We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ntokozo Shozi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ntokozo below.

Hi Ntokozo, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My journey as a creative entrepreneur began during my second year of university while pursuing my Visual Arts degree. It dawned on me that I didn’t have to wait until graduation to utilize my skills for earning. Taking a leap of faith, I started sharing my work as a graphic designer. Remarkably, within a few weeks, I secured my first client for a poster design. This was a pivotal moment for me that instilled in me the belief that my passion could be both fulfilling and lucrative.

That initial client left an indelible mark on my journey, proving the viability of my aspirations. I got a couple more clients and then I decided to make this a bit more professional. I then started a design business and named it Ndalo Design. Though the trajectory of my design business, didn’t skyrocket immediately, the steady stream of clients kept my determination ablaze. Each project fueled my conviction that this endeavor transcended personal ambitions—it was about creating something meaningful and impactful.

Ntokozo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ntokozo Shozi, also known as st0ksi across social platforms, where I showcase my passion for 3D art and design. My creations are deeply rooted in African culture, exploring themes of spirituality, identity, and Afrofuturism. By blending traditional elements with digital techniques, I aim to ignite conversations, challenge perceptions, and celebrate cultural diversity.

My journey into this field was quite unexpected. After navigating through computer science and biological science majors, feeling out of place, I stumbled upon digital art and instantly knew it was my path forward. This discovery led me to establish Ndalo Design, which now has a co-founder. Ndalo Design is a 3D animation studio offering services such as animation, product visualization, and Augmented Reality solutions. At Ndalo Design, we recognize the transformative potential of 3D design in enhancing projects across diverse mediums. With a commitment to surpassing client expectations while remaining mindful of budget constraints, we deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs.

Despite being a relatively new studio, Ndalo Design has already garnered recognition. One of our AR filters achieved significant traction, reaching over 300,000 impressions – a testament to our creative approach and technical proficiency. We are constantly striving to push boundaries and expand our client base.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence. While this often leads us to invest more time than planned on projects, resulting in longer hours, it ensures that we consistently deliver outstanding results and exceed client expectations. Our mission is not only to meet client needs but to consistently surpass them, driving innovation and quality in every project.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Personally, I don’t have a huge following yet, but my strategy was simple. I’d create artwork’s for my favorite artists, hoping they’d recognize my work and possibly share them on their pages. This approach paid off, particularly on my third attempt. I remember eagerly checking my Instagram after uploading the successful artwork, but initially, there was no sign of excitement. However, the following morning, I woke up to find my following had doubled, and my inbox was overflowing with messages. It was an amazing feeling.

To be honest, I’m no longer overly concerned about growing my following, considering the complexities of Instagram algorithms. It almost feels like a full-time job, so I prefer to focus on my work and I post when I have something worth sharing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

That’s a great question, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to express myself authentically and the thrill of bringing ideas to life. There’s a unique satisfaction in witnessing a digital/physical manifestation of what once existed solely as an idea. This process fuels my motivation, igniting a desire to explore further and create more. The ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible forms is not only fulfilling but also serves as a constant source of inspiration, driving me to push the boundaries of my creativity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st0ksi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntokozoshozi