Meet DanJuma Ochai

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DanJuma Ochai. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DanJuma below.

Hi DanJuma, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned to be my own best advocate. When you’re in spaces where you’re the only person that looks like you you have to be very mindful of how you communicate and to whom you’re communicating to. When situations occur that seem unfair or bias, you have to communicate that message effectively with as little emotion attached to it as possible because the moment you start attaching your personal feelings to whatever action that is occurring, you’re automatically dismissed and your point of you is no longer considered.It is difficult to do this, especially when you have hurt feelings or you’re disappointed but it’s absolutely necessary in order to get your message across as effectively as possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a textile designer, I specialize in creating print designs for various types of substrates and products, such as fabrics, wallpapers, vinyls, and apparel Textile Print designers create original artwork that is either hand drawn with traditional mediums, like watercolor paint, gouache and pastels or we create original artwork in digital mediums, like illustrator or procreate. I have recently started making custom prints for designers in a freelance capacity, so I am currently doing that under my own brand, which is Onoja LLC

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

It is important to be inquisitive to always ask questions and analyze the answers that you’re given. I think that perseverance is also very important because, rejection is apart of life and it will definitely happen to everyone at some point. However it is important to stay focused and to not allow negativity to distract you from your goals. I would say the last and final quality to have is objectivity, which is important for any career but especially for an artist. Objectivity allows you to be honest about the quality and direction of your work. Being objective also allows you to have deeper insight when you’re critiquing the artwork of other artist.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always looking to work with artist and designers who have vision and want to create beautiful artwork that is innovative and speaks to the world,

The best way to reach me is through LinkedIn my LinkedIn is DanJuma Ochai or Instagram @designed_by_danjuma or via email at [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @designed_by_danjuma
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danjuma-ochai-4338a724

Image Credits

Floral print was created by DanJuma Ochai