Today we’d like to introduce you to Kareem Bawaallah.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in an African household, built around the ideals of education and integrity. Growing up, my dad pushed art on me at a young age. I was in like three art classes and everyday he had me sit down and draw for 30min+. It was kind of like a training guide to put me in the position I’m in today. I loved abstract, I didn’t really know what I was drawing when I started but I still loved it. Just shapes and lines mashed together, once I looked at it I always saw something no one else saw. I felt like it was a gift in some kind of way. That I could make something random into something I felt was amazing and one of a kind.
As I got older, I kind of shifted away from drawing and played video games heavy, I started looking into game design and other things of that nature. Thru gaming, I found my closest friends that would help elevate my artistic ability and put it to use. We formed a group called Amok Kidz, Amok is a creatives collective and streetwear brand we created to show that creativity is endless. In 2014 we really shifted into making clothing. I picked back up my drawing and self-taught myself how to make digital designs for merchandise and products. Junior year is when I really put my all into being a creative. I picked up photography to take pictures of our products and people in them. We released our full official collection 2016 which was designed by myself and my close friend Slawn. After that, I really picked up photography heavy, I began doing concept shoots. While still designing I got a love for taking pictures, it was a second passion of mine. Once I graduated, I put my all into my craft, committing full time to school and creating. I like to call myself a curator of sorts because I don’t really have one lane, and I feel like my diversity in other fields helps me succeed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Creativity. Day in day out its hard to constantly create something. I battle with always wanting to come out with new ideas, fighting with myself to make new things daily. Not just that but adversity is something I’ve had to face as well. Being black in the art industry is tuff, people think you’re not reliable or not good enough to get the job done.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Amok Kidz is a creatives collective and streetwear brand. I think what really sets myself and my team apart from others is our motto “Creativity is endless” we believe any concept is possible. Our creative designs, I specialize in graphic design, specifically merchandise design. T-shirts, hoodies, hats, etc. are just examples of the pieces I’ve designed in the past. I think the fact that we’ve created a place where creatives can come together and work as a unit is amazing. In our generation, it’s hard for creatives to really work as one. I’m proud of everything we’ve done and accomplished.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was super into drawing and video games. Like I was always on the Xbox, sneaking on after school because I wasn’t supposed to play. I loved Call of Duty and NBA 2K so growing up, I took an interest in the concept of designing something too. How something is put together. What makes things work. The Drawing was just something I felt I could have complete control over, just myself and the sketchbook. In school, I’d finish my work and just draw anything really. I was super quiet especially in middle school. I just liked games and art.
Pricing:
- Graphic Design: Starting rate at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: amokkidz.com
- Phone: 6784778078
- Email: work@kareemba.work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareemb.a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Souljakp
Image Credit:
First Image by @dayjajay
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
