icreate Africa. www.icreateafrica.com
What is your Skill story?
As a young artist I started
drawing as a normal artist,
drawing
commissioned
pieces to earn little income,
though art had been a
tough business for me. I
come from a ghetto setting
in Iju where they do not
patronize artists that much.
My passion for art was my
drive; I have always wanted
to go farther than just
doing some commissioned
pieces. I have always
dreamt of displaying my art
in galleries.
The
competition
has
opened my eyes to a
lot of things. It’s a life
experience and I want
to thank everyone from
iCreate to the partners and
sponsors, the judges and
everyone that attended. I
was surprised when I won.
I was not expecting it being
a pencil artist, but things
happen for a reason.
What has changed for you
after you have won?
After the competition I
have been working hard
to improve my art skills
though am still studying as
a civil student, but at the
same time am available for
art contracts.
Where do you see the
biggest
problems
for
aspiring artists in Nigeria?
Capital to establish is
scarce. There are so many
youth who have great ideas
and so much to offer, but
there is no support to
interpret their visions.
Do you have some words
for advice for the youth?
My advice is keep your
hustle real and legit, keep
improving your skill, and
as a graduate do not wait
til you have a job in a big
company. Go and learn a
skill; white collar job is not
a must.
What is your career goal?
It is not a sin if am the
youngest artist to own a
gallery in Lagos. My mission
is to become a celebrated
artist, but before that would
happen I love to go for a
diploma in Art to increase
my knowledge about art.
Afolabi Oluwakayode,
Skill Champion Art
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