My Graphics Design Career Journey

I am a 31-year-old man who began my career journey in tech and digital design, specifically graphic design, from 2014 to 2016. During that period, I enrolled in a Professional Systems Engineering and Networking Level-1 course at IPMC-Ghana. A year later, I pursued another professional course in Graphics and Web at the same institution. My career as a graphic designer officially started in October 2016 when I secured my first job at CATKOM Prints, a design and print firm located at Ashaiman Traffic Light within the Ashaiman Metropolitan Assembly.

As a child, I had a strong passion for art, excelling in pencil drawings and painting. However, growing up in a typical Ghanaian household, my parents—though loving and responsible—were not supportive of my interest in art. They viewed drawing and painting as a distraction from my studies and aligned with the common belief at the time that artists were dropouts or social deviants. This stereotype was reinforced by the appearance of artists who were often seen at roadsides with dreadlocks and unconventional looks. To curb my passion, my parents would confiscate my art books and hide my crayons, urging me instead to focus on mathematics and science.

Despite this, I continued to pursue my studies. I attended Chemu Senior High School, where I studied General Science, with electives in E-mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Technical Drawing. My ambition was to become an architect or civil engineer, but financial constraints prevented me from continuing my formal education, even though I passed my exams well. In the face of life's challenges, I took up a job as a pupil teacher to save money for further education and support my family during difficult times, being the eldest of four children.

It was during this period that a colleague suggested I take short courses in IT, knowing my interest in electronic devices and the fact that I had become the go-to person for ICT-related issues at the school where I worked. This led me to enroll at IPMC-Ghana's Tema Comm. 6 branch, where I completed a course in Systems Engineering and Networking. It was there that I discovered the graphics and web department, which reignited my interest in design and brought me to where I am today.

On my first day at CATKOM Prints, I felt embarrassed as it took me over six hours to produce a simple poster design that did not look nearly as good as the work of my senior colleague, Eric Val Venator (a.k.a. Gangee), the general supervisor, who could complete a similar task in just 15 minutes. That day, I resolved not to give up. I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to keep my job, learn on the job, and become a professional. Days turned into weeks and then months. To compensate for my initial lack of design skills and speed, I willingly took on menial tasks such as emptying bins and running errands while learning from my senior colleague. With determination and the support of the team, I improved significantly within three months, acquiring new skills such as screen printing, shirt printing, and operating large-format machines.

My strong interpersonal and communication skills became evident in my interactions with colleagues and clients. In February 2017, when the manager went on leave and Eric stepped into the role but fell ill in the second week, I seized the opportunity to step up. During their absence, I managed various aspects of the office, coordinating with the front desk, taking charge of my design department, liaising with the screen printing and shirt printing departments, and operating the large-format machine. I ensured quality control by proofreading, editing, and checking for client feedback. By the end of that month, my design skills, creativity, and speed had improved by 65%, earning me commendation from my director, Mr. Wilson, during the monthly and quarterly reviews. I was soon promoted to Project Supervisor, tasked with measuring and specifying requirements for office branding and installation projects, and coordinating with the design and installation teams as well as management for project costing and planning.

I enjoyed my job and gained significant experience, but in May 2017, I experienced an emotional breakdown following a failed relationship that affected my work. My director noticed and supported me through counseling sessions where I opened up about my personal struggles. This marked a turning point in my career and the start of my entrepreneurial journey. My director decided to mentor me, helping me become the best version of myself. I had to unlearn and relearn many things, from work culture and ethics to managing people, pitching, negotiation, and building sustainable business relationships.

By September 2017, I had taken over the general supervisory role, overseeing and coordinating the activities of all departments. This role came with additional responsibilities and benefits. During this time, I led the team to complete notable projects for reputable organizations, including the Ghana Water Company Ltd. (Tema Region), Kodson Transport Services, Naason Real Estates, Game, Alinco Oil, Suba Holdings, Agape Assemblies of God Church, and various startups. I was actively involved in all stages of projects, from initial design discussions and reviews to printing and installation.

Although I was thriving professionally, the job was very demanding, leaving little time for my hobbies, church, and family. In December 2017, two weeks before the holiday break, I informed my director that I would not return in the new year. I started 2018 as a freelancer to have more time for personal growth and exploration. However, my savings dwindled quickly, and freelancing did not provide a stable income. By May, I visited my former workplace, and my director suggested I return on a contract basis, which I happily accepted.

The year passed smoothly until April 2019, when a client-turned-acquaintance offered me a position as an in-house designer and social media manager at their company. The working conditions were favorable, so I quickly took a social media management masterclass led by Mr. Gad Ocran at Eazzy Social. After obtaining my certification, I joined the company in August 2019. My role included creating and managing social media pages, curating content, designing flyers, responding to leads, and reporting insights to management. I enjoyed the job and the flexibility it offered, but this was short-lived. In mid-November, after my first paycheck, I was asked to work from home without explanation, and that marked the end of my time there.

While considering my next steps, I decided to start my own design and print firm. By May 2020, The Uvers Prints was born. I have since worked with various churches and schools in my community, including the Church of Pentecost Women's Ministry and Ashaiman Area, as well as businesses like Falcon City Pub, Daddy’s Pizza, and CS Medical Center. I have also designed and printed materials for prominent events, such as the funeral brochures for Chief Inspector Erbyn (Rtd) and Madam Mary Afiko Dzuvor, the mother of the late Christian Atsu Twasam.

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the challenges, the lessons, and the mentors who have helped shape who I am today. From my early struggles with discouragement and financial hardship to the successes and leadership roles I embraced, every step has been pivotal. The growth of The Uvers Prints symbolizes my resilience and dedication. As I continue to build on this foundation and diversify into other tech areas, I look forward to new opportunities to expand my skills, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to my community and beyond.