20 March 2023
As a child, she enjoyed doing hands-on art with her mom and designing her own outfits, today she’s getting paid from designing products and creating art.
Product Designer & Illustrator
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
I'm a Product Designer and an Illustrator. The most rewarding part of what I do
is seeing people use and enjoy what i created without stress. Also, getting paid ☺️
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
Hmm. I’ve always kinda been a designer / artist of some sort. I don't think I've done anything else in my life. As a child, I enjoyed doing hands-on art and craft projects with my mom and designing my own outfits. When I was younger, I wanted to be an architect because I wanted to design my own house– I still want to design my own house. In university, I studied computer science but in school, I was already doing web and graphic design projects on the side while harbouring dreams of opening a design academy.
What did you do before what you stated above?
I've always loved creating, I enjoy the process a lot and it feels natural but what confirmed it for me was when I decided to focus on product design and start professionally, so I applied to Paystack and we were given a design challenge. I really loved working on the challenge and coming up with solutions. The challenge was about how we could integrate Paystack into the current BRT system and i went to the Lagos State BRT office, did interviews, interviewed ticket sellers e.t.c.and then I drafted a solution. It was a lot of fun for me.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
Akachi at her workstation
RelianceHMO brand and website assets (2017 - 2021), I was the first and only designer for about three years, so it was a lot, and I was in charge of everything design-related (graphic, illustration, branding, website, app). I'm proud of the work because even though I'm not there anymore, what I built has been able to stand strong regardless.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
I love enjoying music from different cultures around the world, watching TikToks and K-drama.
To a large extent, the design and branding work I did earlier in my career at RelianceHMO directly or indirectly increased visibility for health techs as a whole in the ecosystem. We were one of the first health tech institutions in Nigeria.
What I’ve done and still do at Quidax has birthed more user-friendly interfaces which has in turn, improved cryptocurrency adoption.
Additionally, I love sharing whatever knowledge I have gained over time via speaking engagements. I currently mentor new designers via ADP List, and I have a small group of new designers I teach design to. I also sponsor some overlay classes; paying it forward and giving back to the community.
Overall, my work as a multidisciplinary product designer has had a tangible impact on the communities and ecosystems I have worked with, and I am committed to continuing to use design as a tool for positive social and environmental change.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“Women should be encouraged to put their work out there shamelessly and be bold about it.”
Women should be just as audacious as men are. Design is a skill that can be learnt so they shouldn't allow anyone to deceive them or make them feel like it's the "easier" side of building a product. You don't have to do something hectic to affirm yourself if it comes easy.
Highlighting women. Women should be encouraged to put their work out there shamelessly and be bold about it. They should also be duly recognised for their work.
Another thing is to support other women in the workplace or community. See yourselves as peers instead of competition, amplify each others voices, carry each other along and speak up against discrimination towards women.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
Fortunately, I love learning. I take courses on IDF so that my skills and knowledge stay polished. I also enjoy listening to design-related podcasts. Some of my favourites are the NN/g UX podcast, Designed this way and This is Product management. Also, if there's a shiny new tool, I'd usually test it out.
How do you continue to develop your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in design and technology?
I'd recommended "The art of thinking clearly" by Rolf Dobelli and "Business thinking for Designers" by Ryan Rumsey. Another book I would recommend although I'm not done reading this, it's been interesting so far– is "Figure It Out" by Stephen Anderson.
Any books or website that you’d like for everyone to check out?
Akachi enjoying some gelato
Hmm... If I could turn back time to the beginning of my career, I would tell myself to write more, document things and take chances because you never know.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
I've survived an accident three times in one day lmao. Asides that I like to eat my meat-pie sideways and I'm sure I see and hear music differently, so someday, i'd like to be a DJ/producer– let's see how that goes.
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
Definitely something that shows my sense of style. Maybe a t-shirt dress with black boots :')
It's okay to feel stuck. You can take a break, look inwards and realign with yourself. Ask yourself what your goals and ambitions are and let that serve as a compass. It's okay to go back to the drawing board, and be patient with yourself.
You can try reaching out to other designers, find out if they're dealing with something similar or if they've dealt with it and how they overcame it. You're not alone for sure.
Pursuing a design career can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Stay focused on your goals, seek out support and guidance, and continue learning and growing, and you'll be well on your way to success.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Eniola Aminu
Her passion for solving problems and creating meaningful things led her to pursue a non-traditional path. Her designs are now shaping the future of payments and remittances.