We were lucky to catch up with Joyce Joshua Effiong recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Joyce Joshua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
The first artwork I sold was in 2021 it was a painting I posted on my Instagram page and that painting was a school assignment that i painted in my 300 level. I just posted the painting on my page and never expected that I was going to sell it.
I remember that very day, someone from the US reached out to me on Instagram and ask how much I was going to sell ‘Urua Itam’, (that is the title of the painting) I was excited and at the same time surprised because i wasn’t expecting that. Back then, I didn’t know anything about pricing in dollars, so I seeked advise from my colleague. I told the client my price and he was OK with it, he didn’t even bargain. He called on Instagram voice call to verify who he was talking to, then he went further to ask how he was going to pay, I was surprised because I did not expect that he was actually going to buy the painting, so I sent him my account detail. I was still in doubt until i received a notification from my bank that a certain amount of dollar has been credited into my account, i couldn’t believe it, i was excited, so excited. That was the first time of selling my artwork. I waybilled the art piece to my client through dhl courier service,
i got a message from him days after saying he has received the painting and he loves it.
that was how I sold my first painting and earned my first dollars.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Joyce Joshua Effiong, I’m from Nsit Atai local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree (painting) from the department of fine and industrial art University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Growing up surrounded by the gently streams and the unbounded freedom of childhood, I found my earliest inspirations in the simple joy and profound experiences of my childhood. These memories are the heartbeat of my artistic journey. As a child, i found joy drawing or painting my environment and also drawing from pictures I found in textbooks, news papers, magazines, etc. I decided in my secondary school days that I wanted to be an artist because that was the only thing that I actually really loved doing. I thought of pursuing other careers like maybe mass communication or law but didn’t really like any other except fine art. I got admission into the University of uyo where i studied fine and industrial arts and graduated as a painter.
WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCTS/SERVICES/CREATIVE WORKS YOU PROVIDE,
As a painters, i offer a wide variety of products, services, and creative works, catering to different tastes, industries, and purposes. Here’s an overview:
Products
1. Original Paintings:
I paint portraits, landscapes, figurative, still lifes, etc, using realism as a style.
Custom or themed artworks.
2. Prints:
High-quality prints of their original works.
Limited edition.
3. Customized Artwork:
Commissioned works tailored to a client’s specifications (e.g., family portraits, personalized pieces).
Services
1. Consultation:
Advising clients on selecting, displaying, or commissioning artwork for personal or professional spaces.
2. Collaboration Projects:
Partnering with other artists, or brands to create unique visual experiences.
Creative Works
1. Gallery Exhibitions:
Showcasing my original works in galleries or art shows.
2. Creating art to express ideas or raise awareness about societal issues.
What Problems Do They Solve?
Painting pieces solves problems like;
Aesthetic Needs: Enhancing spaces with beauty and creativity.
Emotional Impact: Creating pieces that evoke feelings or tell stories, In my paintings, I seek to capture the essence of childhood, its innocence, its boundless energy and its unfiltered happiness using oil paint on canvas.
My work is a celebration of the beauty of childhood and a reminder of the simplicity and happiness found in nature.
Personalization: Offering unique, meaningful creations for clients.
What Sets Artists Apart?
Each artist has a unique style, vision, and process that makes their work distinct. Whether it’s their technique, subject matter, or creative perspective, these elements define their brand and appeal. I’m an artist whose painting style is realism and I love to paint life and childhood experiences using oil paint on canvas.
What are you most proud of?
As an artist, what I’m most proud of is my ability to bring ideas and emotions to life through my work. Whether it’s a commissioned piece that captures a special memory for a client, or an original painting that resonates deeply with someone, I find joy in creating art that connects with others on a personal or emotional level. Seeing my art evoke emotions or inspire conversations is incredibly rewarding.
Each piece I create reflects my journey as an artist, from experimenting with new techniques to exploring deeper themes.
What I Want Potential Clients/Followers/Fans to Know About Me
What I want people to know about me is my passion for my craft, I pour my heart and soul into every piece, ensuring it’s authentic and meaningful. Each piece I create has a story, whether it’s my story or inspired by others. I love turning emotions, experiences, and ideas into something visual and lasting.
Each piece I create is a narrative, a vivid recollection of days spent in the embrace of nature, playing and exploring without a care in the world, I aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and invite viewers to reconnect with their own cherished memories.
Ultimately, I want people to feel seen, inspired, or moved by my work. Whether you’re looking for something personal or simply enjoy following my journey, I’m grateful for your support and connection.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, art can be rewarding in different ways;
Knowing that my art can outlive me, telling stories and creating beauty for years to come, is incredibly humbling.
Being part of a creative community and seeing how art inspires others, whether it’s to create, reflect, or see the world differently adds to the sense of purpose in what I do.
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people in a meaningful way while staying true to my creative spirit.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
For now, there are no resources I wish I knew about earlier.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.saatchiart.com/account/profile/2526885
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasurejoyce?igsh=cXRkdmw1MnJrdzVl
- Facebook: Joshua Joshua pleasure
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joycejoshua66?_t=ZM-8tHYw45L858&_r=1
