Today we’d like to introduce you to Olayinka Aikens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Design and creating is something I’ve always been very passionate about. As a child, my joy came from making things. Whether it was paper and glitter, beads and wire, crayons or paint, I always found a way to make something. As I got older, I realized that I am a creator–a renaissance woman who is very hands on. The first thing I ever designed was t-shirts for my cheerleading squad back in Oakland (CA). I have an art background so sketching and painting are what prompted a lot of my early creations. Becoming a graphic designer was something I always wanted to do. I started to research programs and realized many of them were extremely expensive so I used websites like YouTube and Udemy to acquire the skills I needed to start creating design projects. Once I learned the basics with using all of the Adobe apps, the creativity part was easy. I run my creative studio and also have a non-profit and a platform that helps people find black-owned businesses. I love being creative, but I also love giving back.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in my life has ever been smooth! I came into the world under a full moon and it’s been a wild ride ever since. The hardest part about being an entrepreneur is getting people to believe in what you do, which goes for most entrepreneurs. What I try to help people understand about graphic design is that it goes beyond “logos” and branding goes beyond having a website. What most graphic designers will tell you is that people love to say, “Oh I could have done that myself.” Trust me, it’s harder than it looks. This is why companies pay big money for designs and branding. When you look at logos like Target or Home Depot, think of their simplicity but think of how familiar you’ve become with those brands. So much so they are recognized everywhere you go. They might be simple to the naked eye, but to a designer, we see beyond the surface. We have to consider colors, fonts, concepts, and the message the business wants to convey. It’s a challenge, but its fun. I enjoy making brands better.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the OA2 Design Studio story. Tell us more about it.
OA2 Design Studio is a creative boutique that specializes in graphic design, web design, branding, and photography. We do everything from headshots to package design to book covers and websites. Our goal is to make things better and help businesses maximize their potential. I want to make sure my clients are educated on what design and branding entail because image is everything. People fall in love with what they see first vs. what they here. What makes OA2 Design Studio unique is that in addition to design and photography, I run an Etsy shop and write and publish books. There are a lot of designers who simply make logos and business cards. We are a creative studio emphasizing the importance of branding as a whole.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Time is luck, the more time you have, the more time you have to get it right. Since we can’t buy time and it’s the one thing we can’t get back, we have to make the most of it. I try to maximize my potential every day. I wear a ton of hats, but the one that remains is my creativity hat. I cannot imagine life without it. You have to know what moves you and why it’s important to you. Everyone wants to make money, but it doesn’t equal happiness. When you do what you love, the money will follow.
Patience is important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oa2design.studio
- Phone: 9725327910
- Email: designer@oa2design.studio
- Instagram: @oa2designstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oa2designstudio/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/oa2designstudio
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OA2DesignStudio
Image Credit:
All product images are the property of OA2 Design Studio, Headshot by Cameron Pate
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