By: Tom Williams & CA Staff Writer | Aug 30, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – This week, we’re thrilled to highlight a remarkable talent in our community—Aikee Matthews, better known as “Artkee.” Aikee is an artist who has mastered the art of transforming spaces with his vibrant and dynamic creations. From murals to graphic designs, he’s painted everything from food trucks and high school gyms to daycares, restaurants, and even man caves. His unique ability to infuse life and energy into the spaces he works on has earned him a loyal clientele, all of whom praise the way his art brings joy and brightness into their lives.
Aikee’s journey as an artist began early. “I’ve been doing art my whole life,” he reflects. “I remember in kindergarten, I won a coloring contest that spanned the entire school. That’s when I knew this was something special.” His passion for art continued to grow, especially in high school when his art teacher, Coach Reid, pushed him to take his talent seriously. However, balancing his love for art with the demands of being a full-time student and football player was no easy feat. It wasn’t until after graduating from college that he found the time to fully dedicate himself to his craft.
The turning point in Aikee’s career came when a local restaurant, Zee’s BBQ, took a chance on him. They asked if he could paint their logo on a wall. With a mix of excitement and nerves, he replied, “I think so,” despite never having painted a wall before. The project was a success, and Aikee documented the entire process on social media. The response was overwhelming—requests for murals started pouring in, and it was clear that his talent was in high demand. That’s when Aikee decided to turn his passion into a full-fledged business, adopting the name “Artkee.”
Supporting him along the way have been his family, friends, and the mentors who shaped his path—particularly his mom, Aisha Ragland, who has been his biggest cheerleader.
When asked about what makes his business stand out, Aikee humbly admits that he doesn’t focus on comparing himself to others. “I’m only focused on my business and my own goals,” he says. “But I do believe that my work speaks for itself. I always go the extra mile and take that extra step to make sure my clients are happy.”
His art has changed the lives of his clients, bringing them joy and happiness and brightening their environments. For Aikee, this impact is what makes his work truly meaningful.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Aikee offers a piece of valuable advice: “Start today and be consistent. Nothing happens overnight. You’ve got to keep going. You might not see the results you’re looking for in the first few months or even the first year, but if you stay consistent, it will pay off. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing the numbers or clients you want right away. Stay the course, and in due time, it will come.”
If you’re interested in bringing life to your business or event with a touch of Aikee’s artistic magic, you can book his services by calling 662-785-1723 or emailing Artkee00@gmail.com. Be sure to follow him on Facebook at Aikee Matthews (Artkee) to see more of his incredible work.
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