We caught up with Andrew Archer, one half of the creative duo, UNA, to get a sense of the genesis of his beginnings and his artistic exploits. The interview revealed an interesting individual who expresses himself freely in a fluidly excellent way. If UNA’s clientele (Apple, Red Bull, Adidas, Pepsi, Nike – to mention just a few) is any indication of Andrew’s and Kelly Thompson’s (the other member of the UNA duo) success trajectory, it is safe to say that they are doing something really right. It is always interesting to get a little glimpse of the real human behind the success and we at Style.No.Chaser feel we are fighting the good fight.
“I’ve always drawn in a fluid manner and have been interested …”
Please tell us about yourself – place of birth, family, unique habits, quirks, etc.?
I was born in Auckland, NZ, have lived around Asia and now live in Melbourne, Australia. I play lots of basketball, love clothes, the NBA, Asia, travel and food. I was the first person in the entire extended family to do something creative as a profession.
Please tell us about your earliest art memory?
Drawing Reebok shoes from magazines and drawing Penny Hardaway from the Nike TV ad’s.
Your art is fascinating and full of fluid motion – how did you develop your personal style?
I’m not sure how it came to be, it sounds silly but it’s kind of natural to who I am. I’ve always drawn in a fluid manner and have been interested in animation/anime, maybe that’s where the movement comes from.
What tools do you use in the creation of your art?
I draw roughs on paper and then do a lot in Photoshop with a lot of scanning and piecing together bits along the way. Basically whatever medium is appropriate for the job, I’ll use it – sometimes pencil, other times acrylic and sometimes scanned spilled coffee.
What artists do you currently admire the most?
Hayao Miyazaki, James Jean and Gucci Mane.
How has art saved your life?
It’s just a big part of my life.
What is the worst criticism you have received for your art and what is the best compliment?
The worst criticism was probably when some French dude on Behance who studied Japanese art in Japan said I was a disgrace to Japanese art and that I didn’t represent it well. He is probably the funniest guy I’ve ever spoken to on the internet.
Best is any person who tells me they enjoyed and got something out of an artwork, that’s the ultimate for me.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year to be fully immersed in its local culture, where would that be?
Azerbaijan.
What article of clothing, accessory, signature piece, etc. do you think every man should have?
Nike triple black Huaraches, they are dress ready for any occasion – formal, casual and ninja.
What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
Memories of Murder, Korean thrillers are everything – the acting is unique and engaging.
How can people see your works, buy your works or hire you for projects?
Everything you need is at www.weareuna.com – My new studio with Kelly Thompson.
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