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Valerie Mpundu
Youth Interactive Writer
FIFTEEN-year-old graphic designer AJ Lola Maloya has encouraged and urged her peers to move with times, especially going digital in some of their works.
The Budiriro-based teenager is seeking to change the face of her community through graphic designing.
Lola, who took a keen interest in video editing at the age of nine, has never looked back continuously familiarising herself with basic editing concepts.
In an interview with Lola, she shared her journey and passion in technology, citing it is high time technology is embraced.
“I was just fascinated and amazed at how people edited videos. It was at that point I knew what I wanted to do and I felt so passionate about it,” she said.
“I intend to showcase hidden gems of Budiriro highlighting the unique culture and talent. While creating visually stunning content inspiring pride and positivity among community members.”
She emphasized the need of family support on training and mentorship to aspiring young artists.
“I believe we are still in a time where parents do not really support their children. They have this perception art is not a sustainable source of income,” said Lola.
“However, we cannot paint them all with the same brush, there are other parents and guardians who support their children.
Following through her passion, Lola started experimenting on YouTube editing thumbnails and videos which triggered her interest in graphic designing.
“I derived pleasure from editing and to me it opened up a whole new world of endless possibilities. I knew I could build something out of this,” she said.
“It is rare in my area for graphic designers to be taken seriously specially at my age. Mostly you are encouraged to stay in school.”
Fortunate enough for Lola, her aunt has been supportive of her helping her manoeuvre challenges that come with the internet.
A tech savvy and artistic student she reckons though success is not very far from her she still has to pursue her education while balancing with her presumed career.
“I am still in school and about to finish my ordinary level. However, I would love to continue while building myself up to the top,” she said. The 2024 Zimbabwe Schools Examinations calendar for Ordinary Levels which opened in September is expected to fold on November 26 with candidates taking a break afterwards while waiting for their results.
Lola however, despite setting her goals, highlighted she does face financial constraints which have posed as a threat.
“Some applications I use have features that require payment, sometimes I run out of data bundle at a very crucial time forcing me to stop any process I might be making,” she noted.
She urged more creatives to own the space and take centre stage as technology keeps evolving.
“I want to use this time while on holiday to perfect and explore more of my creativity as a graphic designer.”
“Who knows I might be on my way to becoming one of the youngest designers to emerge in Zimbabwe proudly representing my hood,” she said.
Online Reporter