Art, Design, And Social Issues

Born and raised in Nigeria, Africa, ‘Segun Olude is a graphic designer, university professor and storyteller here in Winnipeg.

When it comes to design, he’s done everything from brochures, stamps for Canada Post and corporate identities. He taught graphic design at the University of Manitoba for 11 years. Also, He wrote a book about his Indigenous language background back in Nigeria.

“I wear many hats, but one at a time,” said Olude.

He started drawing when he was four years old back in Africa. Later, he got into a tech institution to study fine arts and now has a degree and two masters. Every year, he and his wife go to rural areas of Nigeria to teach community development and assist those in need. Olude said he had many professors along the way. His interest in teaching came gradually, and he finally got the opportunity to pursue it in 2004.

“I really enjoy doing the work, going through the process, looking for solutions to each and every problem I encounter,” he said.

According to him, the difference between graphic design and other arts is that there is no room for wrong interpretation when it comes to designing.

“Graphic design is always aiming to solve a problem, or to bring forward a concept in a practical way,” added Olude.

He also talked about the importance of being involved with the industry while teaching, especially when understanding your social surroundings. To Olude, design is about thinking collectively instead of individually because things can only go forward if we work together.

“If we don’t have society, we won’t have design,” he said.

For upcoming artists looking for advice – whether you’re an illustrator, graphic designer or web designer – Olude said learning to code is an important step to take right now.

– Juliana Vannucci, U Multicultural