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

Debbie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I find immense happiness and fulfillment in my role as an artist or creative individual. I believe that creativity is a unique and powerful gift, akin to the act of creation itself. In this sense, I see myself as a conduit for ideas and expressions that originate from a place of inspiration, much like the biblical figure Bezalel who was filled with the spirit of God to create.

While some might consider a “regular job” as a more conventional path, I view my creative journey as a sacred calling. It allows me to tap into my innermost thoughts, emotions, and ideas, transforming them into tangible and meaningful works of art. This process not only brings me joy but also allows me to connect with others on a deep level, sparking conversations and emotions that may not have been possible through a traditional career.

Being an artist or creative means embracing the unconventional, the weird, and the unexpected. It’s in these unique perspectives that we often find the most profound and groundbreaking ideas. So, no, I don’t wonder what it would be like to have a “regular job” because I’ve found purpose and contentment in the divine act of creation, which, in its own way, makes me feel like I’m channeling the personality of the original Creator, the Most High God.

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

I’ve always been the “Disney Kid” and gladly accepted the label of “weird” as a compliment. My notebooks were a canvas for doodles, and my interests spanned singing, playing the guitar, writing novels, dancing, and painting. My creative journey was set in motion early on, and I’m fortunate to have had supportive parents, which isn’t always typical in African households unless you’re looking to be a doctor or engineer. Divine Providence led me to SCAD, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Branded Entertainment. Later, I pursued a master’s degree in Creative Business Leadership from the same institution.

My career has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. Currently, as the Senior Creative Director at PayDay, I’ve crafted and executed creative strategies that resulted in boosts in our engagement and conversions. I’ve employed targeted marketing and branding strategies to also grow our user base. Collaboration with cross-functional teams has been a cornerstone of my work, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. One of my proudest accomplishments here was contributing to PayDay’s branding presence in the earlier days, earning us a spot in Techstars’ 2021 cohort.

I’ve also played a crucial role as an Operations & Design Strategist at Engage VC, where I managed operational data for over 70 cohort startups across various industries. Facilitating communication between founders and Fortune 500 corporate stakeholders was a critical aspect of my role. I maintained strong relationships with clients, vendors, and key stakeholders, ensuring seamless project execution. Managing newsletter content was another feather in my cap.

As the Founder & Lead Designer of Spirete, I’ve overseen brand strategy and marketing for numerous companies in various fields as well as events which consistently attracting audiences with an average attendance of 150 per event. I’ve employed Adobe Suites for content creation, producing over 500 promo videos, designs, illustrations, and animations to date. In-depth market research and competitor analysis have been pivotal in identifying opportunities and crafting strategic marketing initiatives. Notably, I’ve grown organic followership by 40% for accounts in less than 3 months.

In my role as Co-Founder & Brand Strategist at Erupt Inc, I led publicity, social communications, and branding, resulting in 758 applicants from 89 countries in 2019. I was responsible for creating over 100 design assets, including our website landing pages, submission pages, and voting pages . My ability to incorporate industry trends and cultural shifts into marketing strategies has been a key asset, along with my successful facilitation of fundraising efforts.

What distinguishes me in my industry is my unwavering commitment to being “people-first” and my relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m incredibly proud of my features in prestigious publications, as well as my recognition as the American Advertising Award winner in 2021 and my role as Salutatorian of my SCAD class in 2020. Beyond my creative endeavors, I have served as a Youth Minister since January 2019, reflecting my commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a passion for creativity, a deep commitment to excellence, and a genuine focus on people. My brand is defined by innovation, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of positive change. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey of creativity and transformation.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I could and should do everything on my own. The backstory to this realization stems from my early years as a creative professional, building my personal brand.

I’ve always been a self-driven individual, driven by a desire to excel and shine in everything I pursued. This mindset served me well in many ways, pushing me to achieve my goals and take on multiple responsibilities. However, it also had its downsides.

As I progressed in my career and took on more significant projects, I began to realize that there were limits to what I could accomplish alone. The creative industry is often highly collaborative, and it became apparent that harnessing the power of collaboration was essential for achieving greater heights.

The turning point came when I found myself juggling multiple roles in a project, from creative direction to execution. I was burning out, and the quality of my work was suffering. It was then that I decided to open myself up to collaboration and give room for others to contribute their expertise.

I started by building a strong team and fostering an environment where ideas could flow freely. I learned to trust the skills and insights of my colleagues and collaborators. The result was transformative. Projects became more dynamic, innovative, and efficient. The diversity of perspectives enriched the creative process and led to better outcomes.

Today, I see collaboration as a cornerstone of my creative journey, and I’m grateful for the lessons it has taught me.

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

Expressing my Father’s personality in creation, by bringing to life something that didn’t previously exist, feels like purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spireteinc.com, www.erupt.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuee_creation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-onyibe/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nuee_creation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1V9H0Ag3NxV0ftvFb-W_Ag
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ZrqdOOiVXB2EmEiPmGzfo?si=6oaYpmFZSKWrjCT_YAxaIQ