Larry - mr. atlanta

The first thing you should know about Larry Luk is that he loves Atlanta. His love for this great city goes far beyond words of affection for the ATL or his clothing choices or even supporting Atlanta sports teams. His love for Atlanta is a way of life. The next thing you should know is that he’s a design and brand guru. His day job is running the brand at Localeur and he also works on commissioned design projects of his own as a side hustle. You should also know he’s into sneaker culture. Like, really into it. And the other thing you should know about Larry Luk is that he knows how to enjoy life. In his down time you might find him traveling the world, taking in some art, or fanning out at a sporting event. Maybe a Hawks game. Or Falcons game. Or Braves game. Or Atlanta United game. Larry is one of “The Proud” - a person we believe is instrumental in shaping the future of Atlanta. Read more about him below.

Can you tell me about your background and what life is like for you currently?
I grew up in Arlington, TX and went to high school in Fort Worth. I moved to Atlanta for college. I wanted to be in Atlanta before I ever set foot here. I grew up loving the Atlanta Braves and when I saw the Olympics in Atlanta, I needed to be here.

I went to school for graphic design. My full time job is Head of Brand at Localeur. Localeur is a travel recommendations platform that delivers authentic travel recommendations straight from the mouths of locals. We are in 120+ cities worldwide and growing with a huge community of local contributors. My day-to-day at Localeur involves everything from maintaining the consistency of our brand touchpoints, engaging in partnership conversations, creating marketing assets, and design and layout of our print publication. One of the best parts about my job is working 100% remotely. The entire team works remotely. I make my own hours and work from wherever I want. Last year I worked from Kauai for a month.

Regardless of the flexibility, I never miss deadlines. Accountability, communication, and hitting deadlines are all things I learned while working at a print shop.

When did you first decide to pursue design work and what lead you to that?
After college I worked in a quick-turnaround print shop off Bankhead Highway. We had a mix of local and national clients. I remember cutting, trimming and laminating Atlanta Thrashers credentials and mounting large format posters for the NBA Slam Dunk contest. I wanted to learn how I could be the person on the other side of the production process - the person that was actually designing these things. I asked my supervisor what the best route was to get there. He said, you have to go to design school. I applied to Portfolio Center a week later and I was starting classes shortly thereafter. I can’t say that my family wasn’t skeptical that I was willing to drop everything and go to “art school” on a whim. I didn’t sleep much for a few years but it all worked out!

How many pairs of sneakers do you own and what is your favorite pair? What about your favorite pair you don’t own?
I get asked this all the time and I have to say the amount of sneakers you own doesn’t matter if they’re all boo boo. Like, why pile up boxes and boxes of inconsequential sneakers? Design concept, performance, and cultural relevance are all factors I weigh into whether or not I want to own a certain pair. To answer your question though, I tend to hover at about 100 pairs at any given time. Right now I’m probably at 115 pairs and I need to trim down. There’s been a lot of great design in sneakers this year though! I periodically purge sneakers that I don’t wear and end up donating or giving pairs away that I realize are just taking up space. So if you’re a size 10/10.5, you might want to holler at me!

My favorite pair I own is the 2011 Nike MAG. There are approximately 1,500 pairs in the world. They were auctioned on eBay in 2011 over the period of a few weeks. All the money raised went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s. I know 9 pairs were initially sold to people with Georgia addresses and I know 2 people other than myself from that subset. Our money was used for good, we secured a sneaker we’ve always wanted and we saw our names in the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual report that year.

I don’t own a pair of Nike Huarache Adapts yet but they’ve really caught my eye. They’re 2019’s version of what the Nike MAG was to the early 90s but fully realized in execution. They light up, they auto-lace, and they look like a spaceship for your feet.

When did you first become obsessed with shoes?
I grew up on MJ, Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Andre Agassi and Marty McFly. There is no way to pinpoint the first moment. It has always been a part of who I am.

Any other fashion/accessories you’ve really gotten into?
I’ve collected baseball caps for years. Lately, I’ve scored some vintage rock tees that have become every day shirts for me. And for the past few years I’ve been making custom tie dyed objects for friends. Occasionally I’ll sell a few pieces on my website but most of it is just for fun and intentionally just for friends. I make some things, make my friends happy, and I sell the rest.

What are some things that inspire you?
I’m inspired by Atlanta. I’m a fan of Atlanta and our teams. I love this city. Just living here gives me everything I need. I get inspiration from my creative friends here; the photographers, painters, and writers.

What are you most proud of in your personal life? What about your professional life?
I’m proud of having the support of my family and friends to pursue what I truly love to do. I’d like to say I reciprocate that support to the people around me as well. Professionally, I’m proud of and thankful for continued recognition (such as this interview) for doing what I love to do.

What does it mean to you to be a “champion of your craft”?
A champion of craft is confident in what they do, and they’re also unafraid of sharing their work with others - whether it be in presenting their work or collaborating with teammates. It is meaningless to be the best at something if there is no broader resonance.

What do you do to relax and unwind?
I love hanging out with my friends. Usually in smaller settings. I prefer meaningful conversation over yelling at each other in a club. I love to eat with others.

What part of Atlanta do you live in and what are some of the areas of town you hang out in the most?
I recently moved to Brookhaven. Before that I was living in West Midtown for 6 years. I still find myself in West Midtown quite a bit. I love dining at Marcel and hanging at Little Trouble on a calm night.

Most underrated part of town or spot to hang out?
I love SoundTable, Versus ATL, BBQ Corner II on Buford Highway, and chicken wings at The Local which have become “a thing” in recent years. There are way too many places to get into, so I made a secret hyperlink on my website with a list of some of my favorite places - hope that helps!

Who are some people you admire/follow their work?
These are all Atlanta people that inspire me:
Fashion designer, Megan Huntz
Illustrator, designer and restauranteur, Bart Sasso
Director/photographer, David Naugle
Creative director, record label owner, and musician, Farbod Kokabi
Sneaker personality, K.O. from ATATF
Painter, Mark Eidric
NBA creators, JE Skeets, Trey Kerby, Tas Melas, Leigh Ellis and Jason Doyle who go by “No Dunks”
Writer, Felipe Cardenas
Videographer, Jay Riddle
Designer, Irontooth

What do you love about Atlanta? What would you like to see change?
Unless I’m able to move to Kauai, I’m going to be in Atlanta. I love this city - the food, music, history and diversity. It’s hard to think of something I need changed so I’ll go with this: I wish people would stop perpetuating the notion that Atlanta sports teams are cursed. When I hear someone mumble “that’s Atlanta sports” in a self-pitying voice, they’re immediately off my island. If your personal joy hinges on the successes or failures of local sports teams, then you need to find some additional hobbies! I know a lot of people grew up on Falcons / Braves / Hawks / Thrashers (RIP) and haven’t gotten on the soccer train yet, but they’re missing out. Atlanta United’s history is short but it has been more than anything I could’ve ever asked for from a hometown soccer club. They’re so fun and they represent Atlanta in the best way! But when the Hawks win it all, I hope all the sad boys stay home while the rest of us parade down Peachtree.

What is something(s) that gets you rowdy (or hyped, excited, motivated, etc)?
I’m easily excitable. Whenever I see someone else getting really into a cause, hobby, team etc., I want to join them. I’m a member of two Atlanta United supporter groups (Resurgence and Footie Mob) and I was in the Hawks 6th Man section (SHOUTOUT TO MY HAWKSBROS) for most of 8 years. I won’t dictate how you should be a fan, I just care that you are one.

What makes you proud?
There’s nothing like being on the other side of the world and hearing Atlanta music. Atlanta’s influence is everywhere. Also, I’m proud of Atlanta for showing up for the 5 Stripes. I’m proud of the red and black.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I cook a mean spaghetti and meatballs.