Pretoria based 29-year old designer, illustrator and artist Joshua Richards is responsible for some one the phyest animations you see online and has pretty much sketched for everyone person in the industry including Da L.e.s, Nomuzi, M.I, AKA, TolAssMo, ProVerb, Nasty C, OkMalumkoolkat, Cassper, Twins On Deck, Burna Boy and some international ones including Joey Badass and J.Cole. Josh is responsible for not only the layout of Top Ten Influential Hip Hop Artists In Style feature in this April-May 2016 I’stayela issue, but also for meticulously crafting the dopeness that is April-May cover of the magazine featuring Emtee. We chatted to him about his wavy style.
What inspired you to specifically do hip hop related work?
I’d always been a fan of international hip hop. But in the past year or so I’ve been inspired by the growth of SA hip hop and the quality of work that is being produced locally.
Please take us through the creation of the Emtee Artwork?
While listening to his track ‘Roll Up’ I realized how dope he was and how SA hip hop has progressed with all this young talent and felt that I should play my part in helping to promote this dopeness through my art. As for the actual process of creating it, if I told you, it wouldn’t be special [laughs].
Which of your works you created do you consider your best?
I don’t consider any specific work as my best because I’m always trying to create unique and inspirational art in every piece I do.
You get a lot of love from cats in the industry, whose responses or props you’ve been the most happy about?
It’s been humbling to receive so much love and props from so many in the industry but the highlights were when I met face to face with the likes of Casper Nyovest, Khuli Chana, DJ Maphorisa and many others. I also had the opportunity to work on some of their projects so that’s been really cool.
Is there any dream collaboration with a person or brand you hope will happen?
My dream collaboration would be with a top clothing or sneaker brand in the fashion industry. The likes of Adidas, Head Honcho, Nike, Butan Clothing, Gal X Boy, to name a few.
What is the ultimate goal you wish to achieve with your artwork?
To be the best at my craft, to exhibit my work in all media formats and have my own clothing line but ultimately my goal is to inspire the art world.
