Global Courant
My Pivot Journal is a Ventures Africa weekly series that documents people’s career transitions from one industry to another, especially to technology.
Growing up, Lateefat Sobowale took a keen interest in making beautiful things with her hands. A typical example was when she selected a pair of scissors, thread and a piece of fabric to make her first dress. She was in primary school at the time, a child, and therefore loved the dress. But after studying to become a cell biology and genetics scientist, the relentless sacrifices of motherhood would later help Sobowale find purpose in graphic design.
How it started.
Growing up was fun for me. I have many fond memories of a playful childhood. I had the freedom to explore all my creative arsenals. That helped me turn many of my thoughts into reality as a child. I loved crafting, baking, painting and making evening wear.
But when I went to the University of Lagos, Akoka to study medicine, I got admission to study cell biology and genetics. So yes, I ended up not studying art in school, despite my natural flair for creativity. However, I trained as a tailor before going to university. That served as a side job for me at school and helped me earn money from clients, fellow students.
So while I focused on studying something closer to human life, I enjoyed making clothes for my clients. To stand out, I often designed simple Canva banners to promote my brand and get new customers at school. In 2018, I even took an introductory course in Graphic Design with a small group on campus. There I received training in Figma and Adobe Photoshop tools.
The knowledge I gained gave me an edge over my competition. I used those flyers to announce discounts and promos. It worked. I did this until I graduated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That was when everything changed.
Revelation
While studying for my first degree, I got married and had my baby when I graduated from school and planned to go for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Eventually, married life moved me out of the region I was staying in Lagos. Prenuptial agreements allowed me to determine whether I would do my year of service where my family lived or where the government wanted me to be. So I chose the former. But that came at a price. I had to disappear from the radar of my client base – the school environment.
It was then that I realized I had a problem. I had to make money. I had a baby that needed all my attention. I entered a new environment where people did not know my work. We were also in the middle of a lockdown and no one was making clothes for any event. Even though NYSC paid my allowances, my account didn’t look as good as it did when I made clothes for clients.
Then it dawned on me that the people I wanted to reach were online – on their phones. I couldn’t make clothes for them back then, but I could design banners and revamp social media pages. I once helped a friend manage her social media page at school. I realized I could do all of that with my smartphone.
And that there was my lightbulb moment.
Lateefat Shobowale, CEO Graphics by TY
Transition
Given my circumstances, I couldn’t look for a job. So I started promoting my business in graphic design and branding on social media especially WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. I just took a leap of faith to do it because not only did I want to make money, I wanted to give my baby all the attention he needed.
Gradually, the jobs began to come. In their droplets. I wasn’t a great graphic artist, but I had nothing to lose by trying. I mean, I had some knowledge of Figma and Adobe Photoshop. And Canva is pretty easy to use if you have an artistic pair of eyes.
So I started playing around with the Canva tool a lot. I was able to impress some clients, but also lost some that weren’t. I felt heartbroken when a client was not satisfied with my work. For example, this was a ‘goal’ for me and I need to hone my skills. And I didn’t want to lose any more customers. So immediately after the lockdown I didn’t even bother to look for a job with my diploma. I soon started brushing up my skills, studying and learning how to use new tools myself. I mastered Canva and added Pixellab to my arsenal until I was grounded.
How are you
Today I am the CEO of Images by TY, a branding and digital marketing company that helps brands project their identities to specification. We produce social media banners, logos, product stickers, ebook designs, photo mockups and social media consultancy.
My role is to create stunning social media designs that help businesses stand out and attract new customers. I enjoy my work so much because it allows me to explore the endless world of colors. When I’m working, it feels like I’m swimming in an ocean of endless possibilities. Some days it gets harder to make a simple design. But most days are good.
Career Hack
If you’re looking to transition into a new field, get ready to learn new things that will get you noticed. Ask yourself, “What tools do I need to succeed here?” Look for those tools and master them.
Don’t be discouraged. Make sure you’re chasing what you want to do.
