Ricardo Gonzalez: The ‘It’s a Living’ designer’s essentials

It’s A Living is more than my studio—it’s a creative lifestyle, identity and a philosophy.

1. Macbook Pro 13″
2. Wacom Intuos 4 M
3. Copic travelling case
4. Nike SB backpack
5. (Markers) – Calligraffiti On the run, Montana 94 Gold, Krink K-71 Silver, Krink K-66 Gold, Krink K-60 Gold, Pilot Gold, UniPaint Gold, Sakura solid markers 8 colours, Copic Wide, Copic pens 1, 5, 3 & Brush., UniPaint black & White, Faber-Castell- big brush, Technical pencil, Tombow Brush pen blue – Pilot parallel pen
6. Glasses
7. Sunglasses Rayban Clubmaster
8. Canon 60D body with Maru camo strap
9. iPhone 4S
10. Krew Necklace anchor
11. Nixon Watch – Time teller (Gold)
12. Moleskine sketchbook
13. Opteka fish eye lens 6.5mm
14. Canon 50 mm 1.8
15. Moleskine journal
16. Brixton wallet
17. Apple headphones
18. Rayban case

Who are you and what do you make?

My name is Ricardo Gonzalez. I am a graphic designer from Durango Mexico; I’ve been living in NY for over a year. My main focus is lettering, calligraphy and type. It’s A Living is more than my studio—it’s a creative lifestyle, identity and a philosophy. I love NY pizza, wine, skateboarding & rap.

What’s the most essential tool in your toolkit—what can you not create without?

My hands. Without them I would not be able to create.

How was your work/personal style influenced by your roots in skate culture?

Somehow I was influenced by Chad Muska’s street style of skating, and the way he spray painted his board or grip tape. That was so rad. I also really admire Jim Phillips, he produced some very iconic designs for Santa Cruz—the screaming hand, for example. To me that’s so inspiring.

You can only draw one letter for the rest of your life—which is it?

Mmmm… Q? I like ovals or circles; they’re so hard to draw.

itsaliving.nyc
@itsaliving

Image originally submitted by artist to The Creators Toolkit.