Graphic design has often been regarded as a valuable secondary skill, with artistry seen throughout millennia as something to pursue on the side—an activity for leisure or a hobby to hone during weekends. In developing regions, aspiring artists are frequently encouraged to pursue more “serious” professions, leaving art as something to explore only after securing a degree.
The reason for this could be that though design possesses foundational elements like principles of lettering design, color theory, and the use of empathy to create impactful work its adoption is first rooted in talent i.e the passion for design often sparks before one formally learns its intricacies—whether through basic tutorials for mastering Photoshop or hands-on teaching
This less structured approach to mastering design cultivates a perception that the field is less demanding and carries fewer responsibilities. As a result, societies steer aspiring artists toward professions defined as more stable careers.
Another common misconception is that designers earn less compared to their peers in other professions. Historically, artists have been underpaid and often undervalued, with many giving away their valuable work for free. Stories of the struggling artist, like “Uncle Shina” the painter or “Sister Yemisi” the artist, are shared as cautionary tales, reinforcing the belief that pursuing a creative career leads to financial instability.
However, graphic design can be a highly lucrative field when priced appropriately and treated with the same respect as other professions. Designers who position themselves strategically can earn a living comparable to any other skilled professional.
Here are World famous Artists who were dissuaded from having graphic design skills but proved brushes are more than enough to live a life of style
- Paul Rand
Paul Rand, one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century, known for creating iconic logos like IBM, UPS, and ABC, faced opposition early on. His father did not believe art could provide a stable career and pushed him to pursue a more traditional business education. Despite this, Rand followed his passion for design, eventually becoming a pioneer in modern graphic design. - Saul Bass
Saul Bass, the designer behind some of the most iconic movie posters and film title sequences (including Psycho and West Side Story), was initially discouraged from pursuing art as a career. His family saw art as impractical and urged him to focus on more stable professions. Despite this, Bass continued to work in design and changed the way audiences interacted with film through his creative work. - Milton Glaser
Best known for his “I ♥ NY” logo and the Bob Dylan poster, Milton Glaser faced resistance from his family when he expressed interest in art and design. His parents, immigrants who valued financial security, initially wanted him to focus on a more traditional career path. However, Glaser’s passion for design led him to become one of the most celebrated graphic designers in history.
Dapo Omotosho is the fourth on the list above, a living testament to the success that creativity can bring!
Recently married, Dapo has built a life with graphic design as his primary career… a thriving one having been featured on Corel draw multiple times.
Today, we spotlight him on NGD to reveal how he’s turned his passion into a sustainable livelihood and how the new status is only an encouragement to seek more gigs.
Need a sign that you’re on the right path? Stay tuned for mindblowing insights into a life sponsored by graphic design
Here’s 10 Questions With Dapo Omotosho
Do you think designers are socially awkward?
Not necessarily (lol)… designers come with diverse personalities. Some may be introverted and prefer working independently, others are collaborators, but majorly, many designers are skilled communicators as their work involves client interactions, presentations, and team collaboration. The misconception that designers are socially awkward is not really true for all designers.
How did your second half react to your career?
My second half doesn’t mind my career, in fact, she loves it. She knows I can thrive in anything I find myself given the kind of person I am i.e. quick to learn, quick to adapt. Sometimes, she wants to get involved in my design processes and I use her as a neutral eye sometimes to get external insight on work done.
Was your marriage sponsored by design gigs?
Lol. Marriage sponsored by design gigs, yes – and no… not solely design gigs, but can be for some designers though.
What was work like during the last two weeks, did you drop any?
Work has been hectic at the office level, personally, I’m working on an illustration that I probably am not dropping until NOVEMBER.
How do you balance a busy schedule with married life?
Well, balancing a busy schedule with marriage is based on getting your priorities right and managing it accordingly. For example, if I need to design and I don’t have time for household duties, my other half takes over, and when I’m done, I do whatever I need to do in the house. The major thing is not to procrastinate and get work done quickly as they come so they don’t pile up and become a menace.
What major changes have occurred since the wedding day?
Nah… No major change… except the zeal to look for more money based on multiple mouths to feed (lol).
Will design be the mainstay in years to come?
I don’t plan on leaving design at all. Even if I get a job that’s away from design, I’ll make it SUPERMAN by day, Batman by night… Day job, then design by night.
How many design skills do you have?
Well… As skills go, I do, Brand Identity, Illustration, Typography, Flyers, and Art Directed Communications.
With inflation, what changes are you making to your lifestyle?
With inflation, comes a change in pricing… Passion is good but Survival is a must. You can’t nurture passion on an empty stomach or on a life of not having what you need for such passion to grow.
So you’re living proof that a life can be built on design?
Yeah… life can be built on design, it can be hard in the early stages, but one must be resilient, dogged, and patient. The patient dog they say…
Get The Juice you need for the Long Haul
A successful graphic design career requires more than just passion—it demands a strategic approach to key aspects like:
Pricing for Graphic Designers:
Learn the right strategies for negotiating higher pay with clients without overwhelming yourself with more work. Start with our easy guide on knowledge stacking and pricing techniques that ensure you’re compensated fairly.
Legal Frameworks:
Unlock the power of contracts to boost your earnings with every project. Discover how to make each project a long-term revenue source by protecting your work legally and financially.
Client Management:
Dive into proven techniques to keep clients loyal, even when they have countless options. Stand out from the competition with work ethics and client relationships that keep them coming back. Here’s an introduction to mastering client management.
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