Meet Cymandye Russell of Art Riche and Patchwerk Recording Studios in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cymandye Russell.

Music has always been a part of Cymandye’s life. From birth, her father set the tone by naming her after the legendary London based funk/jazz band called, Cymande. Coming from a biracial background of Thailand and African American, she acquired a taste of music so diverse that her personal mixtapes would be a blend of cultures. Some may call Cymandye’s tastes a clash of styles, but she considers herself eclectic. Her love for music has placed her in the proper environment that she can call her home, the entertainment industry. Being that she grew up listening to punk and hardcore music(among other styles of music), she had the opportunity to begin her voyage from going to shows to being behind the mic. Let’s say, her transformation is like the Beastie Boys. The transformation from punk(Album: Some old bullshit) to hip hop(Album: Licensed to Ill).

During her college years, she frequented between Brooklyn, NY and New Jersey. When she commuted to school, the thing that would get her through the tedious rush hour traffic was: In the A.M. Star & Buckwild’s Morning Show and In the P.M. Wendy Williams. She felt a connection with the personalities but then realized, “Hey, I can do this. I’m highly opinionated and want to knock some sense into people. Being the voice of the voiceless in a positive manner.”

Unfortunately, in 2005, her father passed in a terrible accident while visiting her mother’s relatives in Thailand, leaving her mother in a short-lived coma. This tragic event caused Cymandye to move back home to Virginia. Since her move back, she auditioned and landed a spot on Norfolk State University’s popular radio station, WNSB Hot 91.1FM in 2007. During her course of being enrolled at NSU, she did freelance graphic design on the side and had many opportunities as an intern with some of Virginia’s notable multimedia firms(Innovative Twist, Perception Media Group, Grey 80, and Illusive Media).

She then, landed the opportunity to create a show on​ ​WWradio.net​ titled “Mindf#$k Radio” where she had talents that ranged from: Theron of Rock City (“Love Doctor” segment) Bigga Rankins and Montana White (“Loud Pack Pick of the Week”), Heavy Hitter DJ Lonnie B, Core DJs Model Ms. Hollywood, Lupe Fiasco Foundation’s Keena Carson, and a few others who played roles on her show. Cymandye, or “Lady C,” then engaged in further business ventures as a personality, landing the midday spot on WKJX 96.7 The Block FM after a syndicated the Rickey Smiley Morning Show in Elizabeth City, NC. In 2012, she won a Southern Entertainment Award for “Most Slept on Radio Personality” during her short stint with the independent commercial station. In 2013, she was nominated for the same award in Nashville, TN. Cymandye continues to her radio path through Fresh Radio with a show called OPP Radio Show.

Over the years, she gained experience as a journalist for​ ​HipHopSince1987.com​ when Peedi Crakk’s manager suggested her joining the blog after Peedi did an interview with her internet radio show. In her career, Cymandye has interviewed notables anywhere from: Kool G Rap, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, Melanie Fiona, Cam’ron, Charli Baltimore, Petey Pablo, Lil Duval and more!

Outside of radio and designing, she took the position as Creative Director (2011-2013) for Larry Live (A&R of Timbaland Productions) budding company, LiveHouse Entertainment. She served her duties creating events, video edits, and branding strategies within the company.

Cymandye and/or her artwork has been featured by​ ​Spin.com​, Billboard magazine, and FilmmakerMagazine.com​, amongst many other independent media. In 2012,​ ​XXLmag.com noted Cymandye as, “DMV’s well-known industry maven and radio host.” This same year, the Norfolk State University fine arts graduate launched her graphic design business, Art Riche. She chose the name “Art,” because that was her passion, and “Riche” to give it an international flair.

Since her move to Atlanta, GA in 2015, she began a marketing internship with PatchWerk Recording. Three months later, she was hired as weekend staff. She also contributed to RESPECT Magazine. Shortly after, became a member of the Recording Academy (Atlanta Chapter) as she continues to learn the business.

In late 2016, Cymandye’s graphic design ventures took a new turn. She had completed her trademarking process for “Art Riche” and the brand evolved into apparel, outside of servicing graphic design. Whilst, she is in her early stages and kept it true to family by producing the hats with her mother with every penny she saved from graphic design for necessary materials of the process. The brand Art Riche’s tag lines are “Something for the Creatives” and “Culture of Creation” to help promote fine arts culture within life. A relatable brand, Art Riche is like many other fine art grads that have to choose between corporate and D-I-Y. She’s still juggling both, in hopes that her dreams will continue thriving.

Currently, she is the graphic designer for Patchwerk Recording Studios while evolving her Art Riche brand.

Little known secrets about Cymandye:
She organized No Malice’s (fmr. Clipse) “Hear Ye Him” album release party, NARS (New Age Rock Stars/Danjahandz’s Label) artists’ listening parties, and even was the liaison for producer, Rahk to being signed to manager, Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff, whom in return signed him a deal with Timbaland Productions.

Before her move to Atlanta, Cymandye organized two events a couple weeks apart:
A celebrity panel at the Boys and Girls Club, which was nominated for the Boys & Girl’s Club Community Outreach National Award in 2016. The College of William & Mary Hip Hop Collection’s Third Annual Celebration, in which she was, also, the first honoree into their Hall of Fame.

Has it been a smooth road?
The struggles has been growing in the radio business, that’s why my solution is to stay consistent within my brand and keep the radio realm alive through OPP Radio Show on Fresh Radio.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Art Riche is my graphic design business. I specialize in art direction of projects, logos, album art, and more.

Not only did I partner with Patchwerk Recording Studios to service my graphic art to the studio and clients, but I have a long history of applying my graphics to grow brands from United Way in Virginia to Lupe Fiasco Foundation/M.U.R.A.L. In Chicago.

Customer service and communication are my specialties. In the times we currently live, it’s even hard to get a burger with good customer service. I don’t want to leave a sour taste in my clients’ mouths, so I felt it necessary to flip the script and show people not only the value of art services, but it can be done in a relatable but professional manner.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has grown into an art mecca, from street art to professional services. Art is always necessary. Look around you, there’s logos everywhere. Every business requires art services.

So what I’d tell any up and coming artists who want to apply their skills to form income is to not get discouraged no matter the amount of competition, dig deep within and learn what makes you great. To gain business seek what a company is lacking and be the solution. Do some research in your community, create an outline on how you can execute and utilize your skills of sales.

Pricing:

• Consultation $20/hour
• Logos Starting at $150
• Cover Art Starting at $100
• Flyer Art Starting at $100

Contact Info:

• Address: 1094 Hemphill Avenue
  Atlanta, GA
• Website: www.patchwerk.com
• Phone: (404)874-9880
• Email: cymandye.patchwerk@gmail.com
• Instagram: iamArtRiche
• Other: www.artriche.com

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.