Can we meet you?
My name is Akinboye Olasunkanmi, an Illustrator and graphic artist based in Lagos, Nigeria.
I have art degrees from Yaba College of Technology and the University of Benin respectively.
Could you describe one of your typical workdays?
Well, considering I don’t have a set time to work, I could either start working from 8am or 3pm and sometimes, I work all night, while on some days, I don’t work at all. What I ensure is, I plan my work quota so as to ensure I meet my client’s deadlines.
What software/applications which help you in your workflow, would you recommend for digital artists?
I do a lot more of comic art though I also do digital painting and for comic artist, I would recommend Manga Studio software while for digital painting, I prefer Adobe Photoshop. Of course, depending on your skill level, different 3d software can be combined with Photoshop when creating concept art
What parts of your job do you find most challenging?
Understanding and interpreting a client’s script can be very challenging. Most aren’t artists so they don’t factor in some basic principles which come into play when interpreting written word into visuals
What do you find most enjoyable?
Drawing. Plain and simple, I just love drawing followed by music
Which seasons of the year are toughest in your job?
For me, there’s work all year round so I don’t think I’ve noticed a particular season illustration work rates become tougher than normal. It comes and goes all year round
What do you suggest is the biggest challenge digital art is facing currently?
In Nigeria, I think the biggest challenge is a lack of formal instruction or training for aspiring creatives willing to go into the industry. Literally everyone in it right now is self-taught which makes it certain that quality is not widespread as artists will only rise as far as their circle can help lift them
Can you tell us about your worst client experience and how you handled it and also your mildest experience too.
My worst client experience was in 2014 with someone I was designing a brochure for. I had made the mistake of not being strict with the parameters of the work and after months of never-ending corrections especially after countless ‘final’ approvals. I refused to do more corrections and even told the client I wasn’t interested in the balance payment. The client took offense and it took some outside intervention to settle the matter. My mildest experience, well there are many. Client contacts me for a job, we agree on a fee and deadline, I do it, deliver and client pays without complaint.
How would you suggest digital artists present a proposal in order to win a place in a bid? Using any context of your choice.
Presentation is very important in bidding for a job and I would simply advice keeping it as straight-forward as possible. Do not attempt to bamboozle or make claims in your bid you are not prepared to back up on short notice. If you don’t have design skill and are just an illustrator, then make google your friend and look for sample design proposals. Google is always going to be my friend regardless of how much I know.
What are your most notable accomplishments which you would like to share with us?
- Well, being part of the team that produced the E.X.O graphic novel series for YouNeek Studios. Graphic novels take a lot of work and I’m proud I’ve pulled it off consistently
- And receiving an award for the Best comic artist at the 2015 Lagos Comic Con
Global valuation of the comics, VFX, animation and gaming industry is valued at over a 100 billion USD. Nigeria has not even accessed 1% of that which means the future is bright for digital artists in Nigeria because opportunities are untapped. The animation and gaming industry will boom overnight and that is where the impact of skilled digital artist will surface. Not to mention that the international community is taking notice of our creative industry in Nigeria.
How can we connect with you?
In many ways! I’m on social media.
Instagram – @mi_woody and @linebugstudios
Facebook – Akinboye Sunkanmi
Twitter - @afrowoody007
You can also visit my portfolio www.linebug.carbonmade.com if you want to see more of my work
Any further information for all digital artists out there?
There is no substitute to getting better than to putting in the hours of practice. It’s not magic and it’s not something that happens overnight. You get up each day and regardless of what’s going on with you, draw something
Thanks Akinboye this sneak peek into your world.
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