Alex Headlam, known artistically as Aleqth, embarked on his creative journey from a very young age, initially experimenting with play-doh to craft cars and other sculptures before transitioning to paper where he explored automotive and vampiric themes. His artistic development took a significant turn at 15, a period during which he began sharing his work online, marking a pivotal moment in his engagement with both art and its community. This era of digital exploration led to the conception of his brand name and style in 2020, a time when Headlam felt constrained creatively by his college environment. This period catalyzed the creation of his "Cope" moniker, stemming from a unique vision involving a sculpture that eventually resembled a logo. The ethos behind "Cope," according to Headlam, revolves around making the best out of any situation and seeing the world from a reinvigorated perspective, integrating community and combatting negativity as core principles​.

Aleqth's work gained notable recognition when Dean Baquet, the chief editor of The New York Times, purchased three of his drawings. This moment was a significant milestone for Headlam, affirming his position in the art world and encouraging a deeper commitment to his craft.