Meet Tariq Drayton: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tariq Drayton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tariq, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Studying Inspiration. As I recently started painting, I was stuck. I don’t recommend buying a blank canvas and just “start painting”. Me personally, could never do that. I’ve probably wasted hours staring at a piece of paper with the motive to draw or paint, but with no real ideas. Looking at the artists who inspire me give me ideas, and broaden my imagination and style. But along with that, CONSISTENCY. I’m a teenager, I get lazy and I take breaks. Yet painting and drawing doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I at LEAST try to make an effort to create. If I can’t produce anything, I take a step back and be patient.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been drawing my whole life. Ever since I can remember. Pencil, paper and/or markers were my best friends. I recently overcame my fear of painting and fell in love with it too. Over these last few months my progress has made a tremendous difference, due to me studying my craft. Before I did research, I was too dependent on talent. Natural skill is an excellent trait to have. but there’s so much more to that which was humbling. I failed to see what I was lacking as an artist, which is what I recommend to anyone who wants to improve in ANYTHING. This not only helped me get better, but made art “fresh” for me. It felt new. What I want to say is that I’m still learning, and will always be learning. But this stage of me is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most tourists go to the Coca Cola Museum, and the Georgia Aquarium, which is definitely two places you should check out if you’re visiting. But in all honesty, It depends on who you are in what you’re interested in. I would take MY best friend to the best wing spot in Georgia (in my humble opinion) Austell Wings. Definitely hit up some local consignment shops and clothing stores such as Collected ATL located in Marietta square, and go to the Atlanta Beltline Eastside trail for scenery. And of course, the High Museum of Art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people around me assist me in what makes me the artist without even knowing. My Parents, My older brother Xavier “Flyywalker” Drayton, My mentor Hiram Cray or @omni_prism on instagram. And how could I forget my friends and anyone who supports me on social media. Every repost, and fire emoji I receive sparks something inside me that not only makes me happy, but confident. I’m a hard critic on my own art, and each compliment keeps those negative opinions away for real.

Website: https://shopriq.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: riqskiii