Recent Work: Greeting Card For Wonderful Kids

 

I designed a custom-made card for Primary 2 pupils at El-Peniel School, Agbalajobi Estate. 

Past Work: Culture Shock- Lagos Transportation

 

Anyone who has experienced Lagos transportation during rush hour will not be surprised by the reality depicted in the above illustration. The abiding wave of  madness  and anxiety that grips commuters is really pitiful. This anxiety is so pervasive, at times, passengers rush and struggle to enter a bus that has more vacant seats than the number of 'rushians'. 

Copyright 2013 Olusola Akinseye 

Past Work: Illustration-Design Concept

Design Copyright 2013 Olusola Akinseye

Past Work: Business Networks In Modern Africa

 

I recall when I decided to become a full-time illustrator over a decade ago. I started in a kitchenette inside a friend's office apartment. I knew no one and had next to no connections. My business could not even maintain a mobile phone (then, MTN rates were grossly prohibitive). 

Today, I maintain a fully equipped illustration & design studio with commissions from places I may never visit and people I have never met. I have been extremely fortunate. But most importantly, I find that I owe a lot to the internet- I.e. the e-mail service, online portfolios, e-money transactions and other internet related services and opportunities. 

The above illustration is my depiction of internet-related business in the modern Africa. Copyright 2013 Olusola Akinseye

Past Work: The Nigerian Dream Visualised

 

Tax-paying Nigerians still have to take responsibility for every facet of their lives, including those that should be taken care of by their employers or even the government. In addition, there is little security from armed robbers nor is there an effective justice system for the common man. The average Nigerian can't afford life or medical insurance, still has no regular source of electricity. S/he must face the battles of life paycheck-to-paycheck and subsist on most of her/his income leaving very little savings. 

This illustration is my portrayal of what the Nigerian dream means to the individual. Copyright 2013 Olusola Akinseye 

Past Work: Design Illustration For Printing

Graphic design work I did earlier in the year. Copyright Olusola Akinseye. 

Recent Work: 'Rape Is Not The End Of Life' Design

Courageous words form a courageous woman and photo journalist.

Current Work: Finished Artworks For Political Cartoon

Here are the final images representative of the political thugs left free to run amok in our government. Please note that the characters are generic and do not portray any actual person.

Recent Work: Pencil Sketches for Political Cartoon

I was dumbfounded at the report of the fracas that ensued yesterday at the River State House of Assembly. 'Honourable' representatives of the people forgot their honour and acted shamefully for the public.

This was the last straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. I had to shelf my busy schedule to create two cartoons that aptly expressed my disappointment with a certain crop of Nigerian political leaders. You may watch the video on YouTube.

Past Work: Vector Illustrations For Book Cover Ideas

A few years ago I created some ideas for book covers for a line of children books. Here are the illustrations realised in CorelDRAW.

Recent Event: At Last, An Artist In Space!

I was delighted to read about Karen Nyberg, a NASA Astronaut making plans to create a piece of art at the International Space Station. The work-of-art in question is quilting- the stitching craft involving use of decorative designs. Below is a quilt earlier made by Karen Nyberg.

"I enjoy sewing and quilting," she explained during a televised interview from Moscow. "I am bringing some fabric with me, and thread. I'm hoping to create something. I don't know what yet it will be — that's part of creativity. It comes with the feeling of the day. So I have the supplies at my hands to create, if I get the opportunity and the creative notion to do so."

Granted, this 'artist' is a fully trained Mechanical Engineer but I'm really looking forward to seeing the first work of art created in space. Best of luck to Ms. Nyberg! 

Recent Events: Bi-focals, Ray Harryhausen and Colour Illustrations

I have not kept my promise to regularly update my blog this year. The year has been busy all over. First off, after about a year of denial, I had to give in and submit to eye checkup. Yes, yours truly is now required to don a pair of bi-focals 24/7. Felt weird at first but now I don't even think about it.

I was sad to hear about Ray Harryhausen's passing May 7th. His works really provided rare entertainment for me back when I didn't know who Harryhausen was. Jason and the Argonauts, The 7th Voyage of Simbad and of course Clash of The Titans were the peak of fantastic high adventure in my earlier days. A look at the list of top talents he has inspired over the years, from Steven Spielberg to John Lasseter, is truly a testimony to his greatness. And his humble lifestyle is a great example for me.

I have a lot going on but sadly I am not permitted to post a lot of the stuff I'm working on yet. But I did do some development art for an installation for a bank wall late last year.

 

 

Past Work: CHECKMATE Illustration For Pizzazz Magazine

Last year I finally got to publish a story I had written years ago. It featured as a backup story in the maiden issue of the PIZZAZZ magazine. Posted here is part of the cover art illustrating the story. The full cover may be seen here. 

Recent Event: Happy New Year!

Hi everyone! I wish you all a happy and prosperous 2013. I promise to have a lot of good stuff posted here this year. Thanks for your visits.