meet the artist
Larry Amar’j Luellen is a visionary artist, creative entrepreneur, and the driving force behind the ecosystem - an expanding universe that blends fine art, photography, fashion, and cultural storytelling. As the founder and CEO of ByAmarj Studios, he has built a powerhouse brand rooted in authenticity, nostalgia, and the belief that creativity can shift culture.
Just a Kid from chicago
Born and raised in Chicago, Amar’j was shaped by a lifelong love for cartoons, music, and sports. He transformed what began as a personal outlet into a thriving creative business. His signature pop-culture style - bold colors, layered meanings, and unapologetic self-expression quickly gained attention and evolved into curated canvas collections, merch capsules, and editorial-style photography.
In just a short time, Amar’j has started to make a name for himself for merging art and culture in a way that feels both personal and universal. Whether behind the camera or crafting the next drop, he leads with intention, emotion, and a commitment to inspiring others to embrace their individuality. His mantra - Be You - is reflected in every project, show, and interaction he creates.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Amar’j is a business-minded leader with a background in accounting, brand development, and community engagement. He is also the Co-Owner behind Stitch The Brand, a premium street wear brand, and the founder of the Be You Foundation, a developing non-profit dedicated to empowering youth through creativity, mentorship, and opportunity.
Through his art, and innovative brand-building, Amar’j continues to craft a legacy centered on authenticity, culture, and purpose - proving that when you stay true to who you are, everything else aligns.
why proof of life?
For much of my life, I’ve had to navigate spaces where my race shaped how I was perceived. I’ve experienced racism firsthand, and those moments forced me to confront questions of identity, belonging, and worth before I was ready to ask them.
Proof of Life was born from those experiences.
This collection is my response to the repeated need to prove my humanity, my intelligence, my value, and my right to exist without limitations. Rather than allowing those experiences to define me, I transformed that weight into art.
Each piece carries a different truth about being Black in America. The joy, resilience, ambition, tenderness, creativity, and hope that exist alongside it. Together, they become stories that are richer than the stereotypes that seek to contain them.