28-year-old Ian Kahale is a creative designer from Bulawayo, based in Harare. Who runs a personal creative brand Bhudaz Creative Crafts. Currently working at Esteem Communications as a Head Designer. Also the Co-Founder of Zimbabwe’s one and only model magazine M Square Magazine. Ian (IK) speaks to Lorraine Muwuya (LM) on why his works are doing well in South Africa.
LM: When did this journey of graphic designing begun and what inspired you to be one?
IK: I started graphic design 2014 were l began as a fine pencil artist, but in the run i associated with a lot of fashion designers who were into African geometric prints, which later inspired me to digital art and ventured into graphic design.
LM: What is the significance of communication in graphic designing?
IK: Graphic Design saves time, that’s the cause it serves in communication, it doesn’t just say the message but it also shares emotions behind the message.
LM: What do you aspire to do more from your field of work?
IK: I aspire to transform the idea of branding and innovation in across Africa. Change the narration of Branding. The goal is to brand Africa and let the African culture be branded globally.
LM: Whom have you so far worked with?
IK: I have worked with big brands and names like.
Tino Chinyanyi, Makhadzi, Daliwonga, Boohle, (under Classique Magazine, Ruvheneko, Ammara Brown, Miss Becky, Mai TT (She Glows Magazine)
Brands.
Hygiene Mart
Style Cabin
Zimbabwe Music Awards, (ZIMA)
Cielo
Ivhu tribe.
And many more brands
LM: How does it feel to work with well recognized international celebrities?
IK: Well it’s just so exciting seeing your work transforming lives through these international celebrities. After all I appreciate my sister Sakhile Khanye Miss Classique, Alice Tagwira, Mr Takemore Mazuruse and other colleagues for supporting me.
LM: We have a lot of graphic designers in Zimbabwe what makes you stand out?
IK: I’m not only a graphic designer however a web designer, brand strategist. So it shouldn’t be about design, but consultancy. Consultancy is what separate me from the rest of the design, the secret is simple. Understand what the clients wants, help the client understand their brand. And discipline is key.
LM: What should be a designer’s priority when creating a design?
IK: First thing a designer should research before you go to any design program. Study the nature of the brand you are making designs for, research the market, their competitors, study the audience and then have the full picture of what the brand is all about, that’s how you get to understand the brand.
LM: Any critical feedback that you have received so far about your work and how do you handle such?
IK: It’s really rare to get critical feedback, since my clients are always happy with my delivery. If there’s any critical work I always make sure to deliver, its not easy but delivery is priority.
LM: What’s one or two challenges you mainly face with your work?
IK: Clients who undermine the invoices are the biggest challenge.
LM: Have you ever met a tight deadline and how did you overcome it?
IK: Yes, yes, yes! Since I also teach graphic design, I have other private students who I have groomed so well. I give them work if I’m so under pressure, we share tasks. To beat deadlines.
LM: If not Graphic Designing what other path would you have taken?
IK: Ha-Ha-Ha I would be a Fashion designer, since most of my inspiration comes from the fashion creatives.
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