We’re looking forward to introducing you to Malik Abdel Rahman. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Malik, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
As a freelance graphic designer I would hire me for my professionalism and tact in the field. I’m fairly adept in the leading programs like Adobe and Figma. I’ve been a traditional illustrator for many years, I’ve also dabbled in contemporary art and curation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, My name is Malik Abdel Rahman, but I go by Mob. Im currently a freelance graphic designer and artist in the Nashville area. I was born here in Nashville, but I’ve lived in other states live Arizona and Minnesota. Even though I’m quite southern, my family originates from East Africa, South Sudan to be exact. I love film, animation, and nature and I try to implement them in my art. My brand Modworld, depicts my unique perspective with a pop culture aesthetic, bringing to life my imagination and love for anime.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before I developed into the man before you today, I was an explorer. When I was little all I wanted to do was see the world, uncover the unknown. As a child I truly enjoyed the outdoors, growing up in the suburbs of Nashville in the early 2000s, I felt like I had to see it all. I would leave home early and come home late venturing into parts of the neighborhood I hadn’t seen yet. I would say its not as easy to do now that I’m an adult with responsibilities, but I wouldn’t say the flame has gone out.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
In 2022, my cousin passed away, he was more like a brother to me. to this day I don’t think I’ve ever been closer with someone the way Gdog and I were. I had never experienced grief on the level before so it really hit me hard. I was lost and lost all motivation to better my life. He was one of the first, and probably my biggest supporter I had in my artistic career. Without him cheering me on, I didn’t know if I could carry on. After lots of thought, help from family and friends. I was able to overcome this hardship. I was able to let go of the past and see myself in a new light. Now I feel I’m back on track on my life journey.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I would say I truly admire my older sister, Titchan Chol. Thought out our lives we’ve been through a fair share of trials and tribulations. Yet time and time again I’ve watched her grow and overcome. Even now, she moved to a state far away from the family, and without any safety net she grow as a strong independent woman. She works endless hours, goes to school, owns a home and many more impressive feats that I admire. And on top of all that she still the fun happy go lucky sister I’ve always known.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The value of time, I believe that we have all the time we need to live a full life, yet not enough time to worry about the big picture or look back at time that has passed. Also, I believe the time spent with people is what makes it meaningful. If you don’t have a witness does the event still hold value?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/malikmabdelr1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobs_world?igsh=MW92N3hsZWxhZ3Z2OQ==
