TCN Monthly Recap: August 2024 Edition
Here's a recap of the stories—news, events, opportunities, resources, insights, opinions and conversations—we published in August and some other recommended stories
Hi there,
Wow, it’s September already. August was one for the books; pretty tough but we keep moving. Don’t forget, one step at a time; keep ideating, iterating, and working on that idea/project. Take a break if you need to but don’t forget your goal.
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As you already know, every month we bring you TCN Monthly Recap; a recap of all the exciting stories—news, events, opportunities, resources, insights, opinions and conversations—we published all through the month. Also, watch out for more interesting reads and recommended stories at the end of this.
In this edition of TCN Monthly Recap, you will find;
Sankofa Display, a typeface that draws inspiration from African art styles, with a focus on straight-line geometric designs.
“Beyond The Canvas”: The return of Untitled Designers Conference (UDC) for a third edition
The Torsche, founded by Deji Ajetomobi, wants to redefine the narrative around design in Africa by showcasing exceptional creative works and the talents behind them
Lagos Comic Con will return for its 12th edition this September.
Ìbàdàn International Film Festival (IIFF) will return for its third edition this September
Our conversation with Liz Ogunoye, brand designer and illustrator at Chowdeck, on how curiosity led her to design, finding a community of diligent people, and her mission to tell stories for the next generation
Sankofa Display, a typeface that draws inspiration from African art styles, with a focus on straight-line geometric designs, is now live on Google Fonts
Designed by Batsirai Madzonga, Sankofa Display, a captivating African typeface that draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of African art styles, with a particular focus on straight-line geometric designs, is now live on Google Fonts.
Sankofa Display blends cultural motifs with contemporary design, celebrating African heritage. Drawing inspiration from African clay pots, the Zimbabwe bird, and Zulu beadwork & art, Sankofa Display focuses on straight-line geometric designs.
Sankofa Display is part of Google Fonts’ latest addition to its robust catalogue of open-source fonts. “I am excited to announce the launch of my new Google font, Sankofa Display, part of Google's initiative to commission African designers for Google Fonts,” Madzonga tells The Creatives Note.
“Beyond The Canvas”: The return of Untitled Designers Conference (UDC) for a third edition
In May, Untitled Designers, the organiser of the Untitled Designers Conference (UDC), one of Africa’s biggest design conferences connecting purpose-driven designers together, announced that it is rescheduling this year’s edition of the design conference originally slated to hold in Lagos in May.
Per the announcement, the design conference, originally scheduled for May 24th and 25th, was postponed to Friday 23rd and Saturday, August 24th, 2024.
The Torsche wants to redefine the narrative around design in Africa
The African design and creative industry is filled with some of the most talented people you will find anywhere in the world. Inspired by the need for more amplification, recognition and support of talented African creatives, Deji Ajetomobi, a multidisciplinary designer, founded The Torsche, a platform dedicated to showcasing work by African creatives and studios.
“The Torsche is a movement to document and inspire. By showcasing the best of African arts & design works, we aim to improve the value of design and foster more collaboration within the creative community,” Deji shared.
“The end goal of documenting these stories, creating a source of inspiration, and fostering collaboration among creatives is to increase the value of design and arts on the continent,” Deji tells The Creatives Note.
Lagos Comic Con returns for its 12th edition this September
Lagos Comic Con, the biggest annual convention for comics and pop culture geeks and fans in Africa, returns for its 12th edition this September. With the theme, ‘Creative Diversity’, this year’s edition will take place on the 14th of September 2024 at the Landmark Event Centre Oniru, Lagos.
This edition of LCC will feature keynote and panel sessions, workshops, master classes, presentations, movie screenings, exhibitions/sales, networking, interactive installations, games, awards, and competitions.
Ìbàdàn International Film Festival (IIFF) returns for its third edition this September
Having received over 3,000 submissions from more than 150 countries, this year’s Ìbàdàn International Film Festival will take place from September 19th - 21st, 2024, at theBUNKer, Ibadan, Oyo State.
IIFF says it offers a platform for filmmakers from all over the world to showcase their work, promoting cultural exchange and elevating African cinema on the global stage. This year’s edition will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, film screenings, awards, immersive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Liz Ogunoye: On how curiosity led her to design, finding a community of diligent people, and her mission to tell stories for the next generation
Liz Ogunoye is a graphic designer, digital illustrator and artist. She currently works as a brand designer and illustrator at Chowdeck, a Nigerian technology company that provides logistics services to both vendors and consumers.
In the last 5 years, Liz has worked in a marketing agency, a print agency, a fintech, and different startups as a designer while also taking on freelance projects.
In this interview, you will get to know what led her to design, how she got started, what keeps her going, the challenges she faces as a designer and how she navigates them, the people who inspire her, and the people she would love to collaborate with on a project. You will love and enjoy reading this!
Recommended reading
How South Africa-based social sculptor, father, aspiring filmmaker, & entrepreneur dillion s. phiri founded & grew a community for African creatives & R&D Company for the creative & cultural industry
From forbidden TV to streaming giants, Taiwo Adeyemi dives into the rich, often forgotten history of Nigeria’s film industry, revealing a vibrant legacy that refuses to fade.
The Harare-born artist says he’s inspired by home and reinvesting in his people is of importance to him.
“Personally, I believe in letting the art I am making guide me. I don’t confine myself to an idea. I usually just start from somewhere and go with the flow until I get to a point where I feel and know.”
African masks are more than mere adornments; they are intricate tapestries woven with the threads of culture, spirituality, and identity. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these artifacts serve as powerful conduits for communication, transformation, and social commentary.
That will be all for August. Thank you for reading. And HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!
We enjoyed bringing you these updates and putting this recap together. See you at the end of this month. Until then, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date.
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