Today we’d like to introduce you to Jens Schleicher.
Hi Jens, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Jens Schleicher, I grew up in Hamburg, Germany and made the exciting move to San Antonio, Texas in 2022 with my wife Neda and our two amazing kids.This move has opened up a whole new chapter in our lives, filled with adventure and opportunities! From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for creativity which has shaped my interests and hobbies throughout the years. Being born in the ’80s, I was fortunate enough to witness the rise of iconic pop culture phenomena. Movies have always inspired me, fueling my creativity as I drew and recreated scenes with my toys. One of my big loves from back in the days is Star Wars. I remember watching a New Hope on VHS.
When I think of Star Wars, I’m immediately transported back to my childhood, experiencing a wave of nostalgia that warms my heart. I remember the good old times spent with my grandma who shared my passion for science fiction. She was a true enthusiast, devouring Stephen King books and often losing herself in the worlds of Nintendo, especially while playing Zelda. Those late-night movie marathons where we watched “Aliens” together while my parents were out, are some of my favorite memories. Even now, whenever I see Yoda, I can’t help but think of her. I’ve always been captivated by the incredible set design of Star Wars and its grungy look. I love the architecture of the desert planet Tatooine with its weathered structures. I still remember the excitement of hunting for Star Wars vintage toys. Back then they were rare finds. The only place to come across them was at flea markets. The year 1997 marked a significant event for Star Wars fans when the Special Edition made its debut in theaters. I must have been around 12 years old, an age filled with rebellious curiosity. My buddies and I would sneak into the cinema armed not just with popcorn but with cigarettes. Watching the films on the big screen was an amazing experience, filled with nostalgia. During this time Hasbro launched the Power of The Force action figures. With their exaggerated muscle design, they resembled the He-Man superhero figures more than the characters from the movies. As I entered my teenage years my interests shifted. I moved away from my childhood obsession with Star Wars and dove into the world of graffiti and rap music. In 2003, I started to study graphic design in Hamburg, Germany, where I met my beautiful wife Neda. Creativity continues to connect us and together we inspire each other to explore new ideas and ventures. In 2005 I founded my own record label and released my first CD marking a significant moment in my artistic journey. 2007 I triumphed in the McDonald’s singing competition “Voice of McDonald’s,” which led to an unforgettable performance on a big stage and a trip to Barcelona. I decided to quit my career as a rapper when I took on a job as an export manager. It was a big change for me! Meanwhile, some of my friends stuck with it and ended up finding major success in the industry. I was happy for them to see their journeys while I took a different path. I still cherish all the good times we had back in the day! In 2010 I discovered a hidden gem in the heart of Hamburg: a comic book store called “Andere Welten,” which means „Other Worlds“ owned by a kind old man. It was there that I stumbled upon something magical in —Hasbro’s Vintage Collection of Star Wars figures. I was extremely captivated by these figures; they evoked a sense of nostalgia while also appearing more lifelike than ever before. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were remarkable complemented by the stunning vintage packaging that added an extra layer of charm and nostalgia. These weren’t just toys; they seemed to possess a connection to the very essence of the Star Wars universe, capturing the unique character and story behind each figure. I began collecting Star Wars collectibles, diving into a treasure trove of memorabilia that reignited my childhood passion. By 2013, I found myself taking my love for the franchise further by creating my own Tatooine themed dioramas in 1/18 scale. I made my dioramas from scratch using foam board and spackling paste to add realistic texture and details. The weathering effect with acrylic paints gave them a unique touch. This was all before 3D printing. I began sharing my creations on Facebook and soon people came to know me as “Legacy Arts Custom Dioramas.” It was exciting to connect with others who appreciated the artistry and creativity behind my work! I began selling my pieces. During Covid in 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to be commissioned to create a 1/6 scale Mos Eisley Cantina diorama for the Star Wars themed museum „Outpost One“ in Dassow, Germany. This project was a dream come true for me as a fan allowing me to recreate one of my favorite locations in the galaxy. With the advancements in 3D printing, I was able to elevate my work to new heights. The cantina itself measured 13×13 feet and was brimming with LED lights and intricate details to ensure it was movie-accurate. I incorporated a thoughtfully designed interior, allowing visitors to peer inside the bar and appreciate the authentic atmosphere. I’m very grateful for the support of my father-in-law, Ali who jumped in to help me with the project. It took us four months to complete, but the end result was truly rewarding. Beyond the cantina, I was also fortunate to create several additional buildings, each crafted to accurately represent Mos Eisley in a 1/6 scale. These buildings were all housed within a spacious hall, inviting visitors to wander through and feel as if they had been transported to the arid landscapes of Tatooine. After completing this project I launched Legacy Arts Custom Dioramas as a business with my own website dedicated to crafting 1/6 scale Star Wars dioramas for toy collectors. My work garnered international attention, leading to an incredible invitation to appear as special guest on the YouTube podcast “Collection Wars,” hosted by the renowned Michael (Starkiller77) and Gabe (StarWarsReplicas). Both of these guys are incredibly well-known figures in the Star Wars community. The show was live and I stayed up until 4 a.m. for the podcast to begin because of the time difference! Michael and Gabe were incredibly welcoming and took the time to celebrate my art. During the show Michael commissioned me to create a stunning 1/6 scale Jabba’s Palace diorama complete with a Rancor Cave! This impressive piece now has a place of honor in Michael’s restaurant „The Darkside Brick Oven Pizza Co“ in Boerne, Texas.
Michael played an inspiring role in my journey, motivating my decision to move to San Antonio. We developed a very close friendship after the podcast and I traveled all the way from Germany to San Antonio to visit him in November 2021. I still remember my first brisket sandwich at Bill Miller’s, thanks to Michael and his wife Denice who welcomed me with such warmth and hospitality. They invited me to their home in the beautiful Texas Hill Country where Michael gave me a tour of his incredible gallery, hands down the most impressive Star Wars collection I’ve ever seen! I quickly fell in love with the vibrant city of San Antonio, enchanted by its warm southern hospitality. The welcoming community made it easy to feel at home. In collaboration with Collection Wars, I proudly launched “The Ballspeeder,” an exclusive 1/6 scale replica of the landspeeder that is seen outside the Mos Eisley Cantina in „A New Hope“. Limited to just 10 pieces, it quickly sold out. In 2022, I had the incredible honor of being interviewed by the Official Star Wars Magazine, “The Journal of The Whills.” They showcased my work in their pages, celebrating my contributions to the Star Wars universe and sharing my passion with fellow fans. Later on I started creating tutorial videos on TikTok and one of my videos where I repainted a Black Series Stormtrooper helmet went viral, racking up over a million views. This success quickly boosted my following to 100k marking a significant milestone in my artistic journey. Why I continue to sell my Star Wars pieces is always a bittersweet experience; letting go of each item can be heartbreaking, especially after dedicating countless hours to perfecting every detail. My dream has always been to create a space where my work can be showcased and appreciated—a museum dedicated to the universe I love. Inspired by this vision, my wife Neda and I brainstormed an exciting new idea: to open a Star Wars-themed café. This venture sparked our decision to move from Germany to Texas, where we could bring our passion for the galaxy far, far away to life. After moving to the United States, I became an editor for the German Star Wars Magazine and co-hosted the Youtube podcast Collection Wars. One of my proudest moments was interviewing Roger Christian, the set designer from the original Star Wars films, whose work has deeply inspired my own artistic journey. In 2022 I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the interior design of my friend’s 80’s themed restaurant, The Dark Dark Side Brick Oven Pizza, located in the charming town of Boerne, Texas. I created an entire dining room that showcases the Jabba’s Palace diorama that I made for Michael. A captivating space that quickly became one of the visitors’ favorite attractions. In October 2023, I was invited to showcase my work as a vendor at the Big Texas Comic Con in San Antonio. This was a great experience to connect with local fans and artists. I’ve made some great friendships through my work with clients. What started as projects often turned into lasting connections. In 2024, my wife and I embarked on an exciting new journey by launching our Coffee Trailer business. The support we’ve received from the community has been heartwarming, and we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many kind and encouraging people along the way. One of the highlights of our year was participating in a fantastic event at the Alamo on Independence Day, which holds even more significance for us as it coincides with our wedding anniversary. Now, we’re thrilled to dive into my dream project: a Star Wars-themed café located in San Antonio! This café will combine our love for coffee with the magic of the Star Wars universe, creating an immersive experience for fans and coffee lovers alike. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting new adventure!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Making dioramas in larger quantities can be quite a challenge since each one is carefully handcrafted. I often get caught up in the tiny details, really putting my heart into every aspect to make sure each piece truly reflects the beloved universe. It takes a lot of time which makes it hard to make a living off these unique creations. Sometimes it can be really tough to let go of these one-of-a-kind dioramas because they carry not just artistic value but personal memories and all the passion I poured into them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist specializing in creating Star Wars dioramas that capture the magic and nostalgia of the iconic universe. Each piece I craft combines attention to detail and creativity reflecting my deep passion for the franchise. From the arid desert landscapes of Tatooine to the verdant forest of Endor, my work aims to transport fans back to their favorite moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.legacyarts-dioramas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacyartscustomdioramas?igsh=MXBvemFxODJtb2xiNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjiiHFpdJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@legacyartscustomdioramas3142?si=H08xOXbb-FHFQ0nh
