South African Illustrator imnk talks about empathy, improvision and the imagination behind his art.

His name is imnk and his Instagram profile unflinchingly reads: “Africa is not a jungle”. This South African illustrator is undoubtedly an artist’s artist known for his ethereal imagination and his distinct style with a fineliner. imnk has found a way to ingeniously communicate social ills and realities through his unworldly style of art, especially in his latest series. We caught a moment with him, to find out more about the man behind the art.

One word that describes you?

That’s probably the hardest question for me to answer. There is no one word I could come up with that would encapsulate me. So for a lack of a better word, “Me”

Where are you from?

I come from a place called Ekangala, Bronkhorstspruit. But I also call Pretoria home.

How did you get into illustrating and how can you describe your journey?

It has been quite a journey. I knew I would do something in the creative field, my dad was an artist (painter and Sculptor) and my biggest influence. I have always known how to draw. I thought I would be a painter but I did Design in high school.

It has been quite a journey. I knew I would do something in the creative field, my dad was an artist (painter and Sculptor) and my biggest influence. I have always known how to draw. I thought I would be a painter but I did Design in high school.

Illustration became a happy medium between Fine Arts and the Advertising / Marketing field. Illustration still combines the creative ideation that is prevalent in Advertising and drawing which is more fine Arts.

How long have you been in the game?

I’ve been in the game since I painted my shoes yellow in primary school and made my friends pay me to do theirs.

What has inspired your recent work?

The main inspiration was the plight of women. I think one of the most essential tools one has to have as a person living in 2019 is the ability to put yourself in someone’s position and think of how they feel.

How long does it take for you to complete one of these spectacular works of art?

The time I take to complete a drawing depends. There are a lot of variables that will influence the duration. But I try to do it in 2 weeks normally. But it could take more time it could be less.

The time I take to complete a drawing depends. There are a lot of variables that will influence the duration. But I try to do it in 2 weeks normally. It could take more time or it could be less.

What medium do you use and can you also describe your creative process?

My favourite medium is Fineliner. I hate graphite because it can get dirty. I favour Finliners because it’s a little less forgiving with mistakes. I like the improvisation and creativity that you have to do when navigating a mistake.

I keep my process very simple. 70% of it happens in my head. I can take 2 weeks trying to solve it in my head. Once I sit down, I normally don’t want to figure much out, I want to sit down and execute. Most of my ideas come from the environment around me. That’s what I prefer documenting.

How can our readers get to experience more of your work?

I am active on social media. Facebook Imnk Nkululeko and imnk_1713 on Instagram and I’m working on a kool ass website.