We were lucky to catch up with Abayomi Idowu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abayomi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Growing up, I’ve always loved drawing. I remember creating teaching aids for my elementary school teachers and drawing illustrations for the children’s department in my church. I was fascinated by the drawings I saw in textbooks, novels, storybooks, and Jehovah’s Witness publications—they sparked my imagination and made me want to create my own.
One day, my dad saw one of my drawings, and he was completely wowed by it. That moment stuck with me because it was then I told him, “I’ll be an artist when I grow up.”
To pursue that dream, I spent six years learning art at a roadside art studio before going to the university to study art properly. It’s been a journey fueled by passion and a deep love for storytelling through art.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Abayomi Idowu, and I am a Nigerian visual Artist. With over eight years in the digital art, I have honed my skills in book illustration, character design and caricature, working with clients ranging from individuals to nonprofit organizations.
I had a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts Education and Master of Fine Arts in painting degree from obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria. where I developed a passion for digital art. After completing my studies, I joined gamsole mobile entertainment Lagos Nigeria as an Illustrator and Game assets designer, where I illustrate game characters, create game assets and interface, create comics and storybook for the company. This experience solidified my commitment to illustration.
I specialize in digital art focusing on illustration and character design. My approach combines 2D and 3D illustration techniques, ensuring that each project desired outcome for clients are Archieved.
I assist clients in visual storytelling, providing solutions that suite their taste. What sets me apart is my unique skill and approach to work which allows me to be above competition in Nigeria digital art industry.
My proudest achievements are: In 2018 I collaborated with the British Council Nigeria to illustrate thirty children’s books promoting literacy in indigenous West African languages. This project showcased my belief in art as a tool for education and cultural preservation. In 2019, I was among the African Artists selected to worked with whiz kids workshop on Tibeb Girls Animation series in Ethiopia. This further deepening my understanding of storytelling through animation. I was the only African artist selected for NFL ArtistReplay America 2021. Winning best in digital art/ graphic design at Life in my city arts festival 2022 in Nigeria, which gave me access to present and showcase my work at The wake: Dakar-off Exhibition Dakar, Senegal in 2024. These experiences reinforced my commitment to digital arts.
I am dedicated to core value of art, consistently delivering top notch outcomes for my clients. I believe in my art practice, and I am committed to the future of Nigerian digital arts industry.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes! My creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission to celebrate and preserve African culture, using my art to tell authentic stories that connect with people. I’m driven by a passion to inspire, educate, and promote cultural literacy in Nigerian children, showcasing the richness of Africa heritage, and addressing the challenges of learning and modern technology for African kids. In more precise language, My work is a bridge between tradition and innovation, carrying the beauty of Africa into the future.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As an artist from Nigeria, I believe society can best support creatives by:
1. Creating Accessible Platforms: Establish more spaces for showcasing art—galleries, exhibitions, and online platforms—that make it easier for artists to reach audiences locally and globally.
2. Financial Support: Offer grants, sponsorships, and funding opportunities to support artists in their creative journeys without financial strain.
3. Policy and Infrastructure: Advocate for government policies that prioritize the creative industry and provide necessary infrastructure like creative hubs, workspaces, and tools.
4. Cultural Appreciation: Encourage society to value and invest in local art by purchasing artworks, attending events, and promoting African creativity as part of cultural pride.
5. Collaborations and Networking: Foster partnerships between artists, businesses, and institutions to create opportunities for growth and innovation within the creative ecosystem.
A thriving creative ecosystem requires collective effort—when artists are supported, they enrich society with stories, culture, and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/art_ofyomi
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_ofyomi?igsh=NWlta3h1ajlleWpk&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15XEtQVeN1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/artofyomi
- Twitter: https://x.com/art_ofyomi?s=21&t=wYuPUfYuH_redJuyYmwxdg
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artofyomi?si=TvuwC9VtFpJyi0cK
Image Credits
Abayomi Idowu