We were lucky to catch up with Etubi Onucheyo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Etubi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

Yes I am extremely happy as an artist but life isn’t a straight line so there are times where I’m forced to look upon my choices with scrutiny but it’s never about being in another field but if I’m steering my creative career properly. Most recently was when I had to take on a role in an advertising agency as an art director in 2023, desperately needed a new gig because commissions were drying up and bills were piling up. Taking it on felt like necessary evil at the time but as the months rolled by I was reminded as to why some creatives(especially myself) don’t enjoy work like that. From meaningless titles to crazy unrealistic deadlines and having my capability as an artist questioned, I had to sit down alone and reacquaint myself with my goals as artist. I was tired of seeing pitch decks for ads and wanted to see character designs and pin up illustrations. The only way forward I saw was to channel these frustrations to updating my portfolio and applying for new gigs and within two months I tendered my 2 weeks notice. Right now I’m working on illustrating books while gearing my portfolio towards character design right where I want to be. I realised don’t like looking back and when I was in doubt I couldn’t see the foundation of good work I had done over years that could ensure me the dream I hoped for, all I need do was apply. In summary I’ve learnt that as much as I am looking to the future constantly, I should be always be aware of the distance it took me to get to the present

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

One thing that surprises me is reaction of some people when they find out my degree is in fine arts, yes I went to school to learn “how to draw”. To paraphrase my dad, “if this is what you excel at, let’s do it properly”. I’ve been working as artist since I was in second year of university so my teeth were cut early. I started in coloring comics and got a few awards for that but then I transitioned into making pin up illustrations for musicians and entertainment establishments. The One thing I think people come to me for making the grand and beautiful through strange paths. I think what sets me apart is my approach to ideation, the way I break things down and reconstitute their elements for visual pleasure. I want people to always see beauty in my work, the deeper meanings must not always be understood but at least felt.

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

I can’t do everything. The creative industry /pipeline is vast enough for specialization, if there’s one thing you like in the pipeline; you can only that and be fine. This is from when I first started pursuing digital arts, I wanted to be an illustrator, concept artist, 2d & 3d animator and quickly realised that’s a lot of load for one person, which is why studios are hire a battalion of artists.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I feel it’s strange but being able to put my feelings down in visual representation. I would rather show a painting about the dark times than talk about it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mumu_illustrator/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://x.com/mumu_illustratr?t=m_H7Q1_xD_6XbC5dQlvYyQ&s=09
• Other: https://www.artstation.com/etubi92