William Hopp

An artist strives to craft a masterpiece, brought to life by their own imagination, in the hopes that others will see what they see. A business person takes a creation, whether it is a service, or a tangible, and finds ways to market it to the masses. One would think that the two professions would fit together like peas and carrots, but rarely does a master of one craft understand the other.

Rarely, but not never.

I began as an artist with a business mind way before I understood the full concept of both. I knew what I liked, I knew what was popular, and I believed that I could create what I liked and make it popular, because, well I was naive.

I had all of the hopes and dreams of a young artist, but none of the experience with life. Soon, I began to realize that I was missing the spark that all artists had, and I shelved away my unrefined ability into the depths of my mind, expecting never to use them again. I decided that what I wanted more than to see my art be birthed, was to have a life that allowed me the freedom to pursue what I wanted. Obviously, entrepreneurship was the right path for me. I began digging my hands into everything I could find that would give my equity in my toils, and I was certain that through this I would find true happiness.

And then, after 8 years of becoming a leader with a jack of all trades mentality, I began to write. I had finally gained the harsh life lessons and an understanding of human nature.

It didn’t start as short story, or film short, but as a project larger than anything I could even conceive of. My philosophy: go big or go home. And with that philosophy, carried with it a responsibility even I couldn’t fathom. Within 6 months I had written a 6 part serial zombie saga, which was only the first in a trilogy of mankind’s end of days. Through the process, I wrote an accompanying screenplay, the second 6 part saga, and then several more screenplays. Rarely did I stop working, and even then it was only to rest. Some thought me fanatical in my efforts, but I understood that all those who accomplished great things with their lives did so with an unyielding work ethic, and a focus on the big picture.

I founded Collective Minds Media, a production company of a different kind. It wasn’t just me, but a team of people whom of which I had met, and connected with on a personal level. And together we have found the balance between art and business.