We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Olajuwon Orenuga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Olajuwon below.
Olajuwon , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew I first wanted to pursue a path in the creative field when I was in middle school! I was in class and I noticed to these two kids who were drawing at a very high level, and I honestly thought you had to be very old to have that level of skill. So I started drawing in my spare time, making copies of my favorite tv shows and comic heroes. I would draw these in as much detail as I could, and continued progressing well into high school. I really liked the crafts classes, I liked the process of making art. I got a couples piece put out in the glass cases, hallways which was a boost in confidence as a young artist. I entered in a contest to design the senior class apparel, and to my surprise I won it! My mother advised me that I shouldn’t have to pay for the merch if I designed it. And I that was when I knew I wanted pursue a creative path.
Olajuwon , 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?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. I immigrated to the US when I was around 4/5 years old. We first lived in Texas, and then later moved to Chicago. Later we moved to the south suburbs where I went to school and earn my high school diploma. I went to EIU where i got into the creative industries, I studied graphic design after changing my major from psychology. I realized I would have to take math classes, and I really didn’t like the math. Although being one of the top student in my design course. after I graduated I entered a highly saturated market. I wouldn’t easily gain employment in my field, even after offering to volunteer to get my phone in the door I still never secured a paycheck. I would start selling my art at festivals, and printing my designs on apparel. I got my lucky break when I was able to meet a tattoo artist who wanted shirt printed, I showed them my art and they took me under their wing! I learned how to tattoo under an apprenticeship in south Chicago heights, and after I moved to San Diego. I worked at a few different shops around the San Diego coastal town. After COVID I lost my position and started fundraising to raise enough money to open up a studio. I would come back into contact with my mentor and they were trying to invest in the business, so we could get a larger space for more artist! Tattoos are special because it is a combination of two people coming together to create a life long piece of art. With the popularity of social media, tattoos are becoming much more personal and have to be approached in a practical, yet creative way. What sets us apart is that we bring together multiple types of personalities and cultures that’s allows us to bring our clientele the most unique experiences. We are always striving to learn and hone our skills and contribute to the art of tattooing. At ozone we create clean fun inviting atmosphere for anyone to express themselves. We also are located right by the beach with unbeatable views!
I am most proud of the people that have come together who helped make my dream into reality, from my earlier days as an young artist, to opening up my first business I know I couldn’t have done it without the help of my family and friends, and clients along the way! Thank you
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn that I believed people actually care about my opinions and thoughts on the personal level. Like I would assume if I shared my personal opinions or didn’t want to do something that others wanted to do I would be outcast. I wanted to be part of the herd, but realized that standing up for your own thought and opinions you will gain more respect and appreciation. I have had the most uplifting and positive experiences from times when me and someone else didn’t agree but could come to a mutual understanding. Be yourself, things that make you different make you interesting and a relatable.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I really enjoy the process of discovering how something should be designed, for it to work well. Design usually fixes problems through observation. First the problem seems really hard. Then you start chipping aways, it might look worse when you start but over time the image/idea becomes clear. That could be just figuring what the client really wants when they tell you multiple things that might not all correspond. It could come while doing the actual designing. Once you get to a point where you see the goal post it a very rewarding feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ozonetattoos.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Olajuwxn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550766646442&mibextid=cr9u03