Interview with Niko Del Real

Aug 17, 2012

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 24500 times

Name: Niko Del Real
Hometown: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Occupation: Student

What got you into drawing in the first place?
Niko: Well, I think I have been drawing for almost all my life or at least the part I remember, haha. When we're talking about the BMX cartoons, I think like 2 years or so.

You sem to have a certain style with the eyes, is that your trademark?
Niko: Yes, it's some particular thing I put in my drawings to make them something more original. That makes it kind of harder keeping the similarity to the rider that I'm going to draw but it is worth it when I see the drawing finished.

Drawing BMX bikes the right way is hard, does it help you

understand how to do it because you ride yourself?
Niko: Yeah for sure. Drawing bikes with the right perspective is kind of hard sometimes but since I'm a bmx rider I can figure the position of the elements of the bike and draw them the right way.

What are some of the exhibitions you have done with your work?
Niko: I only have done some exhibitions of my work on some magazines like BMXPLUS, RIDEBMX, ARTBMX, and some other for some websites like BOOMBMX and RIDEBMX.

Have you been in contact to make some illustrations for a BMX company?
Niko: Besides Magazines and Websites BMX related, no. But I'm open for any proposal if someone is interested in working with me.

Do you do graffiti?
Niko: haha no, I only do cartoons on paper and sometimes on my computer but never on walls. I find it pretty interesting though.

How long have you been riding?
Niko: Like 3 and a half years approximately.

What do you like to ride most?
Niko: Flatland definitely. I ride some street but I feel it kind of scary sometimes haha, I prefer watching besides riding it.

Do you see similarities between riding BMX and making illustrations?
Niko: The only similarity I see between BMX and making illustrations is that in both you need to be really patient and constant if you want to see good results in your work, also both are very enjoyable for me [:)]

Do you have any advice for any kids who want to become an artist?
Niko: If you want to improve your skills and do some good illustrations you need to practice a lot. Be constant and patient, as BMX it takes a lot of time to get "pro", but it's very possible if you believe in yourself.

Thanks to: All the riders that have been the inspiration for cool drawings, all the riders that like it. BOOMBMX.com for pumping me up for doing lots of cartoons, and of course FATBMX.

All these cartoons belong to the brand FUNNY TOONZ