We were lucky to catch up with TBJ Ohab recently and have shared our conversation below.
TBJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
Oh that! :) I’ve done several commissioned projects in the past for clients, but none of them gave me that very satisfying feeling as at when I made my first dollar from an art piece I had 100% freedom when creating. I always had interest in having my works appear on apparels targeted at young fashionistas.
I think it was sometime in 2013 when I had the opportunity to meet the amazing Kelo Okeke who was running this clothing brand called Giddimint out of Lagos, Nigeria.
Kelo saw some of my traditional & digital illustrations back then and spoke to me about how we can actually monetize those through Giddimint…I was like “say no more Kelo I’m interested!” :)
He quickly sent me a written contract. I reviewed, signed and reverted back to him and the rest is history :)
That very moment meant so much to me as a young creative and on the day I received my 1st royalty payment everything felt so surreal and I never looked back ever since. :)
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi!
I am Ohab Tochukwu Bernard Johnbosco, better known as Ohab TBJ.
A Nigerian born visual development artist & illustrator.
My creations utilize intricate lines and patterns often found on Ankara Fabric.
I have been featured in several art exhibitions within USA likewise in some African countries.
Among the things I am most proud of are the number of clients who I’ve got the privilege to work & still working with. Helping brands bring their ideas to life through my art is such a wonderful feeling.
I am also very proud of my art style as an artist which I can’t recall exactly when I figured it out and along the line I perfected it as time passed :)
It’s like magic!
To have the ability to create something that resonates with a lot of people. They love it and they pay me for it.
I feel blessed and super thankful for every single person that love my work!
I picked interest in illustration as a kid. Myself and my brother’s spent a lot of our play time drawing.
I am a proud foodie that loves a lot of good meals btw :)
My favorite meal is a well prepared egusi soup with pounded yam :)
I draw using Adobe photoshop mostly. I like using calligraphic brushes ‘cos I find it pretty dope for achieving the strokes I want.
My works are inspired by love…to love & be loved.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
It’s always been my dream to build a brand out of my name Ohab TBJ. Thankfully I am already living the early stages of this dream and I believe I’ve still got a long way to go.
I hope the brand Ohab TBJ gets to inspire, teach & likewise offer employment opportunities to so many people as possible.
It’s my goal to build a happy/welcoming/inclusive environment where we get work & collaborate with as many huge companies as possible :)
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think our society would be better off if we invest/buy art from living artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: ohabtbj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohabtbj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhabTBJ
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohab-tbj-07959a44/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhabTBJ
- Other: https://www.icanvas.com/canvas-art-prints/artist/ohab-tbj?product=canvas&sort=popular