Check Out :Interview With African Fashion Illustrator Tanaka Samkange

We had an amazing interview with Fashion Illustrator Tanaka Leroy Samkange from Zimbabwe.

Zimlink:How did it start?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange:I was always into art then one day I discovered that art and fashion work hand in hand…..& I was also  tired walking shop in, shop out not finding something I liked  or something that reflects who I am….so I said to myself just design your own clothes.

Zimlink: How do your art pieces come together?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange:My creative process is rather   slow & long, it depends with the timeline given to an illustration sometimes I start an artwork and finish it after two or three days, I use a lot of creative procrastination

Zimlink: What techniques do you use for your illustrations

Tanaka Leroy Samukange: I normally sketch and color my illustrations using photoshop, sometimes I  use the traditional method, pencil on paper and water.

Zimlink: What do you think of the fashion scene in Zimbabwe?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange:I think the fashion scene in Zimbabwe is still young and growing, I think it’s an advantage to us Zimbabweans’ because we can mould` it, shape it into what we want

Zimlink: What’s your aesthetic?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange Streetwear mainly apparel, street fashion is not specific to one type of dressing, but instead covers a lot of different styles.

Zimlink: Who inspires you?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange I can’t say I have any favorite designers as such but a long list of designers & illustrators that inspire me and help me better and develop my art

Zimlink: Where do you wanna see yourself in 5 years?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange I want to establish 7:30 as the leader of street-wear in Zimbabwe and eventually in the world. I also see myself as one of the best youngest fashion designer  of the generation

Zimlink: How long have you been doing art?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange: Uhm well, I have been doing art for as long as I remember, I live and breathe art.

Zimlink: So what else do you get up to besides fashion illustration?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange Well, besides fashion illustration a nd art I also manage a HipHOp group, called Ambition meets Vision (AMVIS), who are also brand ambassadors for my brand, 7:30

Zimlink: What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Tanaka Leroy Samukange If you going to eat a frog eat a fat one,” what that simply means is if you going to do something you should do it to the fullest, so make your next move your best move!!