Meet Andy Akangah, known as AKARTS | Illustrator & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Akangah, known as AKARTS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I usually keep a few quotes and affirmations within hand’s reach, and they help keep me centered at all times. My favorite these days would be “Think of a slingshot, the harder it’s pulled back the farther it shoots forward.”

I so wholeheartedly believe in not giving up, fed to me through stubborn and hardcore anime characters but also as a state of mind, I’ve seen beautiful things happen from just persevering no matter how many setbacks or obstacles emerge. I don’t intend on letting fear or failure have the last word.

I’m going to sneak another quote in there, “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.” and it’s a simple reminder that pushes me to keep trying new things even when I’m afraid, and at least I would have learnt something. Most importantly, I would have gotten that idea out of my head.

What should our readers know about your business?
Comic books and hip hop are two of the many sources of inspiration for my work, and I love waking up and creating art because it just feels so inherently me. I do art my young kid self would be happy to see and proud of.

Recently, I’ve found myself creating a lot of works in which rappers take on the roles of comic book heroes. I also like tinkering with video game box art and music covers. Culture has become an unhealthy obsession of mine. Each of my works is infused with a sense of nostalgia while still including contemporary elements. I like to believe that this combination of old and new makes my creations stand out in the best way by challenging your expectations.

I’ve always been loyal to myself by focusing my efforts on the fashion industry. Along with canvases and prints, garments like button ups, sweater vests, cardigans, and more with my artwork are all available via my clothing line, AKARTS Comics. Having my streetwear published on Complex and having Timothée Chalamet wear one of my shirts are two of my proudest professional achievements to date.

Leading up to these wins were long nights of grinding, sending a staggering number of emails, being out and about looking for opportunities and an insane amount of time honing my craft while studying marketing in university. No, it wasn’t a breeze, but I cherished every minute of it and still do since it just makes the wins that much better. I. Just. Kept. Going. I won’t let anything deter me.

Among the many lessons I picked up along the road was the value of exercising patience, I also learned that it’s important to let people know about your work and what drives you to produce it, and to remember to have fun.

I would like the world to know that it’s going to be a really fun ride, so please follow along on my Instagram and TikTok @theakarts. I put my heart and soul into creating work that is authentic and makes you feel something and hopefully calls out your inner child.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite stops in Ottawa!

Eat:
– Pizza Nerds have the best pizzas. Period.
– Sansotei Ramen is the go-to for satisfying that ramen craving.
– C’est Japon à Shuisha boasts genuine Japanese design and allows you to enjoy sushi on a tatami mat.
– J’TM Resto Bar serves exquisite Caribbean food and beverages.

Visit:
– For your museum and art fix, check out Drip House, the Ottawa Art Gallery, Wall Space Gallery, and the National Gallery.
– Dow’s Lake Pavillion for gorgeous scenery, bicycling, kayaking, and dog walking.
– Rockcliffe Park Pavillion for great city views, particularly at sunrise and sunset, and for a paint and picnic time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wish I could get on a podium daily and just give a shoutout to my family and friends because honestly, the work will be nothing like it is now if it wasn’t for them. I pride myself in having a support system that won’t let me release art or pieces that aren’t up to par.

For years, they’re double checked my work, gave me new ideas, pushed me to go harder, stayed up late with me to tinker on pieces, pulled off stunts for my work to be seen in places hard to get to, I could go on and I just might.

They’ve gone above and above for me on a daily basis. Their support and trust is all the fuel I need.

Website: www.theakarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theakarts

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theakarts

Image Credits
Rory Creelman Andrew Phanthavong Shaemara Gottfried Tani Olorunyomi