Meet Tola Alabi

He is called the Logo King. We met with him and here's a bit about him 😉

Give us a brief overview of yourself and your expertise?

I am a Nigerian graphic designer, who specializes in brand identity design, i run a brand identity design and consultancy company called Tola Alabi Design.  Its been running for about 9 years now.

Please describe one of your typical workdays?

wake up at 5:30am, get prepared for work, drop off the kids at school, drive to work...from which point nothing is typical , everyday is kinda unique once i get to work, i could be working on a logo project, meeting with a client, reading a book, ,meeting with a young upcoming designer or preparing content for  ProUp Masterclass -my Youtube Channel.

What software/applications which help you in your workflow, would you recommend for digital artists?

Picasa. It helps me to locate files i need to work on. I use it EVERDAY DAY. First software i launch on my system.

What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

Getting clients to understand why they should pay quite a reasonable amount of money for my services. I must say it's getting easier each day.

What is your vision in the field of the tech-creativity?

Getting a logo design approved. I have done  hundreds of identity projects, but i still get that rush everytime a logo is approved by a client, like it was my first ever  approved work

What inspires you to keep pushing on to create new works?

Mid year.  From May to August. Client work pretty much dwindles around this period. Beginning and end of the year, i  notice people get inspired to start out  projects, new companies... people just seem more adventurous.

What do you suggest is the biggest challenge creatives face in your field?

Originality. Graphic designers aren't confident trying new things. Everyone is going online, Instagram, Behance etc, to get inspired, so everyone's work ends up looking the same.

Can you tell us about your worst experience with a client and how you handled it?

My worst client, was a company i tried taking on early this year. They had no idea, what the vision and mission of the company was, who their target audience were, or the personality of their brand but yet they wanted me to come up with a logo. Needless to say it  didn't work out, simply because they were unwilling to bring any other thing but their money to the table. Logo design is a collaborative and clients need to be on board just as much as the designer.

My best experience was with a company called EVCL. It was absolutely collaborative and the outcome was brilliant.

What are your most notable accomplishments which you would like to share with us?

My most cherished accomplishments are the loads of emails, calls and text messages i get from designers saying i have inspired them in one way or the other.

What would you say is the future of digital art in the growing technological revolution?

The future is BRIGHT! there  has been no better time than now to be a digital artist/ graphic designer because almost every company or organisation needs that service today. I would only advice designers to develop their unique styles and be confident about it. Don't try to fit in, stand out and be you.

How can we connect with you?

Intagram @tolaalabidesign
You can also subscribe to my Youtube channel, ProUp Masterclass

Any further information for all digital artists out there?

Enjoy what you do, and you would hardly ever have to work a day in your life. Being a digital artist is one of the most fun jobs ever.

 Thanks a lot for giving us some insight into your professional journey.