Our Portrait today is Kelvin Mwinbuobu Donzun. He is a student of University of Energy and Natural resources (UENR). He is in level 300 offering BSc. Computer Engineering. Kelvin is the secretary of the Engineering Students Association. He is also the Public relations Officer of Pax Romana Choir, UENR. He loves singing, cooking and watching movies.
He realized in the university a lot of students engaged in businesses. Working for themselves or for others just to make some money. “I also wanted to start one but I didn’t really know what to do until I met a student who used to come to my room at the hostel. He was a graphic designer. My interest in graphic design was very low at that time until I heard about the contracts he had been getting”. I was determined afterwards even though I didn’t know what it entailed.
I was on my own and had to make it possible.
Kelvin asked the graphic designer for assistance. But due to his busy schedule, he couldn’t make time for Kelvin. “I realized I was on my own and I had to make it possible”. He started with online tutorials and practiced daily. “It was very challenging learning it on my own but due to the determination I had, I could see improvements in my designing just as the saying goes Practice makes Perfect“. Since then, he has been designing for two (2) years now. Graphic designing has given Kelvin the opportunity build a network of potential customers and colleagues in the field. It has also increased his sense of creativity.
However, it is not without challenges. “I believe one of the greatest challenges doing business generally as a student is time management. The ability to manage your studies and other extra-curricular activities with the business.
Conversations with colleagues in the business of graphic design reveal that they almost share a common challenge. That is the family and friend’s syndrome. “This is when family and friends have no interest paying you for the services you render them because of the relationship you have with them. Graphic designing comes with a lot of thinking, research before releasing a design Sometimes you have to design over two or three times per the interests of your customer. People see designing to be easy but it involves a lot”.
Keep learning new things and stay creative.
He advises who want to go into the business to prioritise their studies since is the basic reason they are in school. “We learn how to apportion our time in order to have time for business, studies and other activities”. To succeed in graphic design, keep learning new things and stay creative. Build a diverse portfolio, and connect with others for feedback and opportunities. Adapt to changes in technology and trends to stand out in the competitive field”.
Adapt to changes in technology and trends to stand out in the competitive field.
Again, remember that graphic design is a dynamic field and ongoing learning and adaptability are key to success. Whether through online tutorials, workshops, or networking with other professionals, staying engaged with the design community can contribute to continuous improvement and growth in your graphic design skills.
Thank You for sharing your story with us.
I learnt that determination is always key to success. And that as family and friends, we should encourage and help grow the businesses of our loved ones. We do this whenever we pay for the services they render to us. Also, I love that you hammer on continuous learning, networking and adaptability.
All the best in your business and of course, your studies.
