DC5Q: A Brief Convo With Rik Oostenbroek

After a bit of a hiatus, DC5Q returns with an interview with the maestro himself, Rik Oostenbroek. Read on to find out how Oostenbroek is as much of a talent as he is a lazy bum.

1 Artist. 5 Questions. Heeeeere we go!

DC5Q:  Just in case people have been living under a rock, why don’t you tell us a bit about who is RIK OOSTENBROEK? 

RO: Rik Oostenbroek is somebody who’s sitting on his patio in Canada at the moment. Life went fast! At the moment he’s pretty hungry but too lazy to buy some groceries since he’s used to having other people do for him that like his mom or his girlfriend.

I’m a 23 year old Dutch guy who’s been obsessed by graphic software for about 8 years now. I try to create things I like myself, which is quite important in my opinion. I’ve been freelancing for brands all over the world right now and had a great time working at a motion-graphics agency in NYC. Right now I’m working at Sidlee in Montreal, which is awesome since it’s such an epic agency! 

A few things you need to know about me is that : 

• I have a ginger beard when I don’t shave for 4 days.
• I’ve been eating take-out food for 4 months in a row right now.
• I love to drink beer from time to time to stretch the creative muscles a bit.
• I can say that I’m living the life I dreamed about right now. Traveling & working is a WIN/WIN.

DC5Q: You recently spoke at MMTWO convention in Montreal last April. What was that like?

RO: Talking in a conference is really interesting. Although it was really last minute, I had 5 days to prepare everything for my talk! I was nervous like a baby but afterwards, it turned out amazing! It was such a nice feeling talking about my own journey, struggles and work process to a crowd! Especially the feedback afterwards was amazing, so was the after-party! Cool thing is that I have the opportunity to do it over again at OFFF in Barcelona next year!

DC5Q: What’s one big change that has happened to you in the last couple of years (either personally or professionally)?

RO: Moving to Canada ,obviously, leaving my lovely girlfriend and family behind! It’s really hard from time to time but overall it’s worth the life and work experience!

Gotta say that my Montreal meets talk was one of these things too, it changed a lot and eventually gave me more confidence and made me realize it’s good to put yourself out there!

I think kicking yourself out of your comfort zone and take every opportunity you get is worth doing.

DC5Q: If you had to switch professions, what would be your dream job?

RO: Sounds cheesy but I’ve been playing soccer for 10 years, I wasn’t that bad as forward till I started smoking and drinking, so that would it be for sure! I’m sure that the Dutch Squad would have survived the group phase with me on their team ;)

DC5Q: Tell us the craziest party you’ve ever been too.

RO: Thats the hardest question ever, I’ve visited a lot of parties over the last year and just finished watching Project-X. Never been at a crazy party like that one! But I think that the Armada ( music label ) parties back in the days were really amazing, especially the one on the beach on the most beautiful day of the year!

It was amazing to see Armin Van Buuren playing Paul Oakenfold - Southern Sun while the sun was dropping below the horizon!

-DC5Q, Jul 2012