Editor’s note: With ICON9 The Illustration Conference on the horizon—a weekend of art, discussion, performance, and plenty of talk in Austin, TX—the current roster for the Q&A is peopled with many of the exceptional artists making presentations during this biannual artfest. Richard Borge will be leading an AfterEffects Images in Motion workshop on July 7.

Q: Originally from Madagascar, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in New York?

A: I was born in Madagascar and raised in Fargo ND.  I currently live in Williamsburg Brooklyn, which is fun because there are always a lot of things happening here.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A: I do keep a sketchbook. It is used for concept sketches for both commissioned work and personal projects / ventures.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: My Rancilio Espresso maker. Second to that would be my Mac.

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: Often times the deadline dictates this, which is helpful. I think when I start nudging things in small increments it’s time to step back.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: I’ve always loved Curious George, all Dr. Suess books, and Where the Wild Things Are.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: Lately I’ve been into the Daniel Silva (Israeli spy novels) series. The English Girl was the last one I read. 

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: These days I’ve been really immersed in Cinema 4D software, so I’d have to say that, even though it sounds strange to me to want to be sitting behind a computer that much. I have been working on a series of pieces that look like 1950’s retro tin toys, both for clients and personal work. I’m in discussion now with a major gaming company on actually fabricating them out of metal. I would love to see some of these pieces made very large as public sculptures, with kids climbing all over them.

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A. Music and other people’s work. I’m always looking at who’s making strong work on Instagram.

Q: What was the [Thunderbolt] painting or drawing or film or otherwise that most affected your approach to art?

A: I’ve always loved Tom Waits’ approach to making music, so that had a big influence on me, especially early on.

Q: Who was the [Thunderbolt] teacher or mentor or visiting artist who most influenced you early in your training or career?

A:  Jackson Boelts, from my MFA days at The University of Arizona. He was really tough on me (especially early on), but also very supportive.

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Spicy Chicken from the Afghan Kebab House on 51st / 9th ave, NYC.  With a side of spinach and a coke.

Brooklyn is where my home and studio is. My time is spent on professional projects as well as teaching, at both Parsons and Pratt. I work on primarily editorial and corporate projects, both in illustration and animation / motion design. More and more, these disciplines blend into each other.—Richard Borge

site: http://richardborge.com

motion work: http://richardborge.com/?portfolio-category=animation-2

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardborge/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardborgestudio

linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardborge

twitter: https://twitter.com/richardborge