Introducing Ese Akpojotor

Ese Akpojotor is the founder of Sweet Designs Studio in the UK. She creates these fly greeting cards all with women of colour in mind. Read on to find out more about her...



Describe your artwork in your own words?
My work is fun, colourful, eye-catching, fashion inspired, feminine, and celebrates the woman of colour.
 
Tell me a bit about your background: Where are you from? what was it like growing up there?


I live in London. I studied graphic design at Chelsea College of Art and Design. As long as I can remember, I have always been interested in making things by hand using various materials. It’s funny, I was probably around 7 or 8 years of age and I remember making an illustration exactly like one I am doing now, I still have it. 


Do you think your background has influenced your work? If yes how so?


I would say it has. Growing up in London has made me to interact and experiment with various media techniques. Art is seen everywhere you go so It has influenced me to be creative. My parents are also a big influence; my mum was a machinist and my dad was a mechanical engineer, and loved creating things from random scraps that he found so there was always a sense of creativity within my house. 


What are the main themes/ideas behind your work?
I don't really have themes around my work, I just do what feels right and try to covey that in a positive way. The whole reason for me starting sweetdesignstudio was because I was sick and tired of being ignored whether it was in art, illustration, fashion etc. I wanted to show that it is possible to create illustrations that embraces woman of colour, can be fashion forward, fun, pleasing to the eye and not controversial. The idea is to create images that everyone can relate to regardless of colour, they are not meant to be taken seriously, a bit of tongue and cheek.  

Do you seek to convey a particular message with each piece? Is that part of the creative process?


I like to think that my illustrations do send out the message to all women especially the young ones that it’s o.k. not to look like the women on television....

She Inspires Me: Elaine Mensah

Philece R. is *That Artista*

When I came across Philece's work, I knew I had to interview her for the site. Read on to find out more about her. 

*Describe your art work in your own words*
I paint what I feel so my artwork comes straight from the heart. It’s soulful, vivid, sexy and many times emotional, sometimes subtle always truthful.

Tell me a bit about your background: Where are you from? What was it like
growing up there?

I’m from Nassau, Bahamas….born and raised and I’m an island girl through and through. I am blessed to have had a wonderful childhood and the love of a large close-knit family. Much of which has everything to do with who I am today. I was a major tomboy, somewhat of a closet geek, the child who loved sitting with my grandmothers absorbing and appreciating the tales and wisdom of those before me. Not much has changed I’m still that eager little girl, just all grown up now and a little further away from home.

Eve By Philece R 

Do you think your background has influenced your work? If yes, how so.

My background has undoubtedly influenced my work from subject matter to color palette. Much of my work carries a part of the spirits of the strong beautiful women in my life, steadfast during hard times, and a riot of laughter in happiness. Then you have the vibrant colors and energy of the island, from the flowers to the beaches, to the people…inspiration is everywhere.

Angelic Presence by Philece R.

What are the main themes/ ideas behind your work?

The journey and emotions of women, good times, bad times …each one tells a story though I may not always share. Even in my more abstract pieces it’s about a feeling all derived from a particular moment or a series of experiences or stories I have lived or been told.

I hang my head in shame....

.... for not blogging in so long. I could blame work, or the fact that I just started going to Fashion School here (more on that later) but I think I just didn't know HOW to start or restart.

But then I thought, Patricia, JUST DO IT! (Nike really said it best). So I'm back and I'll be continuing to update you with the goings on in my life, my inspirations, and all of the things that I love.

Thanks you for sticking with me and continuing to read and enjoy.

Love,

Pat