20 March 2023
A passionate storyteller who finds joy in connecting with people through narratives that define the African experience. With a desire to start drawing and painting again, this creative soul is always on the lookout for new ways to express herself.
Design and Creative writer, Dá Design Studio
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
I'm currently a Design and Creative writer at Dá Design studio. I'm also a UX writer. I recently joined SendSprint as the Community Manager and previously handled in-house editing at The Stack Journal. The most fulfilling part of my work is when people can connect to the stories we tell. Stories are the backbone of who we are as people, and it is incredible to be part of the essential and contextual stories that define us as Nigerians and Africans.
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
What did you do before what you stated above?
Before that, I did some user experience and interface design, content writing and marketing.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I wanted to up-skill and was very curious about the field. Then I started reading about design and fell in love with it.
Oluwatobi at her workstation
I'm super proud of all the work we do at Dá design. In the past few years, I have been part of the team that created brand identities for brands like Paystack, Rise, Backdrop and others.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
I enjoy taking walks. I love photography. I enjoy reading Nigerian literature, swimming (I recently started learning), and watching K drama or Studio Ghibli movies. I enjoy taking care of my plants, buying new ones, travelling, going out to eat/hanging out with friends. I LOVE going to the beach. I also want to start drawing and painting again.
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
People in the design space here are now more aware of the power of brand identities and storytelling, especially when explored from our distinct perspectives. Our work at The Stack Journal is doing its bit to celebrate women doing incredible work in tech and contributing to our community.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“If she’s doing something amazing and impactful, even from a small place, draw attention to her work.”
We should be a lot louder about women and the work that we do. Celebrate your work; celebrate the next woman's work, even if you don't fully understand it. If she's doing something amazing and impactful, even from a small place, draw attention to her work. Support her, mention her name in important spaces, and speak more about women's work.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
How do you continue to develop your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in design and technology?
Life gets hectic, but I read at least one article a day. It also helps to follow design communities and spaces online. It's easier to notice stuff going on in the space if you follow people having meaningful conversations that impact growth. I also participate in the communities I belong to. I listen closely, have conversations, and stay connected to the people in the space.
Yes, drop what you're doing right now and go and read Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi! I also really like the writing on Its Nice That
Any books or website that you’d like for everyone to check out?
Oluwatobi basking in beautiful weather
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
I wish I'd just trusted my sauce more. I didn't study design, so it was easy to feel impostor syndrome. Even now, I still fight it sometimes. Nothing beats believing in yourself and having the determination to continue learning.
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
I am a ceramist. I can also paint with clay. I plan to explore that more in future.
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
I can't think of any clothing in particular, but I would probably wear Doc Marten boots. I feel really powerful in them.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
You'll feel stuck sometimes, and sometimes you will want to give up, but always remember that only you can do those things you want to do. It may have been done before, but never by you, and even in those moments where it feels like you're not doing enough or you're not enough, it's not true because you are. You are enough.
Continue reading
Alison Eyo
She’s on a path where she finds fulfilment
in developing products that solve real-world problems and improve people's lives, inspired by her desire to see her ideas become a reality.