Nature is Surreal

Ne8ure is a digital artist, illustrator and graphic designer who makes surreal art and works with brands to add a creative flair to their identity. In today’s article Ne8ure joins us to tell us about the highlights of his career, the worst parts of being a Nigerian artist, and the best ways upcoming artists can get seen. 

Twice every month, Bluepoint tries to dive into the lives of young creatives in Nigeria to see what their lives and careers are like, and what motivates them to do the amazing things they do. Want to learn about fun things Nigerians are doing? Dive in with us.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do? 

I am a digital artist and illustrator, also into graphic design (brand identity design, logo design, etc.). I do creative directing.

What kind of designs do you illustrate? 

I am into character illustrations. Poster and packaging illustrations. 

Can we take a look? 

These are amazing. What inspired you to do this? 

Thank you!

I am a very reserved person with a lot to say, a strong purpose, and a great desire to impact lives and help people become better as I become better myself. The need to express my feelings and the feelings of others who seem to feel alone without having to be physically out there has been my drive to make art.

How long have you been into it? 

I started drawing as a kid when I discovered I was gifted. But I have been on my professional journey for about 8 years now.

So what made you diversify into logo design and other things? 

Oh! About that,

I have a creative way of expressing people's emotions, intents, and visions. And it is my belief that when it comes to visual or graphic design, they ought to tell or express the story and intent of every business. So I decided to use my skills in this direction. Helping businesses creatively tell their stories through designs to better help them build a brand-customer bond or relationship with their consumers.

Valid choice! 

Thank you!

What are some of the highlights of your professional career? 

The best of them all is my artwork, which has positive impacts on people’s lives in real time. I’ve received various comments and feedback from people who have motivated me to go through tough days and feel a sense of comfort and encouragement by just interacting with my art. Nothing beats these fulfilling moments.

The second was me working on a survey project for UPS (United States Postal Service) as a package designer and various international beverage brands as well.

Third was a collaboration project with KingTesh working for Ibadan Radio and also working on a piece for his solo exhibition that became a bestseller art piece.

My art is featured in the NFTNYC 2024 exhibition. Amongst many others. 

Damn. You've been doing things. 

Well, I am too flawed a man to take credit for all of my successes, so I give God all the praise.

I won't ask how profitable, so let's move on😂😂

What are some problems with being an artist in Nigeria? 

The biggest of them all, I think, is a market concept that only favors “established artists.” Although things are gradually changing and various platforms and systems are now being put in place to address this, it’s still a very big challenge as there are a large chunk of under-recognized artists that are not getting the chance to be seen.

Secondly, there is a lack of appreciation for the skill itself. A lot of people think “it’s just drawing” and shouldn’t be priced a certain way.

Art theft is another. We live in a country where someone can just steal your art on the internet and start selling it on the streets or in traffic as theirs. Hopefully, in the near future, laws will be put in place to fight against this. 

We don’t have a cohesive art community in Nigeria. Everyone is just trying their own little best.

Governmental systems stifling international payment mediums are also one of the many problems artists are facing today.

How would you suggest an upcoming artist get seen? 

This can be very frustrating, but I will try to break it down into steps I have tried myself.

• Embrace technology. 

• Invest in building profitable and long-term relationships with not just clients but your fellow creatives. 

• Be a problem solver; try in your little way to contribute to solving these problems. You don’t know who is watching your good deeds.

• Put yourself out there: post your stuff, interact, go to exhibitions, and appreciate the skills of others. I 

• Be empathetic. 

• Invest in your skills and have a sense of direction. Let people know you without even seeing your name. 

• Pray, oh! Pray very well and serve God.

Be sure to find him on instagram @ne8ure_ and X/Twitter via IamNe8ure