Malik Hardaway-Whitaker was born and raised in Newark, NJ. From a very young age, his parents recognized his passion and talent as an artist and enrolled him in several workshops and art classes. He studied advanced art while attending high school at St. Benedicts Prep and later at Rutgers University and the Art Institute of America, along with several artist programs and residencies. While growing his art career he has consistently worked as a bartender and massage therapist to support his dreams. From his studies, he has translated his style and technique into a complete disciplinary form. This form he has used to mentor inner-city students for the Newark Public School system, Charter School System, and students with disabilities who are interested in art and want to learn how to apply their artistic disciplines to their daily lives. His illustrations have appeared in many poetry books and publications. He is also an accomplished muralist whose work can be seen on several buildings, churches, and colleges throughout Essex County. Malik is most known for his “Brick City Project”, a collection of bricks with painted scenes of Newark, which he’s displayed in many galleries and exhibitions. He currently is the owner of M-Print Art studios in Newark, where he continues to display his art while working on projects and mentoring students.