TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Emmanuel Sean Eli Mensah born and raised in Accra-Ghana. I attended Ghanatta College of Arts part time while I studied Business at the University. After that I studied graphic design at Radford University College.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?
I had some knowledge with the traditional media for art but I discovered digital art while at Radford University College. I fell in love with the medium & its possibilities and discovered a whole world of art.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORKS?
It generally comes from interactions with people and the wide range of characters of different people. How a child reacts to certain situations to how a cat behaves could tell a story.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF CONTENTS?
Basically digital art with a traditional feel to it. I try to make my work feel very traditional.
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A CREATIVE?
An awkward one was when a client actually didn’t think my digital painting was actually painted LOL. Also getting the chance to work with one of my absolute art heroes.
WHICH ASPECT IS DEMANDING; STARTING OR FINISHING A PROJECT?
Starting a project! The thought and design process. Drawing & rendering is like being on auto pilot because your skill and experience is at play.
HOW DOES YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?
My mum supported me doing art from an early age. There isn’t a very concentrated art industry in Ghana especially digital art so it’s difficult to project a career in art. But I’m happy seeing art developing in Ghana now.
IS THERE A GOOD SUPPORT ATMOSPHERE IN THE ART INDUSTRY?
It can be challenging because while Africa has great artists, most of our role models & references come from the West. We lack an effective art industry, making it difficult to find local clients as majority are foreigners.
MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING AN ARTIST?
Seeing the final result, teaching & inspiring a generation of upcoming artists.
WHAT YOU HOPE TO IMPROVE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
For West Africa to have an art industry that sets standards and open the discussion of having great careers in art.
