#18 Fathiu: On Sticking with Graphic Design after Exploring Web Development and Photography
While still attending the design classes, I started learning HTML and CSS with a friend... The first money I earned was 1500 naira after which I took design more seriously.
Hi, Thank you for joining us for today’s episode of StudentsWhoCreate Interview. Our Student Creative for today is a 400-level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) studying Linguistics. While he started out learning HTML, CSS, and Javascript for building websites and exploring photography as a career option, he ended up as a designer, designing logos and dictating the visual identities of brands instead.
Why did he make the switch to design? What has the experience been like since the switch? What impact did the pandemic and lockdown have on him? How is he handling the ASUU strike extending his time on campus? What has kept him going? Read and enjoy!!!
Hi, Thank you for speaking with us. Can we meet you?
My name is Fathiu Olayemi, a 400-level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) studying Linguistics. I am from Ibadan but was born and bred in Lagos. I have lived the recent years of my life in Akure and about a year of that in Ilorin.
I am a brand identity designer. I started out designing logos and dictating the visual identities of brands. I do brand design but currently transitioning into product design.
I love watching football, listening to music, designing, and creating things. I am a Chelsea Fan, a very important thing to know about me. I am a big lover of Amala and I like spaghetti too.
How did you get into design?
I stayed in Fajuyi hall in my second year and most of the people I stayed with were in the Faculty of Tech. Each person had one or two things they were doing outside of academics. This was enough inspiration for anyone who stayed in such a place to get involved in something. I have always had an eye for good design. During our semester holiday in January 2020, I started learning photography at home. I also got my first personal computer around this time. In March, when school resumed, the pandemic also happened so I was stuck in school at the time. During the early days of the lockdown, people were hosting a lot of free classes and training. I attended a particular one where we were taught the basics of design for 2500 naira. The tutor gave us video materials and taught us how to use CorelDraw. I wasn't even serious with the class at the time and I wasn't really learning photography anymore because I was learning it at home in Akure also, there was a lockdown and people couldn't go out.
While still attending the design classes, I started learning HTML and CSS with a friend who stayed together with me in Quarters who is a developer. After learning HTML and CSS to a good point, I wanted to move on to JavaScript and then got stuck. One day, I went to see a friend who wanted me to share videos from the design class with him because I had downloaded them. While we were speaking, he asked me why I chose not to take learning design seriously since I had a laptop I could practice with. I pondered on this and then decided to take learning it seriously.
I got back to Akure in July and resumed learning photography while also learning and practicing design too. With time, I started to earn money, though small, from design. The first money I earned was 1500 naira after which I took design more seriously. When school resumed in February 2021, I got back to school where I had access to constant light and continued practicing. Around this time, Felix Ayoola gave me a 21GB graphic design course that taught me a lot of the basics of design. Even when school resumed, I still had a lot of time to learn and practice because a lot of the classes were virtual.
How do you manage to combine school with doing design?
When I started doing design, most of my classes were virtual which made it easier for me but in the following semester, I had more physical classes which made it more difficult which I had to adjust to. Sometimes, I had classes from 8 am to 4 pm, so I had to take my sketchbook along with me to classes. When I have a project to work on, I use my free time during the day to do research and make sketches and then execute them when I get back home in the evening. I try to clear out my to-do list and do any major project I may have when I know tests and exams are coming because I know I will not have time to really do design work in those periods.
Most times, I don't have time to rest when I get back home from school because I go straight to turn on my laptop to start working. Also, I have to miss some academic tutorial classes but luckily, I have friends who always try to cover up for me by teaching me what they were taught in these tutorials. It is not always easy but I just get on with it because it is something I have chosen to do.
What are some of the challenges you face as a designer who is still a student?
Time management and having to deal with deadlines is a very big challenge.
Also, I remember when I was trying to get a job last year and got talking with someone, and when it was time to discuss salary, he said something like “you no suppose dey spend much because say you be student” in an attempt underpay me.
How do you been navigating through this challenge?
Interestingly for me, the school has not been in session for the last 9 months so I've been more of a designer than a student.
As for the second challenge, I mostly don't let clients know I'm a student because I have been more of a designer recently because school has not been in session. Also, I have been lucky with the kind of clients I have had because most of them see me for what I have to offer which makes negotiation easier.
Is there a community for designers in your school?
Yes, there is one I am a part of.
Earlier this year, Oba started an OAU Design Community where we talk about design and organize meetups. I have met a lot of good designers in the community and the community has been really helpful.
On a scale of 1-10, How would you rate the community?
I would rate the community a 7.
Can you take us through your creative process? How do you go about a project from start to finish?
I get the brief and talk about the deliverables with the client. Afterward, I send a logo brief questionnaire to understand what they want and what their brand is about. After this, I start researching. I spend most of my time looking for ideas and sketching. After this is done, I execute the sketches and present them to the client. When approved, I finalize and deliver it to the client.
In summary,
Brief > Logo Questionnaire > Research > Ideate and Sketch > Execute > Present > Get Feedback and Approval > Deliver.
What tools do you use in getting work done?
I mostly use Illustrator and Photoshop. I also use Figma once in a while.
How would you describe the impact the Covid-19 lockdown had on you and your work?
Personally, the lockdown was more of a blessing than a curse. Though it delayed my stay in school, I also got this career during that period. The lockdown gave me the opportunity to learn. Designers that started designing in 2020 are very lucky because we had enough time to learn and practice. Nothing interfered with our learning.
Have you ever felt like quitting?
Logo design is tough and I've had one or two instances this year where I questioned my decision to choose to do design amongst all the things I could be doing.
When I make logos, I share them with Felix to ask for his feedback. I was working on a particular project, and the feedback I got for everything I sent to him was that I could do better. This was kind of frustrating but I knew that truly, I could do better.
Some of these situations make me question my decision to do design sometimes but I have come to understand it's all part of the whole package that comes with pursuing this career.
How do you deal with the feeling anytime it comes up?
In most cases, I look at my previous designs and see how fantastic they are, and aim to do more. Also, I have people that are inspired by my work. I have had a client tell me, “You have a lot of potential, I pray you live up to it.” These words keep me going.
What are some of the proudest projects you have worked on?
I have a lot of them and most of my favourite projects are not on my portfolio yet because the clients are yet to launch.
For those on my portfolio, Katwig Kare is one because it was for a returning client which meant I did a great job with the first project. Also, I was dealing with burnout at the time the client gave me the brief but then the client told me to take the time I needed for me to deliver.
Sage Trips and Lazy Crocheter are other ones I am proud of.
How do you stay creative? What do you do to keep the creative juice flowing?
I read somewhere last year that you have to be happy as a creative because your thought process will be affected if you're sad. I don’t do a lot of things outside of design except for watching football and listening to music. Being happy makes me creative. And Twitter is one of my happy places where I get to see memes and other interesting things.
What do you do for fun? How do you relax?
I scroll through social media which is mostly Twitter. I visit my friends once in a while too. I also play video games once in a while. I kinda live a boring life.’
Who are the creatives that inspire you?
Felix has been a great inspiration. Leye and Rukhayat also inspire me a lot.
Who are the creatives you would love to work or collaborate with on a project?
Felix, Leye, and Rukhayat are the people I want to collaborate with.
What brands would you love to work with?
Cowrywise and Fourthcanvas.
What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with design?
Number one is consistency. You won't get things done if you're not consistent with practice. Be open to criticism and see things from other people's points of view. Also, learn to network because most of the jobs I have done have been through others who I have built a relationship with. Always deliver and treat your clients well.
Who would you like us to interview
Temidayo
How can people reach you?
Thank you for sharing with us!!!
Takeaway Nugget: Consistency is important. You have to be consistent with practice. Be open to criticism and learn to see things from other people's points of view. Learn to network and build relationships with people. Always deliver and treat your clients well.
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See you next time!!!
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