TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My Name is Nneka, I’m a 41 year old self-taught styrofoam artist. I craft piñatas and props from styrofoam.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?
About 2 years ago, I noticed some basic party props for kids that were just cut and pasted on boards. They were kind of dull and lacked the lively feel that’s important in making props. So, I did some research and found out that I could bring more life to them by painting vibrant characters on styrofoam. These are characters that can be in 3D or 2D, something the other props were also missing.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS
As a prop artist, I am inspired by the ‘bigger picture’ by that I mean the reason or event for which I am making the props, so that the prop fits seamlessly with into the overall vision of the project I am working on
WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A CREATIVE
Not finding the right material for the job.
WHAT WAS A MEMORABLE PROP
A company logo that I made a company for their logo unveiling event. It was 4ft high and 6ft wide. and I was supposed to make it float! I trusted my creativity and succeeded. At the end of the day, we made it work just as the company had specified.
WHAT’S ONE PROP YOU’LL LOVE TO MAKE AGAIN
Honestly, I hate remaking one prop twice. Every time I have to repeat a prop I try to change the design one way or another. So they are not the same. 😅
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY
We are in a society where labour is priced so cheap. People don’t put enough value into things made by hand but that’s slowly changing.
IS THERE A COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR CREATIVES LIKE YOU
There should be, but I haven’t come across any yet
WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF WHAT YOU DO?
When the work finishes and I send a picture to the client to let them know the work is ready. 98.9% I get happy feedbacks and that makes me happy.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
My craft is very unique especially in Nigeria. My interest is growing and the future is so bright-demand for it is just going to keep growing.
