Design Excellence: My Journey as an Nbari Kinsman

For me, design has always been more than visuals, it’s been a way to solve real problems. Over the past four years, I’ve honed my skills with one clear mission: to build meaningful solutions. My journey began eight years ago when I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an experience that sparked my passion for design thinking. 

This year, becoming a Kinsman at Nbari marked a turning point in my career. I went from being a designer to becoming a strategist- someone who now cares so much about direction.

Before Nbari: A Designer Searching for Strategy (Direction)

When I first entered the design field, I stood out by thinking differently. In 2022, my unique approach landed me my first role, But over time, I found myself slipping into the routine of “Oga-centered design,” where I was tasked with creating visuals without any direct connection to users or strategy. It felt like I was losing the very quality that made me different.

I knew that if I wanted to excel, I needed to take a step back and rethink my approach. Then I joined Nbari.

The Nbari Experience: Developing a Strategic Mindset

Nbari was a revelation. From the first portfolio session with Ferricool (Tunde Ogunkunle) and SO (Samuel Obadina), I realized I had entered a community that went beyond traditional design education. Nbari doesn’t just focus on skills; it emphasizes strategic thinking and business acumen. Here, design wasn’t about aesthetics alone—it was about excellence, making an impact, shaping a narrative, and understanding the mechanics of business growth.

I chose to specialize in Brand Strategy, a decision that required me to deeply reflect on my goals and purpose. I admired how the Brand Strategy and Experience Faculty approached design, not merely as a craft but as a business asset. Brand strategy wasn’t just another tool in my skill set; it was the key to becoming the kind of designer I aspired to be.

My Project: Preserving African Culture Through AR

One of the most transformative parts of my Nbari journey was my project on preserving African culture through an AR platform called Afri-kan. This project went beyond technical execution—it challenged me to think strategically, to consider brand positioning, and to explore how to effectively “sell” Afri-kan’s vision. The goal was to connect with audiences on a meaningful level and inspire them to see the value of African heritage.

This wasn’t easy. There were times when my cohort and I questioned our abilities, but the faculty’s guidance helped us push through. Ferricool’s insights and unique teaching approach challenged us to think beyond the obvious and brought out the best in us. This project wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about becoming excellent.

The Nbari Community: A Network of Excellence

At Nbari, I found more than a program, I found a community of thinkers, strategists, and visionaries. The support, feedback, and camaraderie among Kinsmen was transformative. Nbari showed me that excellence goes beyond polished deliverables. It’s about intention, impact, and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

Today, “strategy” has become the foundation of my work. I’ve integrated it into every aspect of my design approach, and the impact has been profound. Recently, my boss described me as a “talented, strategic, exceptional designer.” A colleague even said, “Nbari shows in your work.” These affirmations remind me of how far I’ve come and validate the journey I’ve been on.

Embracing Excellence as a Way of Life

Becoming a Nbari Kinsman has reshaped my journey, not only as a designer but as a leader and a thinker. Nbari has taught me that true excellence requires strategic thinking, resilience, and a purpose-driven mindset. As I move forward, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to create solutions that are not just visually appealing but deeply impactful.

To anyone seeking excellence, my journey is proof that Nbari is the place where you don’t just learn, you transform!