Imagined Realities
by Alaba Onajin
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Hi Alaba, Nice to meet you. Tell us about your passion for drawings and illustrations. How did it all begin? I have always had a passion for drawing ever since I could hold a pencil, and then I was introduced to comic books at a very early age and was fascinated by the amazing stories. I think that pretty much stoked my interest in telling my own stories. Your artwork is really cool. What’s your muse? How do you get inspired? Thank you! How do I get inspired? My passion for telling stories I guess. And also my determination to put them out there. Reading comic books early enough was a huge part of my growing up and I want to tell my own stories as well so other kids could experience that, and also learn. I grew up reading books like Herge’s The Adventures of Tintin and Goscinny and Uderzo’s Asterix. They were fun but also very educative and informative. |
You are one of the member artists of the UNESCO Women in African History Project. What is the mission of this project?
It was a great honor to be chosen as one of the artists on the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent.
We usually only hear about the great men and their exploits but it was time to let the world know there were great women who have made their marks as well. It was a great honor to share and work with other fantastic artists and writers and also a learning process for me.
Share with us something about Nigeria and the impact it has in your work?
Nigeria is a beautiful country, filled with so much potential in terms of talent, especially in art. I have met and collaborated with many great minds and the experience has been amazing.
Being an artist here was in the past not a career choice many would make, but I am glad times are changing. There is so much around me here that can be translated into beautiful and educative stories.
My first published children’s graphic novel with Sandra Joubeaud (French writer) & Anike Eleko (published by Farafina Books under their Tutsi Imprint) was inspired by the everyday life of most young girls whose parents find it hard to afford their education, but try very hard to get an education. I wanted the world to see what it’s like to chase your dreams from around here, and how much we defy all odds to achieve them.
It was a great honor to be chosen as one of the artists on the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent.
We usually only hear about the great men and their exploits but it was time to let the world know there were great women who have made their marks as well. It was a great honor to share and work with other fantastic artists and writers and also a learning process for me.
Share with us something about Nigeria and the impact it has in your work?
Nigeria is a beautiful country, filled with so much potential in terms of talent, especially in art. I have met and collaborated with many great minds and the experience has been amazing.
Being an artist here was in the past not a career choice many would make, but I am glad times are changing. There is so much around me here that can be translated into beautiful and educative stories.
My first published children’s graphic novel with Sandra Joubeaud (French writer) & Anike Eleko (published by Farafina Books under their Tutsi Imprint) was inspired by the everyday life of most young girls whose parents find it hard to afford their education, but try very hard to get an education. I wanted the world to see what it’s like to chase your dreams from around here, and how much we defy all odds to achieve them.
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Can you share with us your thoughts and/or any short story related to our two newest features #WhatMatters and #BeatTheBlues? What matters to you at present or in long run and what do you do or what might help you to beat blue moments on your daily life?
#WhatMatters now is to reach that goal I have set for myself ever since I started illustrating as a career, to continually tell good inspiring African stories through beautiful art.
As for #BeatingTheBlues, what I do is to tell myself to pick up that pencil and do something, no matter how little. That’s enough to keep the fire burning.
Hope 2019 has been a good to you, so far. What are your projects for the upcoming months?
It’s been an amazing year already, probably the busiest I have ever been. I am currently illustrating a couple of children’s books and this should keep me occupied for the next couple of months.
I am also re-writing an African children’s fantasy comic I made about ten years ago, The Adventures of Atioro, which was self-published.
Talking about projects, tell us something more about your collaboration with Goethe Institute on developing a graphic novel entitled “Imagined Realities”. What might be some characteristics of your ‘imagined reality’?
Well, "Imagined Realities" was the working title, and it’s now named "On Ajayi Crowther Street". It is written by Elnathan John (author of Born on a Tuesday) and it’s a great privilege to be chosen to work with him as an illustrator.
I’d say it was one of my most challenging projects, but the journey has been amazing. I also had great help from my editor, Bibi Bakare Yusuf of Cassava Republic. I couldn’t have done it without her. It will be released later this year.
We’re happy we got to know you and we wish you best of luck. As a parting gift, what advice can you give to other young artists who dream big about conquering the world with their art?
Thank you very much! This means a lot! For the young artists, there’s a saying that goes; “Do not put all your eggs in one basket” - ignore it! Put all your desires and hopes into this and believe that you will achieve it.
If you want to be an artist just be it, it’s just that simple. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. If you can see it for yourself then go after it. I did, despite many discouragements, obstacles, failures and lack of faith from many. You want to be an artist? Then pick up that pencil and create! Nothing beats the fulfillment from that.
Thank you!