The Managing Editor, Next Edition Newspaper, Ibanga Isine, has advised young graphic designers to use their skills positively to make money and promote Africa on and off the cyberspace.
Mr. Isine was a guest at the maiden edition of #FacebookLiveWithPakis organised by Graphic Designers Africa (GDA).
Graphic Designers Africa is an open membership group for African youth with a burning desire to acquire a wide range of digital skills as well as generate sustainable income from the skills.
The group is made of no fewer than 60, 000 active members drawn from across Africa and they create and share brilliant designs, participate in continental and international competitions and mentorship.
“You are a generation of the internet and you are smart, intelligent, creative and innovative. If you channel your creative energy towards acquiring digital skills, you would make it big in life,” Mr. Isine has advised GDA members.
“You have a tool in your hands. Your creativity should begin to open doors of opportunity for you. Not just normal opportunities, but opportunities that come with sumptuous packages.
“When you would have finished your very beautiful design, don’t keep it on your walls alone. Tag people who matter and draw their attention to it.
“It is easy to engage the media. When you have done something that is striking, something that is different, something that is out of the normal, share with the media. The media want to tell such stories.
“One important thing you must take home from this engagement even when you didn’t listen to every other thing I have said is that you must be original. You must be truthful and must keep to certain professional ethics.
“If someone gives you a job and sets a deadline, you must keep to it. Don’t play with deadlines. You have to complete the task and deliver on time.
“The media needs quality graphics. Not just in terms of the beautiful designs you make. We need infographic to tell stories. It is what drives the media.
“While doing your designs for your clients, also think in terms of infographics. Think in terms of animation. That’s where we are going to be telling stories in the future – animation,” Mr. Isine said.
The award-wining editor insisted that the future and the time belong to generation of the Internet and urged them to make the best use of every opportunity available to them.
While noting that graphic design plays an important role a role in business, art and culture, he urged them to take advantage of the GDA platform to reach an instant market across the globe.
READ ALSO: Ibanga Isine To Speak At Forum Of Young African Graphic Designers
Earlier, the GDA’s Administrator General, Pakis Briggs, hinted that the group has launched a bimonthly designing competition that will start on June 19 – 26, as part of activities to stimulate creativity among members.
Miss Briggs expressed appreciation for the guest and members of the group, particularly the moderators, new members, and active members saying the community was making meaningful progress.
She also encouraged the members to be committed to all activities of the group, adding that soon, activities will be introduced for different countries within the continent as a means of expanding the scope and reach of the community.
“With over 56, 000 members spread across different parts of the African continent, the Graphic Designers Africa (GDA) community will have updates of its activities and events carried by the media.
“There’s ongoing free two-week training on the “Fundamental Principles of Graphic Design. We urge intending members to search for the group on Facebook and join to take advantage of the digital skills and opportunities available”, she said.