Justin Fitzwater is an American firefighter, leatherworker, educator, and content creator best known as the founder of Fitzwater Leather. He is widely recognized for elevating the visibility of leatherwork created by first responders and for advocating that this work be understood as a distinct and meaningful part of the broader leathercraft landscape. Through his teaching and media presence, Fitzwater has helped bring attention to a community of makers whose creative work has often existed quietly alongside demanding service careers.

His perspective is shaped by the realities of emergency service and by a belief that leathercraft can be a constructive outlet for expression, connection, and personal growth.

Early life and education

Fitzwater was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri into a family of firefighters. His path into leathercraft developed alongside his career as a third-generation firefighter rather than through formal art or trade schooling. Though he did learn some art and design fundamentals through a few community college courses, He learned primarily through hands-on practice, experimentation, and repetition; fitting creative work into the margins of a physically and mentally demanding profession.

From the outset, Fitzwater approached leatherwork as something practical and personal. Early projects focused on function and durability, reflecting the needs, values, and time constraints common among firefighters and other first responders.

Career

Fire service and leathercraft

Fitzwater’s identity as a firefighter is central to his work in leathercraft. He has spoken openly about how many first responders turn to making as a way to decompress, build camaraderie, and process the emotional weight of the job. Through his own experience, he recognized that leatherwork was already common within the fire service, even if it was rarely acknowledged within the wider leathercraft community.

Rather than adopting dominant visual traditions such as Western tooling, Fitzwater focused on work that reflected the lived experience of firefighters. His projects often emphasize purpose, symbolism, and use, reinforcing the idea that leathercraft can carry meaning beyond decoration.

Fitzwater Leather

Fitzwater Leather emerged as both a personal studio practice and a platform for visibility. Under the name, Fitzwater produces leather goods while also using the brand to highlight the creative work of first responders and to validate their presence within the craft.

The brand is closely associated with the idea that firefighters who work in leather should not feel pressured to conform to established stylistic hierarchies. Fitzwater consistently emphasizes that the value of leatherwork comes from intention, execution, and personal relevance rather than adherence to any single tradition.

Content creation and community dialogue

A significant part of Fitzwater’s influence comes from his role as a content creator. Through video and social platforms, he shares both leatherworking instruction and candid reflections on creativity, risk, and identity. His content often addresses why firefighters are drawn to making, how creative work fits into shift schedules and station life, and how taking creative risks can be both uncomfortable and necessary.

Rather than presenting himself as an authority, Fitzwater frames his content as an open conversation. He encourages makers to experiment, to question assumptions, and to accept that growth often comes through uncertainty rather than perfection.

Teaching and educational impact

Fitzwater’s teaching centers on encouraging creative risk and personal exploration. He emphasizes that meaningful leatherwork develops through experimentation and intention rather than rigid adherence to tradition or flawless execution. Drawing from his experience in the fire service, he values work that reflects growth, purpose, and lived experience.

Many first responders credit Fitzwater with helping them feel seen within the leathercraft world. By naming and validating their creative experiences, he has helped foster confidence among makers who previously viewed their work as secondary to more visible leather traditions. His impact is measured less by stylistic influence and more by the sense of permission he gives others to explore and share their work.

Published works and instructional materials

Fitzwater’s educational output has primarily taken the form of digital content and instructional media rather than traditional print publications. His teaching is shared through video, online platforms, and recorded discussions focused on leathercraft, creativity, and first responder culture.

Video and media highlights

An interview with Justin Fitzwater on the Beyond the Basics Podcast

Frequently asked questions

What is Justin Fitzwater best known for in leathercraft?
He is best known for advocating for first responders within the leathercraft community and encouraging creative risk through teaching and content.

Why is Justin Fitzwater’s work important to firefighters?
He recognizes leathercraft as a common creative outlet in the fire service and actively supports firefighters in developing and sharing their work.

What is Fitzwater Leather?
Fitzwater Leather is Fitzwater’s leathercraft brand and platform for teaching, advocacy, and community dialogue.

How does Justin Fitzwater approach teaching leathercraft?
He emphasizes experimentation, intention, and growth rather than perfection or strict tradition.

Does Justin Fitzwater create leatherworking content online?
Yes. Content creation is a central part of his work and a primary way he engages with the community.

External links

• Fitzwater Leather official website
  
  

• Justin Fitzwater Interview on Beyond the Workbench

Sources for this article:

• Fitzwater Leather website and project materials
  
  

• Public video discussions and interviews
  
  

• Community conversations within firefighter and leathercraft spaces
  
  

Written By: Michael Magnus
Edited By: Justin Fitzwater
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