How would you describe your aesthetic?
My work is predominantly editorial-focused. I have a strong interest in documenting my community, so when I create publications based on this, I usually like to experiment with typography to create an impactful message.
What was your journey into becoming a graphic designer?
From school days, I always had an interest in art, design and English. Despite going down a more ‘graphic design’ route, I’ve still managed to incorporate my interest in speaking to new creatives and designers through my role as a host for Adobe Live.
What’s your advice for anyone starting out?
The key is to remain proactive! My advice is to pursue your career goals, regardless of the many setbacks which we all will come across. Rather than waiting for opportunities to arrive, you have to make your own. When I was at university, I worked on numerous self-directed projects and collaborated with other creatives. From a personal perspective, it’s only now, eight years since graduating, that I’m starting to see a lot of opportunities come my way. Despite all the well-known brands that I work with, I will always do my best to remain humble and never get complacent.
Can you tell me about Still Breathing and your experience working on it?
Still Breathing was one of those projects that I can’t stress how much of a learning curve it was for me. I wanted to do justice with the design, and that it was respectful of everyone who contributed. My collaboration with HarperCollins came about when Nancy Adimora reached out and introduced me to the team. As this project was during lockdown, all our meetings were via Zoom. A 300-page hardback publication was a real mountain to climb. From the cover to the interior design, I created it all. Having the confidence to feel bold in my approach and share ideas allowed me to produce my best work.
What are some of the actions we can do to make sure our work is inclusive and empowering?
Educating ourselves on different cultures and having a deeper understanding of your and other communities is one way to be conscious when wanting to include inclusivity in your work. My work touches on the African community and its diaspora. I still need to educate myself in order to create impactful work. When you are looking to empower, especially if focused on race or culture, you need to understand that it’s not about you. Understanding their thoughts and wanting to learn about their experiences is essential. If you’re unsure, never put things out into the world without having a true understanding of them. Take the time to speak with those in your community and educate yourself with literature.
When did you decide to go freelance?
Since graduating, I’ve always wanted to be a freelancer. I like to plan ahead and was always conscious of things going wrong, such as having a quiet few months. It seems a little wild to go freelance in the midst of a pandemic, but the pros outweighed the cons. I needed that encouragement, which Iria provided.
What advice would you give to someone about the commissioning process?
Every client has their own way of working and a freelancer always needs to be flexible. Be conscious of those who want to take the piss! Especially if you’re a junior freelancer. If something doesn’t feel right, flag it. It’s okay to challenge the client in a respectful way. There will be a sense of transparency and you will both be able to produce something impactful.
How do you balance freelance work with your studio work at Olga & Kay?
Olga is one of my closest friends and we’re very comfortable giving each other honest feedback. Both of us have our own freelance work, but we go out of our way to work with local communities through projects like JR’s Inside Out project in Catford. As the world reopens, we’re looking for new projects to jump back into sharing stories from the community.
Has public speaking always been a passion, and how has it helped you grow your personal brand?
I do enjoy public speaking. When I’m discussing a topic I feel passionate about, I speak from the heart. When I give public talks, I like to be very transparent. That’s part of who I am as a human, and it comes through when working with clients.
Who or what inspires you?
Those who are proactive and cut through the nonsense within the industry. I like speaking with students and graduates — there seems to be much more of a ‘If they won’t help, I’ll do it myself’ kind of approach. On a personal note, my grandpa is someone I find very inspiring.
What are some of the things you do to stay motivated?
Having structure within my day-to-day schedule. I’ve begun to give more attention to mental wellbeing. Doing these little things allows my brain to have another outlet. I also regularly give talks and participate in mentoring or workshops which allows me to share experiences and stay engaged with how the new generation views our industry.
