Olorundare: Turning Childhood Passion Into A Thriving Creative Empire

For Olorundare Moses, creativity is not just a profession rather, it is a lifelong calling. As the founder of Signormos Creatives, a multidisciplinary firm specialised in book illustrations, portrait drawing and painting, comic book design, graphic design and printing, animation, creative writing, consultation, and art training, Moses has steadily built a reputation in Nigeria’s creative and publishing industry.

From humble beginnings fueled by curiosity and imagination, Olorundare’s journey is a powerful testament to what happens when childhood passion meets vision, discipline, and relentless determination. What started as a spark of creativity in early years has grown into a dynamic and flourishing creative empire, one built on talent, resilience, and an unwavering belief in purpose.

Moses’ journey into the world of art began in childhood. He recalls spending his early years creating drawings, cartoon characters, calligraphy, and designs with whatever writing materials he could find.

“I loved creating art drawings, cartoon characters, calligraphy, and designs, mainly using whatever writing materials were available,” he said.

Encouraged by his parents and supported by neighbours and elders in his community, Moses never experienced the discouragement many artists face. Instead, the consistent affirmation he received strengthened his confidence and commitment to pursue a career in the creative industry.

“The thoughts and passion for creativity I had as a child, coupled with the unwavering support of my parents, made me choose the path of the creative industry,” he added.

Through Signormos Creatives, Moses has provided artistic solutions to individuals, authors, and organisations. His illustrations have featured in numerous children’s books, bringing stories to life with vibrant imagery and imaginative expression.

He has collaborated with prominent Nigerian publishing firms, including Literamed Publishing Nig. Ltd., contributing significantly to children’s literature in the country.

Beyond commissioned projects, Moses produces Platinum Tales, a short story series that reflects his versatility as both a storyteller and illustrator. His work blends narrative depth with visual artistry, enriching Nigeria’s literary culture.

According to Moses, the art business can be financially rewarding, but it demands patience, strategy, and consistency. While income may not always be stable, dedication, strong professional relationships, and staying true to one’s creative vision can lead to both financial stability and personal fulfilment.

He particularly enjoys the satisfaction of solving artistic challenges for clients and the financial rewards that come from monetising creativity.

Challenges In The Industry

Despite its potential, the illustration profession in Nigeria faces significant challenges.

One major hurdle is seasonality. Academic book illustration projects are often concentrated before school terms begin, leaving long periods of inactivity during holidays. This irregular workflow makes it difficult for illustrators to rely solely on academic publishing for steady income.

Recognition is another concern. Illustration is frequently viewed as secondary to writing or publishing, leading to limited respect and inadequate remuneration.

Publishing houses often fail to allocate sufficient budgets for high-quality artwork, which negatively impacts illustrators’ earnings.

Nigeria’s weak publishing infrastructure further compounds the issue as Limited funding, poor distribution networks, and inadequate institutional support restrict industry growth. Illustrators who depend on the sector are directly impacted.

Exposure also remains a challenge. With few platforms or exhibitions dedicated specifically to illustrators, many talented artists struggle with visibility. This lack of exposure makes it harder to secure clients or build sustainable careers.

Additionally, intellectual property violations are widespread. Plagiarism and unauthorised use of artwork leave many illustrators vulnerable, with limited legal protection for their creative rights.

Advice To Young Creatives

Drawing from his experience, Moses advises young entrepreneurs in the creative industry to: View their business as a solution provider for clients.

Develop a unique artistic vision and pursue it consistently, Study technical art books to improve their craft, Build business acumen to attract and retain customers while avoiding exploitation.

Attend seminars, conferences,studypodcasts on art, personal development, financial intelligence, and innovation.

Master modern art and design applications and devices.

Always have sellable products available, such as framed artworks or e-books.

Support charitable and faith-based causes as a foundation for resilience during difficult times.

A Lasting Legacy In Creativity

With over a decade of experience in the art and publishing industry, Olorundare Moses continues to carve a niche for himself in Nigeria’s creative space. Through Signormos Creatives and his personal storytelling projects, he remains committed to leaving a lasting legacy, one illustration, one story, and one creative solution at a time.

Today, Olorundare stands as an inspiring example of how nurturing a dream from a young age can evolve into a brand that not only thrives but transforms industries and communities alike.