Can you share a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist?
My name is Richard Goodluck. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and I’m 21 years old. I’m currently a student at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, where I’ve been exploring different creative outlets.
Creatively, I’m a rapper, graphic designer, and photographer. My artistic journey began almost two years ago, though I started out writing poems and little songs in high school. I left that behind to focus on other things, but fast forward to university, I initially got into SFU for Computer Science. About two years into that program, I switched to Interactive Arts, and that’s when my graphic design career took off. A year later, I transferred to Emily Carr.
Six months into my program at Emily Carr, I picked up photography and have been pushing my boundaries ever since, experimenting with what I can create through images.
If you don’t know me, I might seem like I’m always serious, but I’m actually a pretty goofy guy. That side of me often shows up in the music I create.
What sparked your interest in pursuing your artistic outlets?
The sheer magic of seeing ideas come to life sparked my interest in these outlets. Watching people turn concepts into reality is incredibly inspiring to me. Creation is a gift from God, and the fact that I can bring ideas to life is both exciting and motivating. When I can’t create, I feel a sense of emptiness.
Who or what influences your artistry the most?
I’ve been surrounded by creativity from a young age, thanks to my mom. She always encouraged us to pick up different skills, and that’s influenced how I express myself artistically. Growing up, my mom was an electrical engineer turned baker, and I watched her teach herself to bake. Seeing her and my uncle sculpt icing sugar into cartoon characters and carefully design cakes sparked my early interest in art and design.
Music has also been a constant in my life. I was in the choir in high school, and I loved it. Nigeria, where I’m from, is a melting pot of sounds and cultural music. I vividly remember weekends when my mom and grandma would burst into spontaneous melodies, creating harmonies effortlessly. In high school, my dorm mates and I would make beats out of buckets and objects, creating music together. All of these moments helped shape my ear for music.
As for photography, I was inspired by a close friend named Stephen. He showed me how to appreciate the beauty in everyday things. I got hands-on experience when I helped him with a photoshoot, and I instantly fell in love with it. Editing those photos was even more enjoyable. For me, photography combines so many elements I love—set design, lighting, and transforming thoughts into tangible visuals.
How would you describe your unique style and themes in your art?
My art isn’t confined to one medium. As an artist, my goal is to create an experience—whether it’s through visuals, music, or design. I want people to feel something specific when they interact with my work. I experiment a lot and aim to create a seamless fusion between music and design. To put it simply, I want my art to evoke emotions as powerful as being under the influence of something surreal.
Can you share one of your favorite projects or pieces and what makes it special
One of my favorite pieces right now is a freestyle I did with my friend Brian. It marked my transition from a flow more aligned with American rap to embracing my Nigerian flow, which I had previously avoided because I thought it was too difficult to execute. But after practicing and watching artists like Burna Boy, Rema, and Bangwaves, I got more comfortable with it. Hearing that freestyle always inspires me to experiment with new flows and different sounds. I often remind myself that good music transcends genres, and I want to explore as many of them as I can.
Reflecting on your journey, what obstacles have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenges I’ve faced are consistency and procrastination. Balancing school, work, and creativity has been tough. There were times when I pushed projects to the last minute or missed deadlines entirely. I’m still working on breaking the habit of procrastination. However, I’ve found a system that helps me stay consistent—by recording ideas as soon as they come to mind and executing them before they fade away.
How do you approach continuous growth and evolution in your artistic endeavors?
I grow by collaborating with other creatives and learning from them. I experiment with different techniques and incorporate what I’ve learned into my own work. I also make an effort to connect with people from diverse artistic backgrounds. Their styles and approaches inspire me to think about art in new ways.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
My creative process is pretty flexible. I adapt to whatever tools or resources are available to me. I start by visualizing what I want the final piece to look like, then I sketch out a step-by-step guide to achieve it. After that, I do some research to make sure my idea is solid and that I have everything I need. Once that’s done, I dive into the creation process.
Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you stay creative?
Yes, I do! Before I start working on anything, I always clean my workspace. A messy environment distracts me, even if the project itself is messy. So, I tidy up before getting started. And honestly, a lot of the time involves me pacing, doodling, and staring at walls, just processing thoughts.
Have you had the chance to collaborate with local artists or organizations? If so, can you share some highlights?
Yes, I’ve collaborated with Vancouver’s Stacked Fashion Show, photographing the event, and it was a great experience. I’ve also worked with local artists like MannyDhee and Kariuki Nderitu, photographers like Stephen Waithaka, and stylists such as StylewithAliyaah and EdnainStyle. These collaborations have taught me a lot about working with others and have opened my eyes to the importance of teamwork in art.
How important is collaboration within the local artistic community?
Collaboration is essential. Not only does it provide an opportunity to learn from others, but it also brings new ideas and perspectives to the table. When you’re stuck on a project, collaboration can spark inspiration and help you break through creative blocks.
How do you connect with the local community through your art?
I’m working on organizing small jam sessions where artists can meet up, create music, freestyle, and share ideas. It’s a way for me to foster a creative community and engage with other artists in Vancouver.
What are your short-term and long-term goals as an artist?
In the short term, I want to grow my presence in Vancouver and establish myself as an artist. In the long term, I want to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression—something people want to relive over and over again.
Do you have any dream projects or collaborations you’d like to pursue?
My biggest dream right now is to collaborate with creatives from around the world and see what we can create together.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists in your community?
For aspiring artists, my advice is simple: have fun with what you’re doing, learn the rules of your art so you can break them effectively, and never stop experimenting.
How do you balance pursuing your passion with meeting practical needs in your artistic journey?
Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. But I’ve shifted my mindset—art isn’t just a hobby for me anymore; it’s my job. This is my life, and I’m learning to treat it that way.
