If you grew up in Nigeria, you’re probably aware of a simple path.

Your parents have you, and during your naming ceremony – over the hushed tones of your aunty’s husband trying to woo a random girl while his wife, unknowing and steadfast in her wifely duty, is busy cutting up the meat on his plate that came with your naming ceremony jollof – they have a dream.

You’re going to go to primary school, then secondary, get into university for a stable, lucrative course, maybe even get a Master’s degree, then get a job, marry, settle down, and send them money and raw yams occasionally, because you just love them so much.

This path is sure, stable and – some might even argue – timeless. After all, will education ever really become undesirable?

But, things are changing.

Since Nigeria’s economic recession in 2016, and the one that followed in 2020, things have not looked good for Nigerian youngins.

The things that the oldies value – jobs, marriage, good education, bread … – have become less and less accessible to the average Nigerian, so, the goalpost is shifting.

The dream is no longer getting a white-collar job in a government office and keeping at it till you retire.

The dream now, is either leaving the country (According to a 2022 survey by the African Polling Institute, 70% of young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 said they would leave the country if they could), having multiple streams of income, becoming an entrepreneur (over 80% of employed Nigerians are self-employed, according to the National Bureau of Statistics), or becoming a Yahoo boy.

In light of this, Cynthia Ugwudike has chosen who and what she wants to be (hint: it’s NOT a Yahoo boy), and for her, the conventional path wasn’t even a choice.

Meet Cynthia

Cynthia Ugwudike

Cynthia is one of those who have strayed so far from the beaten path that she can’t see it even if she squints into her rearview mirror.

She is a 25-year-old self-taught multidisciplinary visual artist who is, for most intents and purposes, Lagosian, but has roots down south in Enugu. Cynn is a product designer, rug tufter, illustrator, animator, and textile and digital artist who is quite obsessed with exploring herself through art and propagating her five different personas on her Twitter account (its @uxcynn, by the way).

 

“완벽한” translates to “perfect” in Korean. (c/@uxcynn) 

Vibrant, quick-witted, liquid, and a bit anxious, she spoke to us about what life as a waitress at a Korean restaurant in Lagos was like, how she’s worked at Risevest and Norebase without going to uni, what it’s like being the breadwinner of her family, and what her ideal romantic relationship looks like.

You know our weakness is a good chat, so grab your reading glasses and come along.

The Genesis of Cynn

Ahmad Agbaje (AA) from IN3K8 Media – What were you like as a kid? How would you describe yourself?

I was quirky and creative. I read a lot and daydreamed. My mom bought me tons of books, though I don’t read much now. I was that kid who seemed ahead, then levelled out later. I also drew a lot—mostly mermaids and eyes.

AA – You drew with pencil on paper?

Yeah, only pencil and paper. I was obsessed with mermaids and eyes—those were all I drew.

AA – I get it. I used to draw eyes everywhere too. Did your parents support your art?

They didn’t really care. They weren’t that focused on us as kids.

AA – Even with your mermaid obsession?

They probably just saw me as a reader. I have four siblings, and my parents weren’t really around much. They didn’t pay us a lot of attention, so they didn’t know much about our interests.

AA – Was your art or reading a way to escape or fill time?

Yes.

AA – Did you have any Nigerian mentors or role models who inspired you?

Not really.

AA – So you did it all on your own?

Yeah, I tend to do things alone. I try not to overly admire people. Recently, I’ve started admiring certain people’s work, but my greatest inspiration is my future self—who I imagine I’ll become after achieving my dreams.

AA – I really like that.

Thank you.

Discovering herself and her artistry – Trials and pivots

AA – Do you feel like not having a role model was intentional? You said you “try not to.”

It’s both intentional and not. I never looked up to anyone, maybe because the adults around me were disappointing. But recently, I’ve let that go. I’m inspired by others’ work now, not to copy them, but to learn from it. Before, I wasn’t artistic for a while due to family issues. I was focused on making money. Until 2020, my dream was to be an animator, but because of family obligations, I moved into product design.

AA – I see.

I don’t look at my situation and think it’s permanent. At the time, I didn’t have the resources for animation or illustration, so I got a job as a social media manager. My co-workers were supportive, and I got into design through a friend in product design, UI/UX.

AA – Did you want to get into that, or was it more about making money?

It was both. When I got into UI/UX, I realised it’s like animation for apps. I enjoyed it, and it reignited my artistic interest. Product design allowed me to help my family and eventually pivot back into art. Now, I’m slowly working toward being a full-time artist. It’s funny, but I kind of knew that would happen.

AA – People underestimate how important money is for art. You need resources to create, and not everyone can afford that.

Exactly. I think about how many people have potential but can’t pursue it because they lack resources. If I hadn’t found a way to make money, I wouldn’t have been able to return to art. It’s hard to balance making money and doing things that bring joy. It feels terrible sometimes.

AA – When did you feel stable enough to return to your creative side?

Late last year when I got my own place. I wanted to try rug tufting, specifically with a tufting gun. A friend got me one, but it was lost in shipping, so I started with a punching needle instead. I worked on small projects, and by May this year, I completed my first punch needle piece. It was challenging, but it unlocked something for me. I realised this medium could be my way of turning illustrations into physical, touchable art. It’s a rare style, and I’ve even started receiving commissions, which feels amazing.

Desk rug by Cynthia (c/@uxcynn) 

AA – It’s validating when people see and value your work. That recognition is so fulfilling.

It’s the best feeling. Sometimes, people buy my pieces before I’ve even finished them, and it’s so affirming.

AA – You said there are few people doing what you do. Are any of them Nigerian?

No, the people doing similar work aren’t Nigerians. There’s someone here making floor rugs, but I primarily use the punching needle. It involves threading yarn through a cloth to create patterns. I’m still figuring out my artistic style, and I enjoy using the needle more than the gun. I’m also experimenting with combining both mediums in my work.

AA – Okay, talk about bisexuality.

(Laughs) I’m crying, yes! Trying to combine mediums, too. Right now, I’m working on three pieces for the Gemini Confessions exhibition—Ashley Okoli is organising it.

AA – Oh, that’s her film, right? I can’t wait!

Yes! For these pieces, I’m mixing tufting and punching. I’m figuring out if it’ll work and look good. It’s tricky because no one is really doing what I’m doing. People make floor rugs, but it’s not the same thing.

AA – Your work goes beyond just rugs.

Exactly.

AA – Did you take any art or design classes?

No, I’m self-taught. Everything I’ve learned is from figuring it out on my own.

AA – That’s amazing. I notice you don’t talk about your art as something fixed. It’s always evolving.

Yeah, I’m always trying something new. Even though I love this medium now, I know my style and expression will keep changing. My style isn’t a look—it’s a feeling. I want to connect emotionally with my work.

AA – That’s such a creative mindset.

Exactly. My friend said my work is “cute-core,” but I want it to go beyond cute. I want it to evoke deeper feelings. That’s what I’m focusing on for the rest of the year and beyond.

AA – You want your work to be more evocative.

Yes, exactly.

AA – Not just surface level, “Oh, this is cute.”

Exactly! By next year, I plan to reach that goal. I have two collections in mind, but this year’s been tough, and I don’t want to rush. Next year, I’ll have the time and space to bring these ideas to life. The storytelling is really strong. I’ve realised there’s no need to rush—there’s always time to express myself as long as I’m alive. So I’m taking it slow, making sure everything is detailed and intentional.

AA – Taking your time is a privilege, and it usually leads to better, more valuable work. So, list out all the things you do, not just art-related.

I’m a product designer, illustrator, rug tufter, and digital artist. Next year, I want to get into ceramics too, haha.

AA – Oh, I love ceramics. And you’re transitioning from being a product designer to a full-time artist, right?

Yeah, definitely.

AA – Did you always want to be a full-time artist?

Yeah, but it wasn’t always clear. I’ve wanted to be an actress, singer, so many things. I even went for an audition once. I feel like if I had focused on any of those paths, I could’ve succeeded. But timing and life didn’t align.

AA – You went to a movie audition?

Cynthia: (Laughs) Yeah, for a popular Lagos scriptwriter’s show. It was 2019/2020, and I bombed so hard. But it was a good experience.

AA – Life is seasonal, especially for creatives. What else have you tried that didn’t work out?

I was a waitress for a year in 2019. My dad was acting out, and I needed to support my family, so I moved out. I got a waitressing job on the Island, moved into the staff accommodation—basically a cramped boys’ quarters. I quit suddenly on January 1st, 2020, and moved back home. The environment was just awful.

AA – Oh wow, New Year, new you for real.

Oh yeah, I used to be very particular about pivoting. I wouldn’t say I’m superstitious, but I do feel like change comes when the season for it is already there.

AA – Sounds like you’re very intuitive.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just felt like I couldn’t work there anymore. They made me work through the entire holiday period, even though no one came in. We were just there for no reason, and I thought, “It’s time to do something with my life. It’s time to go back home.”

Hustle hustle hustle

AA – Home, as in with your dad and mom?

No, just with my mom and my siblings. We were on the mainland then. We had moved back from Enugu. My dad had a big life crisis and randomly moved us all to Enugu for like 3-4 years. My mom wasn’t happy, but he was physically abusive, so he made it happen. Those years were the worst—his family was awful, and nothing went our way. When we finally came back to Lagos, my mom and dad were no longer together. My mom had left him and gotten her own place. But I think that experience broke her mentally. She was really depressed, although back then I didn’t fully understand what was happening. Now I get it more, but I still feel some resentment about the whole thing.

I had been telling her to leave him since I was like 5. I saw it all coming, but no one listened. When she finally got out, my dad was financially abusive. He didn’t help with anything—my siblings weren’t in school, and we were barely managing rent. So, I figured I’d take charge and earn the money. I got a waitressing job, but after quitting that one, I started looking for another one. I got a couple of callbacks, but they required me to live on the island, and I didn’t have anyone to stay with there. It felt like the universe was pushing me to try something else. That’s when I found work as a blog and podcast editor, which was remote. I was making about ₦80,000 from both jobs combined. Eventually, I got a media manager role at a tech company and worked there for about a year. While I was there, I got into product design and tried to transition into that field, but it wasn’t working out. The whole experience just drained me. It was like living in a commune—everyone worked and lived on the premises.

AA – Oh, so you lived there too?

Yeah, for about a year and a half. And then, guess what? I quit the job on the 1st of January again.

AA – You really made quitting on New Year’s a tradition, haha.

I don’t play when it comes to staying in uncomfortable situations. I’ll stay until I find a better option, but trust that I’m always working on it. After leaving the tech company, I joined Risevest as a product designer for almost two years, then moved to Norebase and now work at Sahara.

AA – That’s great! I feel like people will really relate to this. I remember my first corporate job was with a disastrous startup. It was so hard to quit even though I hated it, but two months later, after posting a rant on Medium, my current boss commented on it and invited me to apply for this job. That’s why I always tell people to leave a toxic job—they don’t care about you, so why stay?

Leaving is hard, even if I talk about it casually now. Back then, it was stressful. I’m the sole provider for my family—my mom doesn’t work, and I have four siblings. Losing a job affects all of us, not just me. So I don’t make impulsive decisions. I plan everything months ahead because every choice I make has a big impact.

But I still agree—if you’re unhappy, leave. Change always brings something new. It might not always be good, but something will happen. You just have to take that step, no matter how small. Life will open a door or window when you move.

AA – Yeah, something’s got to give.

Exactly, change leads to change. Isn’t that how they say it?

AA – All join, dear. So, do you ever feel afraid of what the future holds for you?

All the time.

AA – Especially because it’s not just you you’re thinking about. Art can be unpredictable, and if people stop buying it… do you ever fear that?

This is my first year selling art, so it’s new. But if my work stops resonating with people, I’ll just pivot. That’s how I operate—if something stops working, I move on to something else. I’m not afraid that my art won’t be valuable. If it ever gets to that point, I’ll get a full-time job. Life isn’t linear, and I’m not expecting people to always love my work. If things change, I’ll adapt. It’s really not that scary because you can always try something new.

AA – That’s actually inspiring. It feels like a deep sense of self-assurance, the belief that things will work out.

Yeah, yeah.

AA – Especially in Nigeria, where there’s a set path—school, job, and then work your way up the ladder. Straying from that can feel terrifying. But it seems like you’ve embraced making your own path.

Exactly! Coming from instability, I’ve learned to accept life as it is. I actually love the idea of permanence, routine, doing the same thing every day. My dream is to move somewhere I can have that—where my days feel consistent, even if they look different. But I know if life disrupts that, I’ll roll with it. Because I’ve never known true stability. It’s a dream for me because it’s not my reality.

AA – I get that.

People who’ve had stability all their lives are the ones who find it boring.

AA – What was the first piece you remember making money from?

My first commission was from a friend who followed my process closely. She asked me to create something for her, which took about three months. My first public commission came from Ashley Okoli, who had been following my work. She actually reached out and said she was ready to buy, and I was so excited. It was a beautiful piece, and looking back at it, it gave me the confidence that I was on the right path.

“The wife named Robyn”. Commissioned by Ashley Okoli. (c/@uxcynn) 

AA – That’s awesome! How did you feel when you made your first significant amount of money?

I haven’t reached that point yet. Maybe next year I’ll have a story for you.

AA – What’s it like being a visual artist in Nigeria?

It’s nice. Nigerians are incredibly creative, but many don’t appreciate art for its true value. While I love seeing others’ work and understanding their effort, I often face challenges when it comes to pricing. People sometimes react with shock when I share my prices, expecting them to be much lower, even though I’m not just doing this for fun.

AA – I can relate to that. When I started freelancing, I severely undercharged people, and clients often acted like paying for my work was a favour.

Exactly! It feels like they think they’re doing you a favour by paying for your service. My goal for next year is to establish a clear rate card so potential clients can see my prices upfront without needing to negotiate.

AA – So, what keeps you going? What motivates and inspires you?

I’m incredibly imaginative and a bit self-obsessed. I often sit with myself and envision who I’ll be in five years, and that motivates me to take action now. Some days I struggle to get moving, but remembering that future self drives me to push through. My family also motivates me; I want to create a better life for them, which makes me work harder than I would for myself.

AA – That’s very altruistic of you.

Yeah, I know, I’m too perfect.

AA – You sound very goal-oriented. How do you work towards those goals?

I love telling myself stories. I plan and adapt my plans based on life’s changes. Last year, I created a manifestation board with everything I wanted, including a cat and artistic goals. Looking at it now, I realise I’ve achieved everything on it. I’m a big daydreamer.

AA – Can you give me an example of telling yourself stories?

Sure! When I think about my goals, I focus on what achieving them would bring to my life. For instance, I imagine being a full-time artist and envisioning my daily life—waking up in a different country, taking walks, and living that reality in my mind. It helps me see my goals as part of a fantasy I’m working towards.

I focus on broader life goals rather than specific achievements. Wanting to be a full-time artist means I need financial stability and possibly moving out of Nigeria, where it’s challenging to pursue that. This approach helps me feel less pressured and allows me to adapt if plans change or things come up. I avoid rigid goals like “get a hundred orders a day.” I focus on the bigger picture, which helps me stay flexible when things don’t go as planned.

AA – I love that! I was curious if you have a concrete career plan, but it sounds like you’re aligned with that mindset. I’m also organised, but I’m unsure of my exact career path, just clear on my goals.

Exactly! I trust I’m on the right path without needing specifics, as life is unpredictable.

AA – Has your art evolved over time?

Yes, I’m just beginning to develop a clear style. I realised that I hadn’t been using mediums that resonated with me, but now my current practices, like punching, are influencing my illustrations and overall expression.

AA – How expensive is it to be a visual artist in Nigeria?

It’s quite costly, especially my medium. My commissions currently only cover material costs. I aim to save enough to buy supplies in bulk, which would be life-changing. I often laugh at how much I spend on art supplies instead of saving that money!

AA – How do you protect yourself from inflation? Do you adjust your prices accordingly?

Yes, I have to raise my prices constantly. Just yesterday, my vendor informed me about price hikes, so I had to accept it. Everything, including yarn, is expensive, and there aren’t any cheap alternatives.

AA – What tools or services help you as an artist, especially in Nigeria?

I primarily rely on Teenage Crafts for my tufting supplies. My biggest tools are Procreate for illustrations and a projector to map out pieces. Pinterest is also essential for inspiration.

AA – Are there any events or galleries you attend for inspiration?

Not really; I struggle with networking. I prefer being a fan and supporting other artists. My first art experience at ART X in 2021 inspired me to pursue art.

AA – ART X is in Lagos, right?

Yes, another one is coming up in November, I think. I also enjoy exhibitions like Art 21 and Tiwani Gallery. I love seeing new works and understanding the selection process, which boosts my confidence in my own unique style.

AA – Have you ever thought about doing collaborations with people?

Oh yeah, I’m always open to collaborations, but I haven’t started any yet.

Looking her future right in the eye

AA – Okay, so who is Dream Cynthia? What’s she like, what does she wear?

She’s so cool! She has her life how she wants it—maybe not perfect, but she’s mindful and in a better mental space. Her wardrobe is similar to mine but more detailed.

AA – Where does she live?

Probably in a European country, but she visits Lagos and has a house in Ibadan for some alone time. She has cool hair and stylish jewellery.

AA – What about her love life?

I’m kind of jaded about romance in Lagos. I used to think about being with someone, but now I feel perfect on my own. I’m open to love but unsure about the direction. I go back and forth between wanting to be polyamorous or monogamous, but I think I’m naturally more monogamous.

AA – What about hierarchical relationships?

I don’t like the idea of hierarchies in polyamory. It feels unfair if someone has more access to me just because they’re a primary partner. I prefer a non-conventional but monogamous approach; I imagine living separately even if married.

AA – Thank you, oh my God! When I tell people I can’t live with my partner, they’re shocked.

I get that! I have anxiety, so having someone around 24/7 wouldn’t allow me to recharge. I imagine living separately, which creates excitement in our relationship. I’m also not possessive; I just need my partner to be honest and present. People think I’m more intense than I am because of how I express myself online. I can be possessive, but I don’t show it outwardly. I enjoy social media for the fun of it, but it doesn’t define me. I imagine my future self might have a partner or a child, but it changes. I’m curious about who I’ll be at 30—I know I’ll be cool! I go back and forth about kids sha. Some days yes, others no—it’s all about how I feel in the moment.

AA – If you had the attention of every young Nigerian artist for 5 minutes, what would you say?

Play more! Don’t overthink your work or take yourself too seriously. Established artists often get stuck in a loop. Explore and have fun with your art, please.

Rose Valley rug by Cynthia (c/@uxcynn) 

The Round Up…

At the end of the day, there are two types of people in the world; the plebs, and the Cynthias.

Nigeria is tough, we no fit argue, but sometimes you must make choices that speak to your soul. After all, the point of being human – arguably the most advanced species on Earth – is that we have the power to choose.

And as you can tell, Cynn is a democracy on her own.

Her choices are of herself, by herself and for herself.

From her art to her style, she’s a reminder that being yourself is an act of continuous choosing.

What – or who – do you choose to be?

The scariest part of being alive is forgetting to live, abi what do they say?

Anyway, we are invested in your choices and your living, so we came up with The Cynntilatingly Multifaceted Index.

You’re so welcome.

The Cynntilatingly Multifaceted Index

 

What do you think of Cynthia’s stance on goals? Are you currently on the thoroughly Nigerian path to success? Or are you making your own way like she is?

What’s one thing you do purely for yourself?

Please don’t be shy to let us know in the comments below. We’re all family here, dear.

 

comments powered by Disqus