Hi! My name is Michael Katopes, but most people know me as Topes, which stands for Time of Peace Every Second — a reminder to stay creative, grounded, and joyful in every moment.
I’m an Industrial Design student with a lifelong dream: to become a Legendary Toy Designer for LEGO. Ever since I was a kid, LEGO has inspired my imagination and shaped how I see the world — as a place full of color, play, and endless possibilities.
I’ve always stayed close to my inner child because it keeps my creativity alive. For me, design is a way to play for life — to imagine, build, and bring joy to others. I love learning, exploring new ideas, and challenging myself every day, even when things get tough.
My faith and curiosity keep me moving forward, helping me find meaning in every experience. I deeply admire LEGO’s founder, whose perseverance and belief in his dream remind me that even when life gets difficult, you can always keep building. That’s how I want to live — with resilience, creativity, and play in every step.
One of my proudest moments was attending a LEGO camp for a day, where I built an alien cyborg with a laser blaster. At the end of the challenge, my family and friends voted for my creation, and I won first place!
That experience showed me how creativity, imagination, and community can come together to make something special. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believe in me and continue to support my dreams. I genuinely believe that we rise by lifting others — that iron sharpens iron — and when we help each other grow, we all build something greater together.
Every art piece I create for fun is inspired by LEGO or androids — two worlds that spark my imagination and curiosity. This collection of sketches and watercolor paintings represents my creative journey over the years, each piece filled with joy, peace, and love.
LEGO has always been more than just a toy to me — it’s a symbol of creativity, connection, and endless possibility. Through my art, I want to continue exploring that spirit of play and imagination that has inspired me since childhood.
This is a special project I created for my 3D Design class — a LEGO tree with LED lights. The story behind this piece is deeply meaningful to me:
Life is a lot like a LEGO tree.
We are constantly growing, learning, and discovering new possibilities. We build our lives one piece at a time—expanding, evolving, and reaching for new heights.
We are constantly growing, learning, and discovering new possibilities. We build our lives one piece at a time—expanding, evolving, and reaching for new heights.
Sometimes our branches and leaves fall. We experience setbacks, challenges, and moments where it feels like we can’t keep going. But our roots — our values, our faith, the people who support us — keep us grounded. They remind us that we are still standing.
Just like a tree, we can always grow new branches. We can rebuild and find strength again. We continue to grow every single day — unless we choose to give up.
This LEGO tree represents resilience, growth, and hope.
No matter what falls away, we keep building.
No matter what falls away, we keep building.