#nikolasdraperivey

(WIP) revision. Redoing the entire piece from the ground up. Instead of swords, I thought about giving him (what I believe are) Magic demon killing Mambele sickles for weapons. Completely different tribe, but maybe they’re gifts? Who knows.

#nikolasdraperivey #practice #stronger #mysteryproject #projectx #anime #samurai #lions #blackanime #random #afro #afropunk #complex #hypebeast #stronger #amazunzurai
https://www.instagram.com/p/B38M2tOlEP-/?igshid=w55z3kmw5lv

JOKER X GORILLAZ (2D x Arther Fleck) Something no one asked for but I couldn’t get out of my head. Like for some reason this version of the Joker reminded me of 2D. So I drew this. I regret nothing. With respect to @hewll (obviously). I REALLY enjoyed this movie. Need to see it again!
#nikolasdraperivey #joker #gorillaz #jamiehewlett #joaquinphoenix #toddphillips #dc #sketch #coolclownclan
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cp4xSln98/?igshid=1e400l0gucx4r

AMASUNZURAI: REBELLION OF THE BLACK DREAM or KUROI YUME NO HANRAN (黒い夢の反乱) I went back and forth between this and “Kokujin no yume no hangyaku” which loosely translates to “Rebellion Of The Black Man’s Dream.” But it all came down to context and what I was trying to say. The second was a mouthful and more on the nose, where as the first one is open to interpretation. As for the title “AMASUNZURAI” which is just me fusing the Rwandan Amasunsu and word Samurai together. The style of hair is based on “Intanbike”. However I kept it rough because I wanted to show this character is constantly in battle. A lot of my designs in my characters are very “East African” in origin when you really look at them. The punk streetwear and graffiti is more so just a preference. A distinct and specific aesthetic choice that reflects how I see the world. Because my work is starting to get a more international audience, I’m incorporating/ embracing more of those eastern and western influences. But in a way that shows reverence for both. (Swipe for 30 second process. Full video in IGTV )
#nikolasdraperivey #practice #stronger #mysteryproject #projectx #anime #samurai #lions #blackanime #random #afro #afropunk #complex #hypebeast #stronger #amazunzurai
https://www.instagram.com/p/B376Z3kFSkA/?igshid=emfxf92vls4e

WILDBERRY.
Traditional and Digital. (Swipe for real version)
Practicing for a thing.
#nikolasdraperivey #manga #anime #bantuknots #blackwomen #artistsoninstagram #random #practice
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4DZVBSF7KY/?igshid=1p1cg057t1el8

Evolving. All 3 designs have different functions. This is a revamp of his classic outfit. I wanna keep that tan and black and white consistency with each of Lace’s looks. More to come! Follow @dreamvesper for more updates
#nikolasdraperivey #dreamvesper #anime #videogames #manga #blackmanga #blackcomics #process #conceptdesign #characterdesign #reupload #edit
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4U6fPgFh5w/?igshid=owfycizum868

Aight so BOOM.
“There are times when you can’t walk away, that’s the only time I think you should FIGHT!” -Darius.
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Here is an animation I did for @noircaesar ’s XOGENASYS official release. All animation/editing done by yours truly! Managed to get @childish_gamzeno (Zeno Robinson. Most notably known for the voice of Cyborg in Young Justice) the actual voice of Darius Smith for this. Music by Japanese Artist @teddyloidspace (Teddyloid. You may have heard his music in the MeMeMe music video with Daoko) SFX and additional music by the one and only @illbrown_ XOGENASYS vol. 1 is officially available for purchase. Link in bio!
#nikolasdraperivey #noircaesar #xogenasys #manga #comics #anime #blackanime #blackmanga #sakuga #xogenasysteaser #complex #hypebeast #teddyloid #illbrown #zenorobinson #johnnyobryant #netflix #hulu #crunchyroll #funimation
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Hzqm_BEvJ/?igshid=sh3u8ar70j21

SANKARA PANEL PROCESS. Here’s how I do it. (Sometimes…Not always)
1. Draw it by hand. 2.Take picture.3. Put in program (Procreate). 4. Finish it (How you finish it is up to you). 5. Drink Coffee. 6. Mind Your Own Business.
#nikolasdraperivey #artistoninstagram #sankara #manga #comics #blackanime #blackmanga #mangadrawing #afropunk #complex #hypebeast #akachijones #matthewjones #nikolasdraperivey #procreate
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1olx-rl4I_/?igshid=b1i9va4nolgu

“Do it, Karas.”
(Karas colored version) still one of my favorites. Extremely influential for me.

#karas #artistoninstagram #anime #tokusatsu #nikolasdraperivey #tatsunoko #karastheprophecy #keiichisato #mangaentertainment
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1j_3ApFUvG/?igshid=1ug25h06cre9i

Okay, one more for today. Inspired by Lupe @lupefiasco , and channelled by Shing02 and Spin Master A-1…. I need to finish that other animation I did, but I just couldn’t stop myself. A lot of my influences shine through in these few seconds. Everyone from Chase Conley, Tatsuyuki Tanaka, Ronald Wimberly, Kazuto Nakazawa, Naoyuki Onda Tetsuya Nishio, etc…. It’s super brief but when this is done, it’s gonna be fun. I’m actually gonna take my time on it once Sankara is done. Just to see what I can make with the weights finally off.

Song name: Shigurui by Shing02 & Spin Master A-1 @shing02gram @a1championsound )
#nikolasdraperivey #artistoninstagram #shing02 #spinmastera1 #lupefiasco #manga #comics #anime #wip #personal #practice #afro #complex #hypebeast
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1kNKOblcMi/?igshid=19ddd0pgkptab

Style Test (WIP) Aiming for something specific. *Peep my stories for updates and adjustments.
#nikolasdraperivey #stronger #lupexniko #practice #artistoninstagram #manga #comics #anime #blackanime #drogaswave #lupefiasco #random
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1jY9d_lXYX/?igshid=1oer7aj1zwcli

Keep it simple. Learning camera stuff. Starting off light just to get the hang of it. Then I can get crazy with it. There is still so much don’t know yet. (WIP)
#nikolasdraperivey #artistoninstagram #cameramovement #anime #styletest #wip #tricking #practice #anime #manga #blackanime #graffiti
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1NDONEl31k/?igshid=f042au0a6int

ASURA!!! (Revisited Version)
Decided to touch up an oldie but goodie. I’ve been meaning to revisit this for a while now. This kind of story telling is goals for me honestly.
#asuraswrath #capcom #nikolasdraperivey #videogames #asura #anime #artistsoninstagram #practice
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1gzJhxl7lE/?igshid=1e5nhqrxxtwu9

Wow. I’ve come such a long way! Same shirt. Same dreams. Different mindset.
#nikolasdraperivey #intothespiderverse #milesmorales #marvel #me #heroesofcolor #progress #spiderman
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_QY3Rn9B0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1p4q6o3ulfay3

It feels so good to be drawing stuff like this again! I cannot wait to reveal what I have planned for my personal projects. Y’all ain’t ready! (WIP)
#hideakiitsuno #nikolasdraperivey #artistsoninstagram #dmc5 #devilmaycry #capcom #wip #2019 #netflix #adishankar
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-vBBpHYn9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4ylpy1qxyktl

July 2019.

Lion King Trailer Just dropped and SON. Not only am I excited, but I’m floored to see something I literally drew 8 months before we saw any promotional material. Before there was any trailer, I was on top of it. Completely in sync with the material. Tagged everyone in it and everything. To me, that speaks volumes about what my growth in my abilities to tell stories visually in a single image and how to market them. Anyway, Powerful trailer. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store @jonfavreau and @disney. Send me some tickets!!!! Lol
#nikolasdraperivey #lionking #disney #waltdisneystudios #beyonce #donaldglover #jamesearljones #jonfaverau
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqgE7sYnN2X/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ts11mx57zis9

Here is the Original Artwork I did for the now GRAMMY NOMINATED Black Panther:The Album for the @blackpanther movie. A lot of people still don’t know that I did this artwork because I’m left uncredited in the soundtrack, but yes it is in fact true that I did the art for the cover. I mean, just google it. Lol. It’s crazy to think that I got to work on something that has now been nominated for a grammy. I better hold on to these for safe keeping and as a lesson learned for bigger things to come.
#nikolasdraperivey #artistoninstagram #marvel #blackpanther #topdawgentertainment #heroesofcolor #kendricklamar #interscope
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGFaoGnVos/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bhr3q0h7lrlb

“OUTTA MY WAY!!”
#goichisuda #nikolasdraperivey #nomoreheroes #travisstrikesagain #2019 #grasshoppermanufacture #unrealengine #nintendoswitch #artistoninstagram #tsa
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxaHBIn7Pb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4lqp2t1eddjf

SAMURAI GORILLAS for Ronin Audio Productions. Commissioned by James Todd @llama_jt ! This was by far one of the most challenging and fun pieces for me to draw. Gorillas are a lot harder to draw than they look!
Screentones, Ink, Inkwash and Pencil.

#nikolasdraperivey #roninaudioproductions #James Todd #nikolasdraperivey #samurai #gorilla #commission #clothing #manga #artistsoninstagram #reuploadingbecauseerror
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqqMLm2Hge4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bn1nvju45hiy

JACKPOT!
“Random” DMC 5 art for the upcoming @devilmaycrygame . Directed by @hideakiitsuno . More art on the way. I had fun with the colors. Very excited for the game…. Now I must rest…for 5 minutes.
#nikolasdraperivey #devilmaycry #hideakiitsuno #dmc5 #netflix #artistsoninstagram #capcom #adishankar #videogames
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_9UHUnZ8P/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=itu6xd9o336o

“2019 and beyond? Bet.”
#new #nonerighteous #nomoreheroes #personalproject #sortof #myownshit #nikolasdraperivey #grasshoppermanufacture #capcom #razorblade #literally #blackheroes #blackanime #locs
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqwVSgBHMlx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16hbqftm61384

“You know I am a Hebrew… and the God of the Hebrews came to me, he commands that you let his people go.” When I colored this I referenced the Afar people of Ethiopia. I enjoyed this.
#nikolasdraperivey #dreamworks #princeofegypt #animation #exodus #artistsoninstagram #heroesofcolor
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqgZt26H8XD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a08s5v2rv6nx

Janguru Taitei/JUNGLE EMPEROR LEO/ KIMBA, THE WHITE LION. Respects to the Godfather of all manga, Osamu Tezuka.
#nikolasdraperivey #osamutezuka #jungleemperorleo #kimbathewhitelion #artistsoninstagram #manga #comics #lionking #thelionkingbeforethelionking #tezuka
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqjzcaWnyMl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8cejaa2e82b9

Spirited Away (Reimagined)
During her fathers business trip, Chikera (Chihiro) travels abroad to Cairo from America to start a new life. Something she’s not thrilled about. Unbeknownst to her, this would be a journey of self discovery. On a trip to visit the Nile, her parents take a small detour. Irritated, Chikera diverts from her parents and comes across Oya’s Bathhouse. A bathhouse where spirits from all over Africa gather to replenish themselves after wandering in the dry places. She is approached by a boy in a strange attire named Hapi (Haku). Hapi warns her that she shouldn’t be there because the she belongs to another God and if they found out she could be in danger, especially if they know that she is an Israelite Girl. As Chikera tries to turn back she realizes that she’s in an entirely different realm! Knowing that if anything should happen to her, it could incite the wrath the God she belongs to, Hapi offers to protect her and help her get back to her world in order to keep peace in the spirit realm. In the mean time she must take cover by finding work from The Boiler Man Anansi (Kamaji) and stay out of harms way.
I was heavily influenced influenced by two of my favorite animated movies Prince Of Egypt and Spirited Away.
#nikolasdraperivey #spiritedaway #princeofegypt #anime #animation
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqgNW_8nmpf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bsd8vj0siprr

BLOODY KNUCKLES.
2019.
#nikolasdraperivey #artistsoninstagram #xogenasys #noircaesarentertainment #noircaesar #manga #comics #thisonewillahaveeverything
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqaiYXvnFsv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uvj04igk7tj3

“JACKPOT!!!” -Dante

Let’s see what you got, @bootleguniverse and @netflix !!!
(Yes. I’m doing an alternate version of him and Nero. Don’t even.) Might have to pitch Dream Vesper to these guys when it’s up and running….and yes, I would love to work on this…..maybe…. I don’t know…
Fuck.
#nikolasdraperivey #devilmaycry #dmc #dante #capcom #netflix #sketches #adishankar
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqQbVrAnHIQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mg3o1n1tupb1

Find success in the little things.
ULTRAMAN x XOGENASYS
#eiichishimizu #nikolasdraperivey #artistsoninstagram #ultraman #xogenasys #manga #comics #manga #xogenasys
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqabTOwHNgD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5hm4teeyp4o0

PROMO art for XOGENASYS. Plain and Text with Gradient Version. I went back in and touched up a few things cause I wasn’t satisfied with it yet. I feel better about it now. More new art and stuff on the way.

But again,
New XOGENASYS announcements ARE underway. Thank you all for attending @animenyc and for @noircaesar having me in attendance. It was incredibly eye opening to see how many of you are cheering me on. It put a lot of things in perspective. Right now I’m focused on the bigger picture. It was a pleasure meeting all of you! I’m working very hard to give you guys something memorable! Please be patient with me… Okay NOW that’s enough. I must get back to work. Seriously.
#nikolasdraperivey #artistsoninstagram #xogenasys #noircaesarentertainment #noircaesar #manga #comics #xogenasysanime
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqaYPjEnnw4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4e683lsn67ta

Here is a better look at the Darius figurine. I’m gonna customize him and stuff when I get home. Its incredibly surreal seeing something I’ve designed in 3D space. It’s not bad actually for a first run! It’s got a good weight to it. I like it. Would’ve been nice to have the scarf….but later. It’s pretty solid when you see it in person.
#nikolasdraperivey #noircaesarentertainment #artistsoninstagram #manga #comics #heroesofcolor #xogenasys
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqT4LeRHiyJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pf2b7zlzhwqx

The World Is Cruel.
#nikolasdraperivey #artistsoninstagram #xogenasys #manga #comics #noircaesar #kbash #blackanime #xogenasysanime #soon #new
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZIDPGnfCp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19beu8akng22w

Don’t let this world break you….. (WIP)
#nikolasdraperivey #xogenasys #manga #comics #wip #noircaesar #noircaesarentertainment
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqEfAi1Hhnw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=o5h8wueyp0i3

Avatar Aasir (Aang)
I wanted to try something with Aang. I wondered what Avatar would have looked like had it been an African Folktale? So I played with that and here we are. I ended up basing Aasir’s design loosely off the Maasai Tribe of Kenya and Tanzania.

With Respects To @bryankonietzko and @mike_dante_d and The Rest Of The Avatar Team.
Looking forward to the Netflix live action Adaptation!
#artistsoninstagram #nikolasdraperivey #bryankonietzko #michealdantedimartino #avatarthelastairbender #anime #sketches #nickelodeon
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqAch-LHg8t/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=258mhn9ex51

An alternate take on Kid Gohan. (Of course I was gonna do a black version. ‍♂️)
#nikolasdraperivey #locs #dreads #manga #comics #dragonballz #gohan #sketches #dbz #artistoninstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp9uYXnnNTb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dhdg3za10iyl

Photoshoot and interview for EDWIN (Edwin) @edwin_japan @edwineurope @edwin_denim_galaxy complete ! Thank you so much @ayakombooo and @snjm56 for having me! It was fun! I’ll let you guys know when the interview is out! I guess I’m officially a model? Either way, I enjoyed myself. I was able to discuss my projects, Japanese influences and more…. I also got keep the jeans. So that’s a plus.
#yesigotpaidtoo
#nikolasdraperivey #edwin #fashion #modeling #noircaesar #xogenasys #manga #newyorkstreetwear #japan #newyork #detroit
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4-AgSnFeN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xw9515uiqi1t

2019.
#nikolasdraperivey #dreamvesper #manga #comics #heroesofcolor #personalprojects #myownstuff #completelydifferentenergy
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5VpHtHlND/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=103hoyvn7vo5g

So this is a thing too.
#modeling #moreinfosoon #nikolasdraperivey #letsseewherethisgoes
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp3C3F-HknB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u89t936ajc4s