How did you start?
I started off in the art world as a “late bloomer”. Art did not come into my life until the age of 15. I saw a picture of Tweety Bird and drew it based on memory. It was not too bad but that’s where i gained my interest in art. My first art class was my senior year of high school in 2012 and from there I knew I was gifted. I was more interested in how to put art on the computers versus drawing on paper and I knew graphic design was my passion. I attended Middle Tennessee State University for ONE semester and it taught me more of how to draw on paper with charcoal and multiple gradients. I had to learn the basics before I could even touch a computer and that was ultimately frustrating because I wanted to immediately get into graphic design.
However, that broaden my horizons to want to try EVERYTHING!! Soon after, I attended Columbus State University where I changed my major from graphic design to fine arts so that i could learn everything. Freshman year was incredibly tough because the teaching was different, it was more vigorous, and the professors did not take it lightly on anyone. I dabbled in graphic design, ceramics, painting, film and back full circle. I also attended YouTube University as I called it; if i could not figure it out from my professors I went to YouTube and figured it out.
My junior year of college I entered into a Juried Exhibition with one of my films. The film included a voicemail of my mother fussing but it showed pictures of my entire family and me walking on the sides. I remember one of my professors constantly asking me was I coming to the ceremony because I did not have any intentions on doing so. I arrived and the judge called my name for the Best of Show. I cried in my professor’s arms, because that was the first art award I’ve ever won. That’s how I knew I was meant for art.
Furthermore, the years progressively became easier and I stuck with graphic design, film and painting. I graduated with my fine arts degree in 2017. Now, I create logos, paintings, I paint on clothing, shoes, I even make mini films. Also I stepped out on faith with Gods help and now I have my own company! I worked hard since I was a teen and now it’s finally paying off.
What style of art do you do?
My company, Lowkey Dope, derives from everyone saying I stay to myself, I’m a low-key person. Key is one of my nicknames and Dope is generally how people describe me when I first meet them. And that’s how the name “Lowkey Dope” came to be. My company specializes in art far as logos, painting, photography, you name it. I am also incorporating clothing, by putting my artwork on the clothing and funny sayings. Instead of it being a clothing line I call it my art line. I am most proud of that I actually started the company. I doubted myself so much until I spoke to God, and put it in his hands. Once I saw the signs that I should start it I went for it. What sets me apart is my originality, my innovations and my warm spirit. I like to communicate to make sure the client gets exactly what they want.
Artists I admire.
Three artists that i admire that I learned about in college is Basquiat, Banksy and Vincent Van Gogh. All 3 are distinctively different in so many ways. From the paint styles, to the strokes of the brushes, to the concepts. And of course I love all of my black creatives. We started it all.
