Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyanu Olaseun.
Hi Iyanu, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi my name Iyanu Olaseun, I’m an Nigerian American digital artist with a multimedia artist background. I started my journey into the world of art and storytelling in elementary school when a visiting artist sparked my interest in animation and cartoons. Watching American cartoons and anime as I grew up, I became captivated by the compelling storytelling and appealing art styles. It wasn’t until middle school that I made the decision to pursue a career as a mangaka, or in my case, a comic book creator.
While I explored various creative fields, including being part of the school band throughout middle and high school, my passion consistently gravitated towards illustration and storytelling. When I entered the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I had the opportunity to delve into a multitude of artistic mediums. Despite the diverse options, my heart always led me back to illustration and narrative art.
During my time at the university, I engaged in experimenting with different mediums and honing my skills. It was through my college senior project, “Are Ona Kakanfo,” that I solidified my commitment to becoming a comic book creator. Graduating with a multimedia degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I embarked on my journey to create meaningful art that tells a story about my life, with the hope that others can connect with it.
Today, I am actively working towards my goal as an artist, driven by the desire to create art that holds significance and resonates with people on a personal level.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been an arduous one, filled with challenges and unexpected obstacles. Growing up in a Nigerian immigrant household, the pursuit of art as a career seemed almost unimaginable. Communicating my creative aspirations to my parents proved to be a difficult task, leading me to initially explore a more conventional STEM path by studying computer science during my university years. However, with each passing day, I felt my artistic passion wane, and the challenges of conforming to a path that wasn’t aligned with my true calling became soul-crushing.
Ultimately, my parents reluctantly allowed me to pursue an art degree, and this decision came with its own set of challenges as I had to make up for lost time. I delved into various artistic mediums, ranging from woodwork and ceramics to 3-D modeling and illustration. The exploration was so extensive that my heart felt torn, unsure of the specific artistic path I should follow. After much introspection, I circled back to my initial passion—storytelling through art, particularly animation and illustration.
The journey was demanding, but I am proud of the path I’ve traveled. There were moments when I distanced myself from my family’s heritage, especially when I felt my artistic pursuits were met with resistance. However, today, my family stands as one of my most significant pillars of support. Moving forward, I am dedicated to weaving my story and my family’s rich heritage into my future works, grateful for the transformative journey that brought me to this point.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently pursuing a career in concept art, channeling my passion into crafting immersive environments and compelling character illustrations. Simultaneously, I am deeply engaged in the refinement and continuation of my comic book, ‘Are Ona Kankanfo: For Oyo-Elle.’ This Afrofuturistic narrative contains true historic figures and fiction while drawing inspiration from a word-of-mouth Nigerian folktale comparable ‘the boy who cried wolf’ tale.
The completion of this comic holds a significant place in my artistic journey, representing not only my first finished comic book but also serving as a compass directing the trajectory of my art career. It is a testament to the evolution of my craft and the personalization of my artistic narrative. I firmly believe that an artist’s distinctiveness lies in the profound integration of their personal story into their art, ranging from unique art styles to the expression of personal experiences.
As I continue to share more of my art with the world, I am confident in the authenticity and depth that sets my work apart. I specialize in creating visually compelling environments and character illustrations, and I take pride in infusing my creations with a unique blend of storytelling, cultural richness, and artistic evolution.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I adore Raleigh for its diverse landscape, seamlessly blending urban, rustic, and rural elements. The city boasts an eclectic culinary scene, and the burgeoning downtown art scene adds a delightful touch to its charm. However, one aspect that slightly dampens my enthusiasm is the limited opportunities for artists in the corporate world.
Upon embarking on my post-college job search, Raleigh presented predominantly teaching and education roles, with sporadic artistic opportunities from gaming companies. While this concern is personal to me, I firmly believe that a city thriving with opportunities across various fields fosters vibrancy and diversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iyanuolaseun.wixsite.com/work/aok-comic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oluwaxart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyanu-olaseun-63aba7210/
- Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/oluwaxart/shop?asc=u
