We recently had the chance to connect with Khalil Kodak and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khalil , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, that most people don’t see, is the creative world I’ve been quietly developing behind the scenes. I’ve been working on my own original animation series for YouTube, crafting every detail from the characters to the story lines completely on my own. At the same time, I’ve been building a video game from scratch! Something in the open-world spirit of Grand Theft Auto, but with my own vision and style. It’s a huge challenge, because I handle everything myself from the art, the coding, and even the storytelling. But that’s what makes me proud of it. Even if nobody else sees the hours that go into it YET, I know I’m building something from the ground up that represents me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Khalil Kodak, and I’m a creative who wears just about every hat you can think of. I started out young, carrying my camera everywhere and turning high school into what felt like our own reality TV show. From music to dance battles to freestyles, I was capturing moments and telling stories before I even realized I was building the foundation of my career.
What makes me unique is that I never waited on anybody else to make things happen for me. Growing up in a single-parent household, money was tight, so I made a promise to myself early on that if I couldn’t afford it, I’d learn how to do it myself. Music, videography, graphic design, editing, streaming, man I taught myself everything. Over time, that drive turned me into a one-stop shop for artists, businesses, and anyone looking to bring their vision to life.
Along the way, I built a platform of over 15,000 subscribers on YouTube and a live-streaming community with hundreds of thousands of views, but what I’m most excited about right now is the stuff that’s still behind the curtain. I’ve been quietly building my own animation series for YouTube called “Khalilville” and even developing a video game called “Khaos Kings (Chaos Kings) : Khalil’s Redemption” and I’m doing it all by myself. It’s a crazy challenge, but that’s exactly why I’m proud of it.
At the end of the day, my brand is about showing people that you can literally make something out of nothing if you’re willing to put in the time, the work, and the belief in yourself. I’m living proof of that.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That’s EASY! My mother, without a doubt! Growing up in a single-parent household, she was the one who always saw something in me before I even knew what it was myself. She supported every dream I chased, whether it was music, videos, or any of the other creative lanes I’ve taken on. Of course, like any parent and child, we had our moments of butting heads but looking back, I realize it was never about holding me back. It was because she only wanted what was best for me, even if I couldn’t see it at the time.
What’s special is that her support hasn’t stopped. Even today, no matter what new idea I come up with. whether it’s an animation series, a video game, or music, she’s still right there cheering me on. Having that type of love and belief behind me has been one of my biggest blessings.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d have to tell my younger self: ‘Trust your vision and keep going, even when it feels like nobody else can truly see your vision.’ Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges from being in the hospital and facing death as a kid to figuring out how to chase my dreams with limited resources. There were times I doubted myself or felt like I wasn’t moving fast enough. But looking back, every struggle was part of building the person I am today.
I’d remind myself to embrace the grind, to keep learning, and to never be afraid of doing things on my own. Everything you’re quietly building. From music to videos to animation or even a video game. It all matters. Don’t be afraid to start, fail, and start again. You’ve got this!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells itself is that talent alone will get you there. Truth is, it’s about consistency, hustle, and learning to do everything yourself if you have to. People wait for a break that might never come, but real success comes from building it yourself. You have to be willing to grind behind the scenes, teach yourself new skills, and keep pushing even when nobody’s watching. That’s how you turn passion into something that actually lasts in my opinion.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m pushing my limits in the gym. I start my mornings with a 14-mile run on the elliptical and follow it up with an intense upper-body workout, mixing weights and calisthenics. That grind clears my head, sharpens my focus, and sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about discipline, mental strength, and reminding myself that hard work pays off in every area of life, both in and out of the gym. Yeah the gym is where i find my peace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalil3x/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/khalil3x
- Other: https://khalilkodak.godaddysites.com/
