A Chance Meeting at VeeCon 

Last May, I was at VeeCon in Indianapolis with my video content team. It's a trip we take every year, but that time, I met a street artist named Robin Hoodd. This wasn't just a chance meeting. It has been a moment that has stuck with me ever since.

I first noticed Robin’s art because he was deep in conversation with Gary Vaynerchuk, the founder of VeeFriends and VeeCon. Gary has been a serious source of inspiration in my life. We were attending the Leaders on Chain VeeCon kickoff event led by a group of seriously impressive women in the NFT space. After I finished my conversation with some friends, I went over to check out the art and meet the artist Gary, and his dad had been speaking with.

Art That Tells a Story 

Robin's hats weren't just cool to look at; they had a story behind them. Each one, with its unique design and message, was like a piece of his life. They said "It's all love, Baby," and you could tell he meant it. When I showed one of these hats to my wife Brittany, she was immediately drawn to it. Buying one of those hats for $250 felt more like backing a friend than just picking up a piece of art. I didn’t think twice about it. Brittany looked awesome in the hat, and supporting the arts is very important to us.

More Than Just Art

The next day, I ran into Robin again. At a convention with so many people, it seemed like more than happenstance. He still had some hats and art to sell, so we headed to his van. It was parked a good walk away, at the Colts' stadium. That walk became a real talk about life, struggles, and how he met Gary Vee. Brittany and I listened intently, moved by his resilience. It was clear this guy had been through a lot but kept pushing forward.

From Tough Streets to Great Art

In his van, Robin had these amazing larger pieces – really unique pieces with nuance and depth beyond the primary image. They featured an ice cream cone and a monkey, and I can't really explain it, but they pictured so much more. Each one had a story, about growing up in Brooklyn, tough times, and not giving up on his dream. Brittany and I ended up buying everything he had in that van. It wasn't just about the art. It was about supporting someone who's been through it and came out on the other side. And then kept going.

An Unexpected Connection

What started as a purchase turned into something more. We didn’t have a way to get the art back to Pittsburgh. Although we had just met him, we felt we could trust Robin to do the right thing and deliver the art to us on his way back to NYC. We paid him half down, and he met us at our home in Pittsburgh a few days later to deliver the art and collect the final payment. I had planned to put him up in a hotel for the night. But we talked and talked for hours that ended up feeling like they were years. He felt like family, and Brittany and I invited him to stay over at our place. Brittany and Robin shared stories, finding common ground in their experiences. It was one of those unexpected connections you just can't plan for, and I decided to stay in that moment and travel with him back to Brooklyn.

A Trip to Remember

The ride to New York with Robin wasn't just a drive; it felt like stepping into his world. As we left Pittsburgh, with the city lights shrinking in the rearview mirror, that old van became a place where stories and life lessons were shared.

Robin told me about his life, each story painting a clear picture of what he's been through. From the tough streets of Brooklyn to the challenges he's faced, his tales were honest and straight from the heart. It was a side of life that's often hidden, a story of making it through tough times.

We discussed everything as he drove – art, life, and the unexpected turns it takes. In those hours, I saw Robin not just as an artist, but as someone who's faced life's storms and stood strong.

When we got to Brooklyn in the early morning, I saw the places that made Robin who he is. We visited his mom's house, filled with warmth and more of his art. His mom, a strong woman with her own stories, added more layers to Robin's life.

We walked around his neighborhood, met his friends, and saw his apartment, buzzing with creativity and filled with his art. Each piece told a part of Robin's story, showing how he turned every tough break into a chance to create something new.

This trip was more than just getting from one place to another. It was a deep dive into the life of a guy who's used every challenge as a chance to make art. It left me with a real respect for Robin's work and his never-give-up spirit.

Art That Inspires

Owning a piece of Robin's art is like remembering to keep going, no matter what. It's not just about how it looks; it's about what it stands for.

Every hat, every canvas, has a bit of Robin's heart and soul in it. They're not just things to wear or hang up; they're signs of never backing down. Looking at his art, you see a guy who didn't let tough times beat him. It's a nudge that even when the road is rough, something good awaits on the other side.

If Robin's story touches you, and you want a piece of that never-quit spirit, his art is out there for you. These aren't just things to buy; they're pieces of a life lived with guts, heart, and a strong will. If you want to purchase some of Robin's art, please contact me. It's more than buying something; it's about backing an amazing artist and keeping a part of his incredible story with you.