTube channel as well as graphic design and short form content for Instagram. At KV Strikeforce he worked alongside a SCAD bowling alumni. "Having creative minds helped us stand out in the bowling industry," he says.

Leoj attributes his success at SCAD to the time spent and relationships formed with his bowling teammates and coaches. "We feel like a family rather than just a sports team," he says. Through his creative career he has explored many art forms.  From 3D modeling, photography, and UX design he has crafted a versatile portfolio. If he goes through a creative rut or struggles to leave his comfort zone, he relies on his team for inspiration. "Having the opportunity to be here and be surrounded by like-minded individuals on the bowling team, that's what makes the spark come back."