Sports Berzerk
Ricky Walker
Ever since Walker could pick up a pencil, he was destined for a career in art.
With a rare knack for staying between the lines, a young Walker developed a passion for drawing, with the light bulb moment coming sooner than many would expect. “You know those old kids books you get with the tracing paper, I had a cartoon collecting one, and I was drawing that and for whatever reason I had a moment where I was like ‘I really like doing this’,” Walker said. “And I just pursued it.” |
“It was quite interesting because clearly back then I would draw footy, but then I went away from that and got into
graphic design.” With a mutual love for football and drawing, Walker knew exactly how he wanted his future to unfold. At 15 years of age, he had to fill out an application at high school stating what he wanted to be when he was older. The answer was simple. “I said I wanted to be a cartoonist." |
Listen below: Walker doodles anywhere and everywhere.
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With a reinvigorated passion, the idea's began to flow, as Walker churned out his work.
But the process of developing a masterpiece is rather complex. While sitting down and drawing these life-like caricatures is daunting enough, completing each step is a craft of its own. |
And it is a lengthy process at that.
Walker produces a variety of drawings, with quick caricatures, detailed sketches or full coloured designs. Each image is different, taking him from as little as six minutes, to as long as 14 hours, to complete. Listen below: Walker dedicates enormous amounts of time to his work.
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It’s nearly impossible to imagine how such magical figures can be created from merely a pencil and paper, but Walker says embracing certain footballer’s characteristics makes the task more enjoyable.
Watch below: Walker discusses the way he focuses on different player's characteristics.
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Watch below: Walker reflects on the ANZAC Eve banner
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Walker's drawings bring joy to so many, and were appreciated on a larger stage on ANZAC Eve.
But he also cherish's his own craft, creating some nostalgic pieces to reflect on his love of the game. Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones has been a stalwart for the club and Walker has some fond memories of the gutsy Demons on-baller. |
Like Gawn, there have been other footballers who have embraced Walker's art, which is a deserving reward for him.
After Walker illustrated Cyril Rioli in his first ever Norm Smith Medal edition poster, Rioli's wife reached out to get ahold of the masterpiece. |
Walker has lost count on the number of AFL players he has sketched, covering a host of talent from all teams in the league.
While Walker does his drawing semi-professionally, first and foremost, this is a rich passion for him. “It’s definitely a hobby at this point, but it’s bordering on the obsessive side,” Walker said. “I’ve been lucky enough to do some live caricatures, which is a space I’m definitely pushing harder into. “And the commission work has been coming, so I will continue to do that. “Hopefully I can start actually turning that balance and make a bit of money.” So while the future of Sports Berzerk is unknown, Walker's undeniable talent is something to behold, and his sketches will most definitely be appreciated for many years to come. |