Oni Babatunde Akande doesn’t create to fit into a box—he creates to break out of one.
Based in Nigeria, his work moves across graphic design, illustration, and fashion modeling, blending visual storytelling with personal expression. What defines him isn’t just what he does, but how he approaches it. There’s an unpredictability in his creativity, a refusal to follow structure in a way that feels intentional rather than chaotic.
That mindset started simply.
His journey began the moment he got his first laptop. With access to Photoshop and time to explore, he started experimenting without pressure or expectation. At the time, it wasn’t about building a career. It was about curiosity. Being surrounded by creative friends added to that energy, creating an environment where ideas were constantly being shared, tested, and pushed further.
What started as boredom became direction.
Over time, that experimentation turned into something meaningful. The more he created, the more he understood that creativity wasn’t just something to pass time. It was something that could evolve, expand, and eventually define his path.
His style reflects that evolution.
He describes it as eccentric, and it shows. His work doesn’t aim to feel familiar or predictable. Instead, it leans into exploration, constantly shifting, growing, and taking new forms. There’s a sense that nothing is fixed, that each piece is part of an ongoing process rather than a finished identity.
That openness is both a strength and a challenge.
Procrastination and indecisiveness have been part of his journey, driven by the feeling that there is always more that could be done, more directions to explore, more ideas waiting to be developed. Alongside that, his interest in expanding beyond design and modeling sometimes pulls his focus in multiple directions at once.
But even within that, he continues to move forward.
Because growth, for him, isn’t linear.
One of his proudest achievements isn’t tied to a single project or recognition, but to how he is navigating life itself. Building a creative path while growing into adulthood in Nigeria comes with its own challenges, and continuing to push through those realities is something he carries with pride.
His work reflects a deeper intention.
He believes that art should capture reality. Not just aesthetics, but the environment, the culture, and the experiences that shape people’s lives. His goal is to create work that resonates, that feels connected to what is actually happening around him, rather than something detached from it.
That connection is what gives his work meaning.
What keeps him going is community.
Seeing his friends bring their ideas to life, watching them create and evolve, continues to push him forward. That shared energy creates a cycle of motivation, where growth becomes something collective rather than individual.
Right now, he’s focused on building his portfolio in both design and modeling, refining his craft while also exploring new creative directions. Short film ideas are beginning to take shape, adding another layer to what he’s building and expanding his reach beyond still visuals.
Looking ahead, his goal is simple but powerful.
To make a meaningful impact.
Not just through what he creates, but through how it connects, influences, and reflects the society around him.
Oni Babatunde Akande can be followed on Instagram at @_akande.o, with bookings and inquiries available via akandeoni91@gmail.com.
What he’s building isn’t just a portfolio.
It’s a creative identity that refuses to stay still.
