We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olamilekan Akinsola a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Olamilekan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Art has always been part of my family, but for most of us, it was simply a hobby, something we enjoyed but never really pursued seriously. The first time I truly felt drawn to it was back in primary school. There was a boy in my class who was exceptionally good at drawing, much better than I was at the time. That sparked something in me. I became determined to get better, to push myself and see how far I could go.

The moment I realized I wanted to take art professionally came later, during my secondary school years. People started noticing my work, and for the first time, they were willing to pay for it. That feeling that what I created could speak to others, could connect with them deeply enough that they wanted to own it was incredible. What made it even more meaningful was that my parents supported it. They saw that my art was already helping me earn a living at a young age, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to commit fully. From that point on, I knew I wanted to pursue art not just as a passion, but as my life’s path and I decided to further my studies to grow as an artist.

Olamilekan , 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 am Olamilekan Akinsola, a graduate of university of Lagos, Nigerian contemporary artist and a visual storyteller whose work is rooted in documenting memory, emotion, and the complexities of human existence. Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, creativity was something my family valued, but it was seen mostly as a hobby. It wasn’t until my school years that I began to realize how much art meant to me. In primary school, I encountered a classmate who was an incredible artist. His skill inspired me, sparked my competitive spirit, and pushed me to develop my own abilities. But the turning point came in secondary school when people started paying for my drawings. That experience made me realize that my work could connect with others in meaningful ways—and that it could also be a livelihood. With the support of my family, I committed to art fully and continued to grow my practice through study and exploration.

My creative work focuses on visual storytelling that weaves together elements of classical technique, contemporary emotion, and cultural depth. I work primarily with charcoal, acrylic, oil, and unconventional materials like burnt paper—what I call “patches of memories.” My figures are often gestural, layered, and introspective, inviting the viewer into spaces of stillness, reflection, and emotional clarity. I draw from my personal experiences, faith, and Nigerian culture to explore themes like identity, psychological wellness, spirituality, survival, and collective memory.

What sets my work apart is the fusion of Afro-Classical influences with contemporary storytelling. I strive to create pieces that feel timeless and emotionally charged—works that linger in the mind and heart long after you’ve encountered them. I’m not just creating images; I’m creating visual testaments of existence—documents of both personal and shared human journeys.

In terms of what I provide: my art speaks to individuals and collectors who are looking for more than just aesthetic beauty—they are seeking work that tells a story, that holds emotional and cultural weight, and that opens space for connection, healing, and reflection. I also create commissioned pieces that capture personal narratives or moments for my clients. Beyond that, I engage in exhibitions, collaborative projects, and sometimes creative workshops, aiming to inspire others and contribute to meaningful dialogues through art.

What I’m most proud of is that my work has been able to resonate with people from different walks of life. Whether through exhibitions, private collections, or public conversations, it means a lot to know that what I create can help people see themselves, remember, and feel. Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that my work is about more than just creating art—it’s about building connections, documenting time, and offering moments of stillness and introspection in a fast-moving world.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are quite a number of books and resources that have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking—and honestly, I wish I had discovered some of them much earlier in my journey. These works have helped me develop resilience, discipline, and a clearer mindset, both in my art practice and in navigating the business side of my creative career. Some of the most impactful ones include:
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
• The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy
• The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
• As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
• The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
• Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee (based on the philosophy of Bruce Lee)
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Each of these has contributed in some way to how I approach my work, my interactions, and the structures I’m building as an artist and entrepreneur.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that resonates beyond myself, to take my thoughts, emotions, experiences, or observations and translate them into visual forms that connect with others on a deep, often unspoken level. There’s something powerful about seeing a viewer pause in front of a piece, reflect, feel something, or even see a part of their own story within the work.

I’m also deeply fulfilled by the process itself, the quiet, often meditative moments of creating, where time seems to dissolve and I’m fully immersed in bringing an idea to life. It’s in those moments that I feel most honest, most human, and most at peace.

Beyond that, knowing that my work can serve as a space for dialogue, healing, memory, or simply a moment of stillness for someone else, that’s a gift I don’t take for granted. Art allows me to document not just my personal journey, but the shared struggles, hopes, and beauty of the world around me—and that, for me, is incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @olamilekan.akinsola_

Image Credits

None