Journey of the Art

If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.  Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including A Naija Christmas and Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is currently in cinemas. Feyzo!, who calls herself The Billionaire Makeup Artist, is also a two-time AMVCA nominee.  In this light-hearted yet serious chat, she shares the secret to landing big clients and the hardest thing about being a makeup artist in Nigeria's movie industry.  Show highlights 0:00 – Introduction 2:39 – This or that questions 3:24 – Feyzo’s journey into artistry  10:55 – The hardest thing about being a makeup artist in the movie industry 12:51 – The process of preparing for a character 22:13 – Managing the makeup/SFX team 28:07 – Handling unexpected challenges on set 37:45 – The secret to landing big clients 43:00 – Impact of the AMVCA on her career 45:13 – The importance of professional development  47:12 – A word to her future self 48:13 – Appreciation and end _____________________ Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journeyoftheartpod?si=eDeQrPxScePjcpfT?sub_confirmation=1 _____________________ Guest’s links Follow Feyzo! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feyzomua/ _____________________  Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/ Follow JOA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/ Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with editor and publisher, Anwuli Ojogwu, about some trends in modern African literature. We talk about what Nigerians at home and abroad are writing now, her work on the Caine Prize anthology for 2021/22, and some self-publishing tips for writers.Anwuli is a co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press and the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria. Find out more about Anwuli below.0:00 – Introduction1:40 – What's the IT factor with popular writers?6:03 – How to build trust with writers 9:48 – Starting a society for editors in Nigeria19:17 – Editing the Caine Prize anthology 2021/2224:49 – Today’s writing pool and talent development 29:23 - What are Nigerians abroad writing about now?34:09 - What are Nigerians at home writing about now? 37:13 - Tips for writers who want to self-publish41:59 - Upcoming books from Narrative Landscape Press_____________________Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/agoBUidLkj8_____________________Guest’s linksFollow Anwuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anwulipriscilla/➡️ Narrative Landscape Press: https://www.narrativelandscape.com ➡️ Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria: https://sbmen.org.ng _____________________ Host’s linksFind out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared. Show highlights (0:00) Introduction (2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story (4:57) Book Uncle and the Istri Lady (7:26) Helping children become better readers (10:49) How to develop socially conscious themes in children’s book writing (13:52) Showing reality in writing (15:32) Plotting vs discovery writing (18:35) How long it took Uma to write Birds on the Brain (19:40) Revealing Book 3 of the series (19:59) Data in storytelling (22:45) The question of the greater good (27:05) Giving readers reasons to see (29:57) The writer’s stumbling block (31:33) Appreciation & end _____________________ Guest’s links Buy Birds on the Brain: https://houseofanansi.com/products/birds-on-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOorpRrFo-WCEGogszEEJU5Quu5L5oD209kr9QFivlgQZW3uNRa_l Follow Uma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umakrishnaswami/ _____________________  Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/ Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/ Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

From dealing with homesickness, to learning how to manage workshops, to building community in strange places, Charlie Muhumuza and Chido Muchemwa, PhD, share their experiences in MFA programs. In this honest conversation, they answer the ultimate question: Is getting an MFA necessary for writers?  Show highlights 0:00 - 2:17 — Introductions and welcome 2:18 — The motive for getting an MFA 3:54 — Managing workshops and the MFA’s impact on the writing voice 11:19 — Giving feedback tactfully and growing in confidence  15:57 — Juggling the workload and managing time  20:34 — Choosing and building community 26:52 — Alleviating homesickness  33:45 — Finding research opportunities that can sponsor trips home 35:32 — Making ends meet  42:12 — Chido’s new book and Charlie’s future plans 45:02 – Charlie’s advice on bringing work to the MFA 46:27 — Is getting an MFA necessary?  51:28 — Appreciation and closing remarks _____________________ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v0_QHjJPMHs _____________________ Guests' links Buy Chido's book: https://houseofanansi.com/products/who-will-bury-you?srsltid=AfmBOorb_zqixd0kITaqj_y_9CWb6qEFnjg7-c1-3-6eaUPSfHf7zoPY Follow Chido on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chidomuchemwa?igsh=d3h3cjNkcnBvZDAz Follow Charlie on X: https://x.com/cdmuhumuza?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g _____________________ Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/ Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/ Follow Lola on X: https://x.com/lolaopatayo?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

Ukamaka Olisakwe, the founder and editor-in-chief of Isele Magazine, shares the realities of starting Isele in 2020 and building it into a key platform for African writers. From navigating challenges like funding to handling submissions from across the globe, Ukamaka shows that passion, dedication, and perseverance are crucial to running a literary magazine.   Show highlights The inspiration behind Isele Magazine and its launch during the pandemic.Managing funding and AI-generated submissions.Insights into building a magazine team and creating a sustainable literary platform.What makes a good submission stand out.Key advice for writers on submitting their work and cultivating patience. _____________________ Guest’s links Visit Isele Mag: https://iselemagazine.com Follow Ukamaka on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msolisakwe/ Follow Ukamaka on X: https://x.com/msolisakwe?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g _____________________  Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/ Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/ Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, Jerry Chiemeke and I discuss his work as a movie critic and what he thinks the Nigerian movie industry needs to compete globally. Listen in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!Jerry Chiemeke’s writing has appeared in Die Welt, The I Paper, The Africa Report, Berlinale Press, and elsewhere. He has been selected for several international film festivals including Sundance, Berlinale, Blackstar Film Festival, and Durban International Film Festival.  Show Highlights​Fun questions to get to know Jerry (Find out if he does paced writing or a mad rush to the deadline!)​Jerry's beginnings as a writer​First time critiquing a movie​One thing Jerry wishes people knew about movie critics​Handling criticisms as a critic​Netflix and Nollywood—progress update from 2022​Life as an immigrant creativeStay connectedFollow Jerry on X, Instagram: @j_chiemekeFollow the show on Instagram: @journeyoftheartpodFind out more about Jerry: https://journeyoftheart.com/a-critics-view-on-the-nigerian-movie-industry/

In this episode, I chat with Mubanga Kalimamukwento, attorney, editor, and author of Obligations to the Wounded. Mubanga shares her cure for writers' block, how she manages being a lawyer and creative writer, and how to write from dreams. We also go into an extensive conversation on Mubanga's forthcoming short story collection, Obligations to the Wounded.Highlights​Fun questions to get to know Mubanga (Find out if she prefers writing by hand to typing!)​Mubanga reflects on the first time she felt pleased with her writing​Mubanga's journey from litigation to creative writing​Starting a literary magazine and writing masterclass​Getting creative ideas​The cure for writers' block​Discussions on Obligations to the Wounded​A word to her younger self_____________________Guest’s linksVisit Mubanga's website: https://www.mubangakalimamukwento.com/homeFind out about Ubwali Literary Magazine: https://www.ubwali.com/Find out about Ubwali Masterclass: https://www.ubwali.com/ubwali-masterclassFollow Mubanga on X: https://x.com/utushimitwandi?s=21&t=GLRRSdbhoZNPfjfGWHvv4g_____________________ Host’s linksFind out more about the show: http://www.wordcaps.com/journey-of-the-art/Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5zBook a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

From an idea that came on a beach in Cuba to a rejection that came 13 months after querying, to a self-published children’s book, Stephanie C. Watterson is evidence that you can manifest your dreams if you’ll just take a leap! _____________________ Guest’s links Buy Septopus on Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/septopus-stephanie-c-watterson/1146107608?ean=9781779417176 Visit Stephanie’s website: https://contentauthoring.com Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-c-watterson-648a60315/ _____________________  Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://journeyoftheart.com Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/ Sign up for Lola's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5zBook a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

Rubeena Ianigro, Founder of The Gray Muse and The Aura Market, and I talk about why (and how) creative entrepreneurs should (and can) establish internal control to grow and pivot in their businesses.  We discuss how to create a business structure, how to rest and lean on support, and why we should let go of expectations that exceed the boundaries of our capacity.  If you’re a creative entrepreneur who is struggling with burnout, focus, and growth, this episode is just for you.  Find out more about Rubeena: https://wordcaps.com/what-it-takes-to-be-a-creative-entrepreneur-with-rubeena-ianigro/ Highlights Managing expectations as an entrepreneur, Creating structureEvaluating your capacity and maintaining focusRelearning rest over four yearsReorganizing your business as a mom  Guest’s links Visit The Gray Muse: https://www.thegraymuse.com Connect with Rubeena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegraymuse/   Host’s links Find out more about the show: https://wordcaps.com/journey-of-the-art/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

In this episode, Tèmítáyò Olófinlúà and I unpack what it means to be an artist and an immigrant. We share vulnerable moments about struggling to survive, learning to write in foreign places, fighting for our creativity, and being open-minded.   We had a lot of laughs on this one, and this might be the episode where I’ve spoken the most!   Highlights The struggles of job-hunting in the UKPivoting to writing for the stage Stealing time to preserve creativityFinding new writing communities Mining stories/the writer as a collector of story ideasReimagining the concept of winsAdvice for artists looking to immigrate

In this episode, I chat with JJ Lee, former CBC host and producer and author of the popular memoir, The Measure of A Man: The Story Of A Father, A Son, And A Suit. JJ tells me what led him to curate imperfect Christmas stories. We discuss the role of the editor as a curator, what happens when trust gets broken between an editor and their client, and he tells me the secret to remaining consistent on his artistic journey.Guest’s links: JJ’s website: https://jj-lee.com/Get Better Next Year: https://www.tidewaterpress.ca/better-next-year-2/Get Upon a Midnight Clear: https://www.tidewaterpress.ca/upon-a-midnight-clear/Host’s linksVisit the website: wordcaps.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/journeyoftheartpod

As an editor and submissions reader, I’ve reviewed hundreds of manuscripts, and over the years, I’ve learned a few things about writing engaging stories. In this episode, I share two reasons why stories get rejected and how to fix them.Get coaching and visit the website: https://linktr.ee/journeyoftheartpod

In this episode, Stephanie Watterson (writer, editor, and mixed media artist) and I discuss the importance of evolving as artists and embracing one’s differences.  Stephanie reminisces on painting on the glass doors of her childhood home and shares a touching piece of advice her dad shared with her about being the weird one. In Stephanie's words, "Nobody has your brain, nobody has your heart, nobody has what you have. And even if you're the weird kid, there's a reason why you're the weird kid. You'll find your tribe, you'll find your species." Artist’s links  Visit Stephanie’s website: https://contentauthoring.com/Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-c-watterson-648a60315/   Host’s links  Follow Lola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewordcaps/Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/Sign up for the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z

On this inaugural episode, I chat with Samuel Kolawole, Assistant Professor of English and African Studies at Pennsylvania State University and author of the forthcoming novel The Road to the Salt Sea.   Listen as we chat about Samuel’s beginnings as a writer, his writing studio for upcoming writers, and his MFA experience. In our extensive discussion about his forthcoming novel, we tried our very best not to give anything away and even spoke some Yoruba!   Artist’s links Order a copy of The Road to the Salt Sea: https://samuelkolawole.com/the-road-to-the-salt-seaRead Samuel’s story in the New England Review: https://samuelkolawole.com/other-work/blog-post-title-one-px5xjRead Samuel’s short story, Sweet, sweet strawberry taste: https://agnionline.bu.edu/fiction/sweet-sweet-strawberry-taste/Visit Samuel’s website: http://samuelkolawole.com/Follow Samuel on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samkolawole/) Host's links Follow Lola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewordcaps/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/Visit the website: http://wordcaps.com/Sign up for the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hRzE5z