Meet Titilope, the teenage painter

The need to have a vocational skill especially for youths has been the focus of many efforts to encourage self employment and curb the rising unemployment rate within the Nigerian society. One of the people that have taken the bait to get other skills outside their academic pursuit is 17-year-old Titilope Ajadi.

Titilope, a student is an established painter whose business name is ajadititilope1@gmail.com. The teenager like many other artists had always had a passion for the trade.

“I had always been artistic from my childhood but I never painted because I had a kind of fear that I couldn’t explain but growing up and seeing other peoples work rekindled my passion and inspired me to explore my talent,” he said.

He however did not depend on his natural ability but sought for ways of enhancing his skill. “It took me four months to train because I was a fast learner and I already had it in me but learning doesn’t end, we learn every day and I am still open to learning,” he said, adding that, “I will surely advise youths to go into painting if they enjoy it because it keeps one focused and there is also the financial advantage, you make money doing what you like.”

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It is, however, not about money and interest, “painting has touched me in a deep way, as an artist, I express myself with my work, it is a good way of pouring out excess emotions,” he stated

He however stated that like every endeavour, painting has its challenges; “the challenge is that sometimes there is lack of motivation and when there is no motivation, you cannot paint. Another major fear is the fear of making mistakes because it limits ones imagination. If you are afraid, you won’t be creative,” he said.

Titilope however stated that that painting is not a temporary vocation for him as he will still hold an exhibition of his works after his education.