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

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DALeast





Jasper Wong







Legendary Chaz Bojorquez







DJ Neil Armstrong





Yimmy Yayo






Ricky Powell













Chaz Bojorquez



Jasper Wong

Carbon Festival 2012 – What a great weekend! From catching up with old familiar faces, to inspiring and entertaining speeches, to making new and priceless international friendships. So glad I got to be apart of it. You can see more info about the festival here. I suggest if you missed out this year, you make it a to do for 2013 :)
Melissa. x

Faith47 – The largest mural in the Southern Hemisphere

D*Face


Blek le Rat


Swoon



Heesco

I was invited to Yum Cha at Hu Tong Dumpling House with a small group of culture and art enthusiasts. My first ever Yum Cha experience and boy was it delicious.. I don’t know how I have lived so long with out it! I most definitely over-ate and then also ate the goodie bag on the way home too, because I couldn’t resist.

When I arrived at Hu Tong, I was the first person there and they showed me to a private room without 12 seats.. 12!! I’m shy and was instantly nervous, but after people started arriving I realised how silly that was and how good of an opportunity it was to be invited to sit with some of the industries most inspiring and amazing people.

After stuffing my face we then visited The Cullen hotel who was holding an Open House to celebrate living fearlessly with street art and The Cullen’s sponsorship of CARBON Festival. The Cullen features large outdoor murals by Faith47 and DALeast, a gymnasium makeover by Heesco, and I had the chance to discover The Cullen’s very own Street Art Hotel Suites; Swoon, D*Face and Blek le Rat have all left their marks in their suites.

The Cullen aims to educate and inspire guests, bringing the spirit of Melbourne’s world famous street art culture into the Hotel. It was a great opportunity and afternoon.. plus the rooftop has some amazing views so I’ll have to visit there again soon. I will upload some photos of Carbon 2012 soon.

Melissa. x