Today we’d like to introduce you to Hakeem Pope.
Hakeem, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. As a kid, my mother always told me, “You can literally do anything you set your mind too” With that statement, I took it upon myself to find this magnificent gift of being a Graphic Designer. It wasn’t easy to find this gift I must say, you have to be able to find yourself and reflect on it immediately. I’ve picked up a passion for Art in my senior year of High School. During that time, I’ve realized what I’ve wanted to do and make a career out of it.
In 2015, I’ve decided to settle in Huntsville, Alabama to attend the college of Alabama A&M University and take my art very serious. In the beginning stages of my art career, I was just doing the normal portraits of celebrities, athletes, etc. and make a post about it on my social media. At that point of time, I’ve realized every other artist was doing the exact same thing but better than me, better quality, better structure, etc. I remember sitting in my dorm room and just started thinking to myself, “What if I actually meet the celebrities that I’m drawing and possibly give them my art in person” It was also until one day I’ve read this quote by the great Micheal Jordan that said; “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” From that moment, my life and my career changed forever. The first celebrity I’ve met through my art was The Migos. After that, it just continues to get bigger and bigger from Kountry Wayne, Keri Hilson, Michael Vick, Matthew Knowles, Gunna, Floyd Mayweather and many more!
In Fall 2019, I’ve lost the one person that inspired me to always keep going; my son Zion. This was a very tough time for myself and I do know that God will bless me with children in the future. My son made a huge impact to not only my life but others around him as well. His impact allowed me to better myself as a human being, help the less fortunate, and make my business grow even more bigger.
In Spring 2020, I’ve graduated from Alabama A&M University to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning. Around this time is where I also received my LLC for my business which is named “Royalty By Pope, LLC”. I’m very honored to be in the position that I am and willing to take any challenge that comes into my way.
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s no such thing as a smooth ride. Have a lot of non-believers, been counted out and also been told “NO” numerous of times. I’ve been blessed to make it to this point in my career but I still have more growing to do.
Please tell us more about your art.
Specialize in serving GREATNESS within the community through Art.
I’m simply known for pushing myself to the next level and meeting celebrities in person with my art.
What sets me apart from others is always thinking outside the box with everything literally. My work speaks for itself.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, Royalty will be well stabled till the point where the world knows my Art. After when this is all set and done, I would help others who also has a creative mindset and push them to where they need to go.
Contact Info:
- Email: RoyaltyByPopeLLC@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hakeempope
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakeem.pope.5
- Twitter: @6Pope_
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