5 Minutes With Lean Kid

The Nigerian fashion industry keeps growing on a daily basis as it should be. The recognition of fashion illustrators around the country after many months of hard work, preaching a gospel of the usefulness of illustrators, has finally payed off.

LeanKid is an illustrator who has worked with brands and personalities like Lagos Fashion Design Week [LFDW], Toju Foyeh, Nobel Igwe, but to mention a few. He was gracious enough to spare a few minutes of his time for this interview.

Hi, tell us about yourself briefly.

My name is Akhigbe Okhai (A.K.A LeanKid). I’m a self-taught freelance illustrator living in Lagos and my work focuses mostly on fashion. I’m a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Building Technology from Covenant University.

Did you always have an interest in fashion illustration/designing?

Not exactly, I have always loved drawing but I began to have interest in fashion illustration after secondary school, I was obsessed with fashion magazines. It’s almost like my interest led me to my line of work but I was greatly inspired by a neighbour who worked in a fashion house at the time.

How did studying Building Technology help your designing and illustration skills?

Building technology has helped my skill in some ways because both disciplines have a couple of things in common, they both have design aesthetics, historical perspectives and of course the process of using technology to enhance productivity.

Would you say Nigerian fashion houses have fully grasped the idea behind fashion illustrators?

I wouldn’t say fully but it is better than a few years ago. More designers are beginning to see the need for illustrators and are embracing it as part of fashion design which is good for the fashion industry.

How has your work with top influencers in the Nigerian fashion industry been?

(Laughs) It is interesting. Meeting people with different creative ideas and interesting personalities is always fun.

What is the next step for you as a fashion illustrator?

I would love to do exhibitions and collaborate with different brands, perfume, jewelry, skin care, advertising agencies and do more editorial illustrations etc.

Whose works have inspired you the most and why?

I would say Megan Hess and Shamekhbluwi. Their style is simple yet detailed!

What are some of the challenges you face?

Trying to keep up with multiple deadlines and trying not to over work myself, sometimes work can be over whelming and I struggle with taking personal time to recharge.

Any words for fellow illustrators?

Be consistent in your art and keep doing you.