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

Umaimah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

As an artist and a creative, I find immense joy in my work. While I’ve thought of the idea of corporate employment, my college experiences in that realm didn’t make me despise the prospect. However, I’ve come to realize that my true calling lies in being an artist.

The challenges in this career aren’t rooted in a lack of resources or extreme skill requirements. Rather, the difficulty arises from a lack of appreciation for creatives by others, and the societal neglect of nurturing art compared to other subjects. Despite these challenges, being an artist has provided me with unique experiences that I doubt I would have encountered on a different career path. It allows me to contribute to incredible projects that touch lives worldwide, offering a distinct perspective on my surroundings and society. This journey is beautiful, I love it, and it brings me happiness.

Umaimah, 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 am an animation designer and illustrator from Nigeria. My artistic endeavors span across various mediums, including digital and gouache paintings. My work draws inspiration from fashion, girly aesthetics, and the vibrant black women I encounter both online and in my surroundings. With over 3 years of experience in the animation industry, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned studios such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, and more. While my professional work often involves adapting to specific styles and following established directions for animated shows, my personal art style takes on a different approach. When creating personal pieces, I step into the role of my own art director, allowing my unique vision to guide the creative process.

My entry into the industry was a stroke of luck, thanks to my engagement on Twitter. In 2014, I was highly motivated to increase my Twitter following. I began showcasing my art online and subtly engaging more in the art and animation community on the platform. This move was an investment in potential future opportunities, and it proved to be a wise decision. A follower who admired my work took it upon themselves to recommend me to a TV show at Disney TV Animation. This recommendation led to an interview, and I was fortunate to be offered a role on the project. Accepting the job felt like the perfect step for me straight out of college, aligning well with my aspirations in the animation field.

During my personal time, I enjoy crafting artwork that people can purchase as merchandise. I create prints, stickers, and have recently ventured into making clay pins and trinket trays, among other items. My aspirations extend to expanding into apparel and various accessories in the future. In a professional capacity as an animation designer, I engage in roles such as color design, prop design, and character design. I find immense satisfaction in exploring and contributing to various artistic facets within animation. Whether it’s color, props, or character design, I love immersing myself in the diverse creative aspects of the industry.

I believe clients choose to work with me because they seek artwork that is colorful, whimsical, and instantly captivating. It’s a niche I excel in delivering. Particularly, I’ve noticed a demand from fellow black clients who often find a scarcity of artwork highlighting black women in a girly or romanticized manner. My art fills this void, allowing black female characters to be portrayed with utmost femininity and romantic allure. Consequently, I often attract clients seeking precisely this perspective for their projects.

I take immense pride in achieving my goal of hosting my own gallery show in 2023. Despite previous doubts and concerns about whether people would attend, I decided to push through the fear and give it a shot. I am thrilled to share that the experience was incredibly successful. The turnout included many friends and industry professionals, making it a truly fulfilling moment in my life.

One aspect about me, evident through social media, is my profound appreciation and love for fashion. While character design is often more focused on the character’s appearance than attire, I strive to emphasize and elevate the role of clothing in my designs. I find joy in expressing my love for fashion within my work, aiming to infuse characters with a distinct and elevated sense of style.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Being an international student adds complexity to my situation, but reflecting on it, I realize that there were numerous ways to enhance my skills as a designer online. While art schools offer great opportunities to be surrounded by creative individuals, I’ve discovered that various online communities and events also provide a supportive environment for artists, designers, and creatives without the financial burden of traditional education. Although my international status requires me to attend school for visa purposes, I believe that with better knowledge, I could have planned my journey differently and explored more cost-effective alternatives to improve as a designer.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a social media following is a delicate balancing act. It involves staying true to myself while creating art that resonates with people, even if it’s not my top 5 favorite. While I never compromised my authenticity or created art I despised, I did find myself mindful of what would appeal to my audience, a necessary consideration in the world of social media.

If your passion aligns with something already popular, it’s easier to capture attention. However, if your niche is more specialized, growing a following takes time. Personally, I’ve found engaging with those who appreciate my art to be rewarding. It’s not about increasing social media followers, but rather a reflection of my gratitude to the audience that supports me. I recall my younger self dreaming of having an account with a large following and showcasing my art, so when people express appreciation, I can’t help but respond and convey my thanks. Their support is vital for my journey as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.udamakka.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloured_braids/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umaimah-5365a539/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/colouredbraids

Image Credits
Umaimah D