We were lucky to catch up with Laji Sanusi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laji, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Becoming a full time artist was one of the most daunting moves I have ever made. I left my regular job roughly 6 years ago. At the time I was on the cusp of a promotion and felt I was at a crossroads. I was comfortable at work but honestly felt I was unhappy not living the creative path I secretly wanted. I felt I really needed to make a choice between settling into a new role at work or pursue a dream of creating art for a living. I chose the latter and took the leap.
Becoming an artist has filled me with so many emotions and thoughts. I’ve discovered I have to be mentally tough, whether that means being critiqued heavily or going through tough times financially. Finances can flow like waves and when things dry up I’ve had to not only diversify my art but to stay true to the course of my ambition and remember to never give up. What has gotten me through tough times has been my growth in the industry, self belief, the love and support of others and a constant stubbornness or maybe even delusion that I can be the incredible artist that I feel within myself that I can be.
Art has given me so much. A freedom I have never gotten from past professions. To have people express love for what I do fills my creative spirit and is an honour. To make my loved ones proud is a feeling beyond words. Knowing I’m doing something that makes myself as well as others happy let’s me know that my pursuit of greatness as creative has been a worthwhile decision. I’m glad I made it.
Laji, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My names Laji Sanusi is a self-taught artist and creative born and currently based in London, England. Im a traditional and digital artist. I like to approach my art with a variety of different techniques and am constantly experimenting with new styles.
My art takes some influence and inspiration from legendary artists such as Jean-Michel Basqiuat, Alphonse Mucha, Andy Warhol, Adam Hughes, and Alex Ross.
I create art pieces on canvases, posters and framed prints with artworks that cover a wide range of topics from culture to social issues. I love to include concept into my art. I also do commercial designs, book cover artwork, and private commissions.
Some of my art has featured on platforms which include Revolt, Bed Bath & Beyond and Dope Black Art. In 2023 I was humbled to win the Sky TV and Now TV prize for best art piece for a TV series with my ‘True Detective – Night Country’ depiction.
Among requests for my customised work, I have been commissioned by Nkechi Carol, Head Producer of the hit television series “All American” and “Found”. I have also created artwork for Nikki St Crowe, an amazing author of Paranormal Romance.
Im honoured to have had work displayed and exhibited in an array of art galleries around the world, from the UK to the United States. Such venues include The Oxo Tower, The Faww Gallery and CasildArt gallery.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Utilising the internet even more. From socials to art groups, there’s so much in abundance of opportunity and information. I originally started out doing in person pop ups and events which are important but combining that with more use of the net can help develop my work and sales in a much larger scale than I originally realised.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Sometimes there may be setbacks in your art career. I’ve had opportunities that I felt at the time would have completely transform my art profession . From artwork to being included in a movie, to designing a major story book cover deal. Not getting these big opportunities over the line and being so close is tough. In the aftermath I’ve taken long periods away from art, questioned myself and fallen into negativity. It’s hard. With time, support and belief I’ve learned in hindsight I wasn’t ready, I am on the road and it’s all part of my journey. The good and “bad”.
Never giving up has shown my resilience and allowed new opportunities t nowo come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lajisanusi.com
- Instagram: Lajisanusiart
- Facebook: LajiSanusi
