In 2013, Osmond Tshuma, a talented Zimbabwean typeface designer, introduced the remarkable “Colonial Bastard Rhodes Typeface.” This innovative creation served as a powerful critique of colonialism in Zimbabwe. Through his artistic vision, Tshuma ingeniously crafted a typeface that encapsulated the complex historical context of his nation.
In 2013, Osmond Tshuma, a talented typeface designer from Zimbabwe, introduced the remarkable “Colonial Bastard Rhodes Typeface,” which served as a powerful critique of colonialism in his country. With his artistic vision, Tshuma ingeniously crafted a typeface that skillfully captured the complex historical context of Zimbabwe, reflecting the nation’s struggles and heritage.
Creative typographer Osmod Tshuma.
The true power of typefaces lies beyond their decorative function in communication; when utilized with deep forethought, they become a potent means of expressing a wide range of emotions, from criticism to approval.
NGD hosted a competition in this powerful but uncommon category. We are excited at the level of enthusiasm designers in the community showed during the challenge. It was a beginners one and the submissions were amazing but the winning design itself was mind blowing. We have the winner of this uncommon genre Joshua oluwagbemi for NGD’s spotlight.
10 Questions To Joshua Oluwagbemi -The Rising Typographer
1. Tell Us About Your Entry Into Graphic Design
As humans, we fall in love with the things that our hearts yearn for and are unable to tear our gaze away from.
I’ve always been really interested in art, and even though I can’t draw very well, I often used my pen to do some letters when I was in secondary school, I was mainly interested because I was an artist who enjoyed painting, sketching, and other forms of art.
Product packaging is one of the most attractive design type that inspired me to pursue graphics, the visual structures and layout is always the best for me, so I began learning desktop publishing. After a short while, I joined a graphics work place where I picked up some tips from my boss.
Principles of Typography: 10 Tips for Creating Good-Looking Text
I don’t wait for her to call before I learn a new thing for myself. I have the drive and passion to know what to do even if I’m just learning.
As time passed, people from put me through challenges because they saw how resilient and determined I am. After joining creative groups, I consequently started picking up knowledge and generating concepts about what and how a design should look like.
2. Did You Enjoy Support from Family and Friends?
Influenced by ingenious African typography Ikwezi Fm displays its branding in Zimbawe.
Yes, both of my parents have given me a lot of support, especially the few friends who are aware of my profession as a graphics designer. I relate to them as my current customers, using their evaluations and feedback to develop my creative knowledge.
3. Did you consider the typography challenge difficult. What made you believe you could win the typography challenge?
Joshua’s Winning Design.
Yes, the challenge appears to be a difficult contest to enter.
I got confused after mentioning one of the special typeface kinds in the tutorial given by the moderator of the typography challenge. I started to wonder, “How many types do we have?” in my own head. In my research on Behance and Pinterest, I came across a lot, but just one stood out: Modular Typography.
With uncertainty in my mind, I hoped that, if I were to win, I wouldn’t even get to hold a position in such a huge creative community. But I kept the same attitude and tried not to think negatively about myself. so I was considering how much I could give in and let the challenge rules guide me through with me mindset
4. What was Your Process For Creating Your Design Like?
It became more interesting than before to search for and develop my skills on Behance, Dribble, Instagram, and Pinterest.
It took a lot of energy and passion in me to never give up the challenge because I almost did. Watching the tutorial, research and gathering ideas from various sources went a long way in guiding me.
5. Has Anything Changed Since You Won The Competition?
For me, this is only the beginning of my remarks.
Since the design competition, I’ve never stopped learning, even outside of the community. I’ve adopted toughness and i am continuing to put in a lot of effort in order to reach the professional level.
6. What Can Designers Do to Elevate their Design skills ?
Public involvement, such as design competitions and critiques, can provide designers with a safe space to balance their level of creativity also focusing on the details during the design process and research.
7. What Other Genres Of Design Captivate Your Interest?
Packaging Design and Visual Identity(Logo) Design
8. Who Do You Look Up To In The Ngd Community And Why?
I’m not focusing on one designer here. I believe they all have their areas of expertise, just to name a few: @CAV, @Ekeade Olatunji (Ceaser Graphix),@Ajala Victor, @Godwin (Shegz), @Adeniyi Abdullahi, and many others in the community. They’re not just my favorites because of who they are, but also because of the amount of design history they have achieved within the design world, which should inspire any designer. I appreciate the time and effort they have invested in helping us (beginners) understand what design level is all about in the present
9. What Is Success To You Right Now?
Success, in my limited experience, would be defined as “Keep learning and never doubt the process.”
10. What Achievements Do You Look Forward To In Your Design Journey?
I’m eager to work with imaginative designers who will help me improve my design abilities and become an expert like them, improve my communication abilities and make my design presentations more effective
When making a visual design, I must have a clear understanding of how and what a creative endeavor should appear like.
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