Ifunanya Obika is our Orange Woman this week. She hails from Achina, Aguata Local Government in Anambra State. She is a graduate of Accounting from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and is currently a motion graphics apprentice at Orange VFX studios. Her core area is in Motion Graphics. Today, in her interview with us, she shares her journey on becoming a Motion Graphics artist in training.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I am Ifunanya Obika from Achina, Aguata Local Government in Anambra State and a graduate of Accounting from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). Before Motion Graphics, Ifunanya Obika worked two years as an Executive Marketing Assistant and content creator for Tech Start-up and Hospitality in Lagos, Nigeria. Upon successfully helping brands in that domain, she underwent Motion Graphics training at Orange VFX, Lagos to better provide accurate content and design solutions.

What inspires you to be who you are and what you do?

Seeing a lot of graphics displayed on TV Stations, in Movies and Music videos got me asking a lot of questions. How did they do this? What software did they use? I was generally curious and picked up interest. I thought to myself that I could do this, and afterwards, I went for training in Orange VFX studio. It is my fifth month at the Orange training centre, and I love the experience so far.

Tell us about the challenges you’ve encountered in your field?

When I started my training, it was difficult because I hadn’t done anything graphics related in my entire life and then my computer developed some faults when I started. There were days when my laptop would hang, get slow and even crash, thereby making me start all over and losing unsaved works in the process. It was discouraging, and I felt frustrated. There’s that problem of distance. I live far away from the studio and having to joggle the Lagos traffic daily to meet training isn’t what anyone would consider easy. Also, there’s the problem of getting clients to buy into your creative vision and meeting deadlines at work. Regardless, I still show up because I am passionate about learning and becoming a professional someday.

What’s your ideal work environment?

My Ideal work environment has to be working as a team with talented individuals, surrounded by a lot of positive vibes, encouragement and a place for growth.

Are you a big-picture thinker or detail-oriented?

I would possibly say detailed oriented because I like things done the best way, and I believe in getting the best results.

What are your short-term career goals?

My short term career goal is to learn more about the software for designing and animating and to work on different projects that will give my portfolio a boost.

What are your long-term career goals?

That will be to become a known Visual Effect Specialist in Nigeria.

How do you deal with stressful situations as you progress?

When I started training, I encountered a lot of setbacks. I dealt with them by being patient, listening to words of encouragement from my tutor and carrying out online research to seek possible solutions.

What are some achievements that you are proud?

It’s the projects I have done so far during the training programme. Some will be displayed here, and there’s an explainer video project from a client (UAC FOODS) which I am currently working on. I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity given to me by the MD, and I can’t wait to see the result of my work.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to travel and visit video arcade centres.

As a career woman, what advice would you give to those who look up to you?

I believe some people have figured out exactly what they want to be or do and while some are still trying to figure that out. Whatever it is, be focused even if it means deciding all the ideas you are interested in till you find what suits you.

In a world where most people are sandwiched by various situations, what keeps you motivated in your career?

I am motivated when I succeed, regardless of how big or small. The truth is that behind every successful person are lots of failure and rejections. I am motivated by every achievement I make because that means It had taken a lot of hard work for me to get there.

What is the singular thing that you dread in life?

That would be a failure.