Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocky Levin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I hated words. I could not even look at the word “word” without seeing it incorrectly. They were all just letters jumbled together in different formulas, all holding their own individual meanings. I could not appreciate words because I could not solve these formulas. I did not know why I could solve multistep calculous equations but could not tell a b from a d. Why I was old enough to drive but did not know my left from my right. I assumed I was just not as smart as my peers. This was until I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. The diagnoses confirmed that I had trouble reading and writing, but it did not open any doors for me. There is no cure for Dyslexia. There is no medicine for Dyslexia. To me, it was just a word to describe my hate for words.
It was not until a few years ago that I found the positive side of my Dyslexia. I was on a flight with my family when I overheard the person sitting in front of me, describe someone as “money-hungry.” The words echoed in my mind. A switch flipped in my head, and I began to imagine the two words merged into a single image. As soon as I arrived home, I gathered all my loose change, emptying nickels and dimes into a cereal bowl. I rushed to the refrigerator, grabbed a carton of 2% milk, and poured it over the change. I grabbed my camera, and the moment the shutter clicked, so did my passion.
At that instant, I built a relationship with words as I began to appreciate them. I became fixated on each one of them. People only saw words in one way, but there was another dimension to them. Since I psychically saw words differently, I wanted to capture their unconventional meanings and make others see them in a unique way. As I read, wrote, and listened, I turned my hate into interest. Specific words would catch my attention— playing over and over, consuming my thoughts. With every word that stuck, a new picture was created. A Hershey bar with a keyboard was now a “Mega-bite.” A lime as a light bulb became “Limelight.” My portfolio began to grow.
To my amazement, people started to approach me about purchasing my photos. I was flattered by all the positive feedback and inquiries. My art ultimately paved the way to the world of business, and in 2016, I launched my own online shop, www.RockyLev.com. As my view on words was amplified across the United States, I soon fell in love with running my own small business. I now get just as much satisfaction from the business aspect as I do from creating the art itself.
My art shortly became a label for me. It was a part of me. Not only did people associate me with my photos, but the images made me appreciate my Dyslexia. Without it, I would have never been able to find my love for graphic design, photography, and business.
Everyone is dealt a hand, and they responsible for making the most of it. I do realize that having Dyslexia is not a very serious disability. People around the world face much more serious problems than mine. However, I do believe that no matter who you are or what you face, it is your responsibility to make the best out of it. Each drawback is a means of separating one from the rest. It is what makes someone special and gives them another view on life.
Great, 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?
I was very excited to start selling my art. I always wanted to run my own business: to look at something and know it was mine. At fifteen years old, I thought it would be easy and fun. Yet, I soon realized it was not as simple as I expected. I quickly learned the ups and downs of running a small business. At times it can be stressful, but I truly love making and sharing my art. The feeling of others wanting to hang my work on their walls is seriously the most amazing feeling ever!
Please tell us about your work.
I sell my own graphic art designs in forms of wall prints, phones cases, and lighters. My art is mostly based off of words, as I visually represent sayings and items in an unconventional way. My pop art style renders true to my age and generation’s culture. I am most proud of my progress as an artist. I am completely self-taught and have learned so much from diving right in and attempting to tackle a problem. When I look back at my old work, I can see how much my skills have improved.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory would be when my older sister and I would team up and attach our English Bulldog’s leash to one of our strollers. The other one would lay cheerios in front of him so he would give us rides around the house as he ate the cereal.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2934 1/2 Beverly Glen #342
Los Angeles, CA 90077 - Website: www.rockylev.com
- Phone: 3106005143
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: rockylev
Image Credit:
Rocky Levin
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