Nothing Average About Richard
Richard Average is one the country’s finest illustrators, and he was generous enough to lend his phenomenal talent to designing the artwork to one of Archive’s “Open Decks” event. We caught up with him to ask him a few questions and this is how it went down.
When did your love for art start?
I was about 7 years old and I saw my older brother drawing and saw some of my Dad’s old drawings. It was my earliest memory of seeing art being created, so I’d say I started falling in love with art then.
When did you know that you can turn your art into a business?
In my second year of art school. I studied graphic design and illustration and I found out that you can actually be an illustrator and draw for a living (legit blew my mind ). Of course, it’s not that simple, but after getting a few small opportunities to work with people and leveraging those to get more working opportunities, it can be a healthy business - just takes consistency, dedication & balance.
Which other mediums of art do you practice, and which one is your favourite?
I enjoy just drawing. That’s the foundation. Pencil on paper is where my heart its. I also paint with acrylics a little bit, but digital art is my favourite. It just works for me.
What five words would you use to describe your style of art?
Layered, Organic, Movement, Balanced, Unique.
Who was the first artist that impacted you and made you steer in the direction of your own style?
Sjeesh, it’s been years but probably this dude from New Zealand called T-Wei. I used to study his work religiously in College. The thing that I got from his approach was just doing it your own way and not being afraid of being different. But there was a plethora of artists that impacted me back in the day and still do today.
What about your community has the biggest influence on your work?
As of recent it’s actually just been having somewhat of a community. I’m real lowkey and don’t really do crowds because I’m a person that enjoys solitude, but I’ve been finding myself surrounded by good people and in healthy spaces, and a lot of the time it’s been the music and conversations I’ve been sharing that has been influencing my work.
What was the biggest indication that the art industry is growing?
Seeing more creatives of colour get working opportunities and being able to live off their art.
What are your favourite themes to explore?
Music, Fashion, Cycling, Mental Health & Myself ;)
How important is a signature style for illustrators?
I think it’s more important for illustrators to just make a bunch of stuff and take what they like from all of that stuff and make that a style. Make sense? Haha. A style is dope, but be open to experimenting and creating in different ways, It allows for growth I believe.
What is your favourite thing about Archive’s open decks project?
Good energy, good music, good clothes, great sneakers & lekker coffee I also think it’s a dope opportunity for DJs to get out there and play. It can open a lot of doors and expose you to a different way of thinking if you let it.
Let’s do some quick-fire questions.
Drill or boom bap rap?
Boom Bap Rap.
Beach life or city life?
Yoh, city life (if the beach is close by)
Street food or fine dining?
Street food, a boerie roll with Dhanja Sauce
Low tops or high tops?
Low tops
Favourite Archive store?
I’ve been to a few, but the Bree Street joint is just otherworldly. Good job on y’all for making that space what it is, there’s Layers to it. Like Richard said above Archive’s Open Decks event is an amazing platform that should not be slept on. Keep eyes peeled for the next one, and keep an eye out for Richards amazing art, its sure to inspire you and have you in awe.
