Meet the Art Demigod
Richmond Niinan Larbie also known as Artistic or the Art Demigod, is a final year Communication Design student, majoring in Film and Animation at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology. Playing the role as lead designer of the DeCoDe publicity team, the Art Demigod is well noted for his contributions towards the creative campaigns for the students’ association of department of communication design, GASA in 2022.
His creative journey begun at the age of 15, in the Senior High School (SHS) where he acquired the desire to develop this talent. His visual art tutor had provided them with some insight about the various design software and how they contributed to communication trends. His curiosity and determination to explore and create led to his achievement. With a foundation established on the basics of graphic design at SHS, he continued to improve and learnt new skills by watching related YouTube videos to create new artworks. Allocating time to series of constant practice and learning from some mentors such as “Art God” and “Boca Studios”, the Art Demigod has acquired a high standard, and also attained a level of recognition in the field of 3D and motion graphics. He has since then practiced in graphic design, motion graphics, 2D and 3D animation for over seven years.
After graduating from the SHS, the Art Demigod had the opportunity to work as a freelance graphic designer for a year before gaining admission to the university. Some of the works he has worked on includes labels for product packaging, visual posters, and creative photomanipulation artworks. Richmond then enrolled in the Communication Design degree programme to enhance his skills in these fields. Whiles in school, he worked as an intern for Director Jay Wills on a video production for Ghanaian female musician “Coco Tray”. He also led a team to create the stunning 3d visuals for the faculty’s Annual Grand Ball Dinner and Awards Night event in September 2022.
Relating to honors, the Art Demigod was named the Best Student Animator at the UMB Ghana Tertiary Awards, which was presented in November 2022.
Moving forwards, his long-term goal is to make more strides in 3D animation in Ghana. His main aim is to find employment and begin working with 3D animation and advertising companies. His life's ambition is to be regarded as one of the greatest artists, not only in 3D but in art generally.
Finally, he encourages the next generation of designers to work consistently and diligently toward their passion, whiles making sacrifices to accomplish what is worthwhile.
“Sacrificing to do more pays more”, said the Art Demigod.
Article by: Irene Ankrah, 4th Year - Multimedia
