In the late 90s, drawing was known to be a profession for men and boys. Drawing was something kids used to have as talent and then it is shown in them anywhere they go and whatever they do. In this age, girls, ladies and women are taking the profession to new levels.
TopNaija stories spotlights the journey of Tosin Akingba, who has taken drawing and art as a profession.
Current role: Charcoal and graphite pencil Artist
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Current mobile device: iPhone XR
What you want to be remembered for:
My contribution to arts & culture
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Tell us how you started out and how you got to where you are today?
I discovered I had the talent to draw as a young child, I was always excited when I got fine art home works from school, as a child I would plead to my mother to draw things for me just for my amusement, drawing was a way of getting away from anything that was troubling me because as at that time I was the only child I had no one to play with, I would always play with myself and draw from magazines, storybooks, newspapers almost anything with a drawing on it. I got discouraged to pursue Art by people around me who felt art doesn’t pay, I was told to focus on my studies and graduate with flying colors, which I did, I abandoned Art and after secondary school, I gained admission into higher institution to study mass communication, I graduated and worked for some years, before quitting my job in 2018.
I picked up a pencil in 2018, I developed my drawing skills and it was blissful every since.
What time do wake up, and what time do you like to be at your desk?
I usually wake up around 6 am, I get to work at 10 am.
A brief rundown of your daily routine?
From whence I get out of bed 6 am, I say a prayer, work out for 2 hours, have my bath, have breakfast, get on my work from 10 am, take a break at 3 pm, have lunch at 4 pm and last meal for the day, resume work from 5 pm until I get tired late in the night.
How do you keep track of what you have to do, on a daily?
Pretty easy for me as I don’t really do a lot. I have a daily routine and a time frame for all of my activities.
Tell us about one of the toughest situations you’ve found yourself in business?
That would be when I started newly, I had quit my job and was starting to develop my skills in drawing, everyone knows how difficult it is being jobless especially in this country let alone quitting your job on purpose for passion and, people thought I was crazy especially with the state of our economy. it a very challenging getting recognized by people, there was a lot of trust issues, people didn’t want to trust that a woman could make beautiful drawings, they never believed I was the one making the drawings but I persevered.
What is the best business or career advice you’ve ever received?
A wise man once told me… You have a talent, love it, nurture it, turn it into a business give it a year it will eventually pay off.
If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have developed my talent earlier I’m sure I would have gone far.
Who has had the greatest impact on your career, and why?
My best friend. He gave me the push and encouragement I needed, he is an entrepreneur, he believes in following your dreams and being your own boss.
What business achievement are you most proud of?
My Art business.
Tell us about your greatest weakness as an individual.
Fatigue while making my drawings, I am human after all, and like every human being, I get tired when I work for long hours.
Name two untapped lucrative business opportunities in the world, right now.
Art, Art.
Aside from God, what do you consider your greatest success secret?
I am persistent.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m listening to Flawless by Beyoncé ft Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
What tools, gadgets, or apps can’t you do without?
My Bluetooth speaker and music player
What’s your favorite social media platform, handle, and why?
Twitter, I can reach thousands of people with just one post.
How do you unwind?
I like to unwind with a glass of red wine and after that go swimming.
Who would you love to have answered these questions?
Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija
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Sola
February 9, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Fantastic interview!