Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kobe Opare. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kobe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the largest risks I’ve taken in life would be choosing painting as a major in college. To everyone else, it seemed like a rash decision. I was even told I was setting myself up to drive into the wall, but I didn’t let it stop me. I believed deep in my heart that it was the right choice for me. It felt like either do or die in a way, so I did it. I took the chance and burned the path behind me. After I crossed the bridge, I knew there was no going back. Pursuing my dreams was one of the greatest gifts I could ever give myself, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world because it became my world.

I beat all the odds and attended my dream school, the Savanah College of Art & design. The number one art school in Georgia. It is almost like an Ivy league of art schools. I was so happy when I got in. That’s not the only part, I was even offered several scholarships, academic, outstanding artist, student incentive, rising artist award, and governors honors. I’ll stop there. The list is quite long. Taking risks is sometimes scary, when you follow your heart the universe will always be there to guide you. “Leap and the net will appear” -John Burroughs

Kobe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I brand myself as an artist. In the holistic sense. I do not limit my creative abilities to only one craft. I believe that if another human can do it, I can do it also. In the beginning, my art was strictly visual. I loved working with traditional mediums. Some of my favorites are charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, and oil paint. As I have grown, so has my work. As I learned about other artists I started branching out my breadth of work. My art style is most inspired by the technique and styling of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, the subtle and sublime dream world of Dali, and the elegant and majestic poise of Kehinde Wiley. Sugar, Spice, and everything nice.

This has been the basis of most of my portfolio. As I pursue my creative career, I’ve started to find other ways of creative expression. I changed my major from painting to animation in 2019. As the world changes, I want to make my paintings more immersive and include more audio elements.
Bringing my painting to life is the next step having them engage with the viewer in another sense will be a challenge but isn’t art about expanding and making bold decisions?
Another love of mine has been making music. Since I can remember, I’ve been writing melodies and verses, but I never acted on them. Behind the scenes, I am working on some exciting things that I am excited to share with you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think there are many things non-creatives struggle to understand about making a creative journey. The first thing only thing would be that there is no separation of creatives and non-creatives. Every single thing in the world is art. The chair you sit on was designed, buildings, cars, clothing and accessories, even the phone and computer you use. Creativity is a knife you sharpen if you do not work on it you can use it well. All is well but that ideology is formed for society views to pursue careers where art is not typically set at the forefront of the service provided. The mindset of a non-creative is to work for others and the mindset of a creative is to create for others.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to be the best of the best. Whether it is a singer, rapper, painter, illustrator, animator, dancer, or whatever, I’ll do it all and I will see it to its fullest potential. One of my mottos in life is that I might not have done it first, but I will make sure to do it the best. I call it progression and the pursuit of growth. I love challenging myself and pushing my limits. I believe the saying “the sky is the limit” is very…limiting. The correct metaphor is “Aim for the stars even if you miss at least you landed on the moon.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Opareon.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Opareon
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobeopare

Image Credits
Kobe Opare