I am a visual artist born, based in Nairobi, Kenya. I specialise in illustration, hand lettering, data visualization, identity design and I am passionate about design for social impact - particularly when it comes to an African lens and projects focused on women's rights. Recently venturing into the area of visual documentation, I am hoping to uncover more narratives through art.
I have over ten years of experience working as a freelancer and for creative agencies. I have a BA in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario, and a BA in Graphic Design from Curtin University in Malaysia.
In the last few years, I also began working my art brand Kulula; Kulula comes from the Kikamba word meaning 'to draw' and is an outlet for more creative ideas and personal expression using illustration and mixed media. Kulula also sells a range of greeting cards, journals, and other gift and stationery goods - see more at kululagoods.com .
Under Kulula, I occasionally hold hand-lettering workshops - providing a space for art as self care. Hand-lettering has always been one of my favourite things - from tagging my friend’s files in primary school to focusing on it for my final university project and it feels great to share this love with others. I am working on developing my craft further and having more workshops in the near future.
Part-time, I work as a teacher at the Africa Digital Media Institute - a stable adventure that keeps me fresh!
I also love tea, music, cats, sewing, architecture and design TV shows, game shows, Big Challenge (Baking, Pottery, I need more of these!) shows, music and dance talent shows, people-watching and my friends + family.
Get in touch at nzilani@gmail.com