Hey guys, it’s been a while! i’ve just moved to Melbourne and i’m so excited about it all and being around some of the best sources of inspiration! I did a sneaky interview in between my move with one of the sickest artists I know Rik Lee, really cool guy, here it is!
Hey! thanks for your time, what’s been happening?
Hey! No problem. A lot of drawings been happening. Some traveling too which is always good. I just got back from Sydney and before that I was in Los Angeles for work stuff. Now i’m just busy drawing again so I can get back OS again.
For those who are unfamiliar with you and what you do, can you tell us a bit about yourself and walk us through your typical day?
Okay, I’m a professional illustrator. Which basically means I spend all day everyday (and most of my nights) drawing pictures. I’ve exhibited my work all over the world both commercially and as a fine artist. My clients range from the kid next door who wants a tattoo design to huge multi-national organisations. For as long as I can remember i’ve loved drawing, so making a living doing this is pretty awesome. Most days I get up at a reasonable time, check my email, head out, grab a coffee and start work. I’ll just do work related stuff all day. Maybe meet a friend for a coffee or drink briefly. But most days i’m working from around 9am until 11pm. Weekends too.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I have no problem finding that. Inspiring things are everywhere.
What do you love the most about what you do?
I love the freedom of working for myself. I love meeting rad, inspirational people and traveling to new places with my work. Most of all I love spending every day doing something that i love.
Describe your workspace:
Messy.
If you weren’t doing this as your career, what would you be doing?
No idea? I studied graphic design, so i’d probably be doing that. I have a thing for the weather too, so maybe a meteorologist. That’d be cool.
What are your tools of the trade, what brands do you prefer?
Faber Castell pencils, Sharpie / Artline marker pens, Archers paper and an Apple computer.
What’s in your pockets right now?
I emptied them out when I got to my desk. So nothing at all, except maybe some lint.
If I stole your ipod, what would be playing if I pressed play?
Oh god. Probably some embarrassing guilty pleasure shit. I don’t know what would be worse, having my ipod stolen or you discovering what i’m actually listening to!
Do you have any other hobbies and interests you like to keep up with?
Just the usual things. Hanging with friends, music, travel, gin….
Anything coming up that we should know about?
I’m working on an exciting project with some friends in LA at present. I’ll let you know more about that when things come together in the next few months. I should be exhibiting here in Melbourne during July and otherwise, i’m just carrying on with the usual drawing stuff.
If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be?
Ohhh, mint choc-chip because i’m sweet and fresh. Sorry that’s the worst answer ever. I’m down with mint choc-chip though, it reminds me of being a kid. I like the colour too.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Not much. Which is a little depressing because I find something really comforting about having a well stocked fridge.
There’s some cheese and bread, so i’ve got as pretty good idea of what i’m having for lunch.
Zombie apocalypse.
Choose your weapon, one food to live off and where do you hide?
Damn. Can i have a tank? I’ll take a tank for a weapon, avocados for food and a vacant shopping mall to hide out. In fact, i’ll replace avocados with ice cream sandwiches, they’re less likely to go off. Plus, if i’m going to go out, I may as well go out fat and content.
Any advice for any aspiring illustrators/designers?
Just work hard. Draw every day. It’s dull advice, but it’s the most relevant. I have no formal training in illustration. I just draw a lot.
Where can people follow what you’re up to and view your work?
www.riklee.tumblr.com
www.riklee.bigcartel.com
www.jackywinter.com/the-jacky-winter-group/rik-lee
www.facebook.com/Rikleeillustration
Instagram – @rikleeillustration