“The Witch Doctor”

After working on various projects for myself and for other upcoming contests, I wanted to continue the series. So, let’s start from the beginning.

I met the model, Michael, at one of New Jersey’s leather socials at Georgie’s Bar in Asbury Park. At that time, I knew only one person who was also a model in the series. For most of the social, I just sat and watched. The New Jersey leather family was incredibly welcoming and accepting of me.

My friend called me over to talk with him, and Michael was sitting with him. We talked for a good hour or so. Honestly, you’ll have to forgive me—this was about two years ago.

From just that hour-long conversation, I knew there was more to his story. So after Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (2025), I reached out to Michael about being part of my series, and he said “yes.”

One snowy Saturday in February, I traveled to New Jersey again—this time to Michael’s place. I hadn’t eaten breakfast and was eager to wrap up all the shoots for the series. When I arrived at Michael’s house and walked in, I was greeted by Daddy Zito himself.

As I looked around, I noticed how unorganized everything was. My OCD brain was quivering. To me, everything needs a proper place, not just a spot on a counter or table. After talking with Michael for a bit, he heard my stomach growl. He made me some breakfast, and after scarfing down an egg bagel, I was finally ready for the interview.

The Interview

After breakfast, we went upstairs to his office. My OCD was already going crazy from seeing the kitchen, but when I walked into his office, I almost died. There were boxes and piles of different things scattered throughout the room. Prior to coming over, he had told me he would “tidy up the office.” He had cleared some clutter off one computer chair, and then we got into the interview.

Michael was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was part of the Class of 1983, and after high school, Michael joined the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to San Diego, where he served for a while. After his service, he stayed in San Diego and worked various odd jobs while also exploring the different gay bars in the area.

The Source

About a decade later, Michael fell into drug use. At the time, he was in a relationship with someone who was also addicted to drugs. Michael’s drug of choice was cocaine, and later he moved on to crystal methamphetamine.

Michael’s addiction lasted for a couple of years. If you don’t already know, Michael writes poetry, and his writing began to grow darker, which ultimately woke him up to his addiction. He quit crystal meth “cold turkey” and left the relationship. His partner at the time had been a driving force behind his addiction, and once Michael cut him out of his life, he was better off.

After leaving San Diego, Michael returned to the East Coast and went to college. He eventually became a nurse practitioner, a career he continues to this day.

At the beginning of the interview, I wanted to get to know Michael more. There was something there for me to discover. His struggle with addiction was something I never would have expected. Michael was kind, very open, and honest about his past. His story really hit home for me.

In my family, we have a member who has struggled with drug addiction for most of his life, and I feel a certain kind of guilt. I wish I could help him escape that addiction, but you can only help someone who is willing to change—or at least, that’s what my father says.

Outside of my family, I’ve also had a couple of friends who became addicted to drugs, and I’ve never heard from them again. They were very kind and funny people who seemed to fall off the face of the earth. It’s sad to see, but like my father says, “you can only help someone who is willing to change.”

The photoshoot

After the interview, I wanted to see Michael’s leather closet. He had a good selection, but what I really wanted to see was his white leather doctor’s lab coat, paired with a black leather shirt, a stethoscope, and a simple clipboard. He was ready.

We went outside since that offered the best lighting. On February 8, 2025, it was an overcast day in New Jersey, which meant the light would be even—and it was.

Michael held up the clipboard and gave me his “look.” Within about five photos, I got the shot I wanted. We weren’t outside for long—maybe five to ten minutes. After I got the photo, I gathered my things and headed back home.

The Process

Now, fast forward about eight months later, and I started the portrait. I made sure to message Michael about it, just in case he had forgotten. I picked up my pencils and began working on his portrait. Even after exploring various projects and mediums, I always come back to this series knowing exactly what to do. I have it down like a science.

Michael’s portrait was easier because of the white leather lab coat. There wasn’t much of a challenge with it. I worked on the portrait off and on throughout the entire month of December, even during my holiday break. During this time, I also began experimenting with different mediums, such as ink drawing and painting more frequently.

Painting on leather has become especially interesting to me, and it’s something I want to continue pursuing. Not many people do it—or do it to the extent that I plan to.

The finished Portrait

As I sit here and look at the portrait, I’m happy with what I’ve created. The shading in the face and the leather looks great. I do need to work on drawing hands more—that’s a big struggle for me—but beyond that, it looks good to me, which is all that matters.

Leather Men series #14 “the Witch Doctor”

11x14 Bristol Paper, Faber Castell Matte Black Graphite Pencils, Faber Castell Graphite Pencils, Ohuho 320 Marker Set, Prisma Color 150 Color Pencil Set, White Posca Pen, Zebra Brush Fine Pen

Andy Warhol once said, “Make art, and while the world judges it, make more art.” With that in mind, we’re nearing the end of the series. This is the 14th portrait out of 15. I have just one more left to complete.

I’ll be starting that final portrait after Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend in 2026. I’m incredibly excited and can’t wait to see all the new friends I’ve made, along with some old friends and models. It’ll feel like a family reunion.

As for what I’m packing… I’m not sure yet.