Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Awele Emili. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Awele, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As a child, art was already a significant part of my life, more of a hobby than anything else. Just before graduating from my undergraduate program in 2017, I had the opportunity to design a comic for the European Union and UN Women focusing on Gender Equality. What made it even more special was being the only female shortlisted for the project and subsequently invited to the program event held at the capital. It was a surreal experience to be presented with the award by Toyin Saraki, the founder of Well-being Africa, alongside other distinguished dignitaries. In that moment, I realized the power of art beyond mere expression—it could serve as a universal language, addressing important issues while providing entertainment. This revelation spurred me to pursue art professionally, eager to explore its potential further.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a self-taught artist with a diverse academic background spanning from a Bsc. in Medical Pharmacology to Msc. in Public Health and now delving into an MA in Design at the University of Southampton. My journey into the art industry was born out of pure passion, my earliest memory of me drawing was from 7 years old —I’ve always been drawn to the act of creation. For me, art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a potent tool for communication and empathy.

As a visual storyteller, I specialize in illustration and animation design. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with renowned organizations such as UNOPS, World Bank Group, Facebook (Meta), Universal Music Group, United Bank of Africa, and Saint Louis University, among others. My work isn’t confined to traditional mediums; I’m constantly exploring innovative ways to communicate designs, including augmented reality, user experience design, data visualization and motion graphics.

While my artistic journey has taken me far from my scientific roots, I’ve found a way to merge both worlds. My enduring passion for science fuels my desire to communicate complex data, scientific research and medical terminologies in a more accessible manner. By leveraging art and animation, I aim to support healthcare research, charities, and health engagement initiatives globally.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between art and science, marrying creativity with technical expertise. I take pride in my commitment to not only produce visually stunning work but also to make a meaningful impact. Whether I’m crafting illustrations for a health campaign or developing animations to educate the public, my goal remains the same: to empower, inform, and inspire.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work goes beyond fun engagements, it’s a vehicle for change. Whether you’re seeking captivating visuals for your project or innovative ways to communicate complex ideas, I’m here to help. Together, let’s harness the power of art to make a difference in the world.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency. When you’re passionate about your craft and consistently share that passion, people take notice. My journey into art didn’t begin with the intention of gaining a social media following—it happened organically. The focus has always been on enjoying and loving what I do, which naturally leads to consistency.

Another essential aspect is relatability and authenticity. Connecting with your audience on a genuine level builds trust and fosters a loyal following. By staying true to yourself and your interests, you create a space where others can resonate with your content.

So, if you’re looking to build your social media presence, remember to stay consistent, stay true to yourself, and keep sharing what you love. The rest will follow.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Familiarizing yourself with industry-standard software and digital tools early on can streamline your workflow and enhance your capabilities. Whether it’s Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design and illustration or Blender for 3D modelling and animation, mastering relevant software can open up new creative possibilities. I have a pretty decent experience with them

Reflecting on my journey, I recall my initial encounter with After Effects and Adobe Illustrator. Admittedly, it was quite daunting, and I vividly remember closing the application in frustration. It wasn’t until three years later that I revisited it with a newfound determination. Through perseverance and practice, I gradually familiarized myself with its functionalities, eventually gaining a decent level of proficiency.

This experience taught me the importance of patience and persistence in mastering new tools. While the learning curve may be steep initially, the rewards of acquiring these skills are invaluable. Today, I’m grateful for the versatility and creative possibilities that proficiency in industry-standard software has brought to my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aweleemili.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aweleemili
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aweleemili
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aweleemili