We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adéọla Ayedun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adéọla below.

Hi Adéọla, thanks for joining 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?

My first sale as an artist was a pivotal moment that deeply reaffirmed my commitment to the arts. It happened back during my junior year of high school at the Mississippi School of the Arts. Our campus hosted an annual event where universities would come for student recruitment, scholarship offers, and portfolio reviews. The feedback I received that day was incredibly uplifting, but what stood out was my interaction with Phoenix Savage—a professor at Tougaloo College and an esteemed contemporary sculptor, designer, and artist. She took a special interest in one of my abstract portrait pieces, and to my astonishment, she purchased it on the spot. That gesture was not just a financial transaction; it was a monumental boost to my confidence and validation of my skills. Our relationship has since blossomed into a rewarding friendship, and she continues to inspire and challenge me to be the best artist I can be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly! My name is Adeola Ayedun, and I’m a concept illustrator. My artistic journey began quite early, sketching on anything from schoolbooks to my marbled kitchen walls. While my mom introduced me to various forms of art—be it music or dance—from a young age, it wasn’t until I took digital art classes at thirteen that I saw art as a potential career path. Drawing evolved into a lens through which I understood my diverse surroundings. I was privileged to grow up in diverse locations, including Seattle, Washington; Shanghai, China; Lagos, Nigerian; and Brookhaven, Mississippi. Each move was an adventure and an opportunity to adapt and fit into new social landscapes. In many ways, my art became a visual diary, capturing these transformative experiences while also allowing me to invent my own narratives.

What distinguishes me as an artist is my versatility. I don’t confine myself to a singular style; rather, I pride myself on adapting to various artistic languages to suit the project I’m working on. Essentially, I specialize in visualizing other people’s ideas, transforming spoken or written concepts into tangible visual experiences.

I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished so far: the art shows I’ve participated in, the awards I’ve won, and the stories I’ve brought to life through my illustrations. But above all, I’m deeply grateful to my parents. Despite their technical professions—my mom, an engineer, and my dad, a coder—they’ve always encouraged my artistic pursuits. They gave me a broad perspective on the world and the opportunities it holds, teaching me never to limit myself to conventional career paths.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the sheer joy and fulfillment I get from working in a field that I deeply love. Every day presents a new challenge, a new opportunity to innovate and flesh out ideas, whether they’re entirely new or an expansion of existing concepts. My greatest passion lies in storytelling. While I may not be a writer in the traditional sense, I have the ability to visualize stories and bring them to life through my art. This allows people to connect with these stories, whether it’s through identification or simply appreciating the narrative.

But it’s not just about the work; it’s also about the personal journey. Being a creative offers an unparalleled platform for self-expression and personal growth. I have the freedom to explore various mediums and styles, making each project a unique reflection of my thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, whether they’re deeply personal or resonate on a more universal level. This journey hasn’t just helped me develop as an artist; it’s facilitated my growth as a person, enriching my understanding of both myself and the world around me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

That’s a great question! my ultimate goal is threefold: First, to use the power of visual storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite people through universally relatable stories. Second, to weave diversity into fantasy narratives. Third, to authentically represent the diversity and richness of different cultures, helping people appreciate what makes us unique yet fundamentally the same.

As someone who is half Nigerian and grew up with a diverse cultural background, I often found there was a lack of representation in the media and cartoons I consumed as a child. I figured if I felt this lack of representation, it’s highly likely that people from diverse cultures all over the world might feel the same way. My upbringing involved a lot of travel and relocation both within and outside the U.S., which deeply ingrained in me a fascination with various cultures.

While I haven’t experienced every culture firsthand, I aim to create stories that make people feel seen, heard, and understood, while also enlightening those less familiar with these cultures. I believe that much of the division in society stems from misunderstandings, biases, and misinformation. By offering visual stories that are both engaging and educational, I hope to bridge these gaps and foster a greater sense of mutual respect and understanding among people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adeolaayedun.wixsite.com/illu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adeola.ayedun/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeola-ayedun/

Image Credits
Joe Tankersley – Portrait Headshot Photographer