Juliet Chiemerie Godwin is a well-known figure in the NGD community, requiring no formal introduction. Renowned for her insightful critiques and constructive feedback aimed at creatives, Juliet is often regarded as the driving force behind the development of the NGD community.
Her posts serve as a source of encouragement for creatives, urging them to elevate their craft by either acquiring new skills or adopting a more innovative approach to pricing with her anti-2k designs criticism.
Juliet’s influence extends beyond the NGD community and into the broader Nigerian society; In 2023, she garnered significant recognition when presidential aspirant Peter Obi acknowledged her artwork, which depicted a vision of a harmonious Nigeria.
Juliet’s iconic For the Papa Mama and Pikin Illustration
As an illustrator, graphic designer, and prominent female figure in the design realm, Juliet possesses a wealth of experience and insights regarding evolving trends within the industry.
In the following piece, we interview Juliet’s for a reveal on her early experiences and her perspectives on emerging topics such as AI, ethical practices in design, and strategies for securing gigs.
Enjoy below!
10 Questions With Julie Chiemerie.
1. How Did Your Parents Respond to Your Artistic endeavors?
My dad supported my artistic journey until he passed away. Right from when I was a kid, he backed me, even as young as I was, until I was 8 years old.
After my dad’s passing, my mother started telling me I had to get serious in life. At one point, I had to stop drawing for 7 years and more. If I had been allowed to pursue my artistic career within those 7 years, I would have been much better than I am today…. made a better living from my design.
2. At What Point did your begin to enjoy support from those at Home?
In 2019, my mom stopped complaining because I had already secured a job and an internship. However, her apology and encouragement came during COVID-19 in 2020 when I was the literally the only one supporting the whole family. I had many job opportunities at that time, and she apologized for not supporting me earlier. I was happy to hear her words.
3. In your opinion Does Financial Success Contribute to the Respect and Recognition Of Creatives in Society
Financial success has an impact. If you are not doing well and not making a living from what you are doing, it’s literally rubbish because not many people will appreciate something without money involved. I started not for the money, but I knew I had to make money to continue doing this.
Juliet teases audiences on Facebook with a soon to be completed Masquerade Work.
4. Do You Think The perception of Creatives is Changing?
Creative tech jobs are important and people are now seeing the value. During the Covid-19 Period the money makers were those who worked from home. Before this, someone could perform badly and no one would care. Now Branding is taking a front row in people’s mind,
when I say I am a graphic designer people used to say” you mean you draw, you are wasting your time.” Now people are saying tech girl, tech bro and I am really happy about this.
Juliet Chiemerie’s recent recognition award from ACA2024 a testament to her endeavors at supporting the creative community.
5. How Do You Secure Jobs?
I think if you know what you are doing, you have to do self-marketing, even if people are not liking it. Keep posting, sharing, and telling people what you do. Eventually, someone will need your work. Social media platforms are dependable for finding jobs. I use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for jobs. I don’t use platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. I also rely on referrals. Initially, when you don’t have referrals, it’s good to put your work out there, offer services at a cheaper rate, and once you gain recognition, you can increase your prices.
Juliet embraces the infusion of technology with art in this 17:59 barcode scene.
6. Do You Utilize AI Technology to Enhance Your Work? Do You see it As A Threat?
AI is not competition for me; it doesn’t impact me. People use it, it likely works for them. I don’t think I need it, but anyone can use it. It’s something everyone should embrace, and it’s here to stay as long as copyrights are regulated.
7. Are There Ethical and Unethical Ways To Steal Art
‘Steal like an artist’ and stuff—I think the unethical way is literally copying and claiming it’s yours. The ethical way is by drawing inspiration, not copying. Platforms like Pinterest allow you to study people’s work and always give them credit. Saying things like ‘I studied this art to make my own, what do you think?’ shows respect. Copying without giving credit is unethical.
Suburban compound scene visually depicted by Juliet
8. What Kickstarted Your Love For NGD?
NGD is something that’s a part of me, even during the early stages. It’s a community that inspired me, and I’ve met some amazing people. NGD has been a platform that unites people online. Since it gave me opportunities, I think I have to give back. Always have the mindset of giving value because you benefit in the end. Some people come wanting to reap without giving value. Always give value because you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.
9. What Areas Do You Think The Group Needs Improvement On?
There’s always room for improvement. Being one of the partners of NGD, I’m also open to hearing from other people what they think we need to improve for further development.
Juliet speaks at the 2023 NGDX Creative conference The Liftoff , The second creative conference of the leading Visual Design Group in Nigeria.
10. With Your Growing Success Will You Always Be involved with NGD?
Sure, why not? I am one of the partners of NGD, and I am always here. In the next 50 years, I still want NGD to be that thing, that place. That’s why anything I am doing, I always put NGD first.