Today we’d like to introduce you to Hakeem Pope.
Hi Hakeem, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in the city of 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 picked up a passion for Art in my senior year of High School. During that time, I realized what I wanted to do and make a career out of it.
In 2015, I 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 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 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 mindset changed forever. The first celebrity I 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 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.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth roads are with everything that you do. Absolutely. Some people just not going to like your work of business. One key is to always use that as motivation and keep pushing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Specialize in serving GREATNESS within the community of Art. Just 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 literally everything. My work speaks for itself.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My paintings are straight Digital. Most people think my work is hand drawn because of how good it turns out to be. Which brings back to what also makes me different. I’m constantly working hard on my craft and it definitely shows.
Pricing:
- 11×14: $155 (Custom Painting)
- 12×18: $255 (Custom Painting)
- 16×20: $315 (Custom Painting)
- 18×24: $355 (Custom Painting)
- 24×30: $455 (Custom Painting)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hakeempope
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakeem.pope.5
- Twitter: @6Pope_
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/NmJu1I_fCpk
