All round artist

Despite still being in school, BRIAN ALANDO, 21, is in design business. He shares his life journey with ROSE KWAMBOKA

What do you do for a living?

I am a graphic and interior designer. I own a company called Bold Designs, which is now two years old.

What does your line of work entail?

I am the guy responsible for that warm, inviting effect one feels when they enter a room. I also do graphic design, branding and branding consultancy.

What design jobs have you undertaken so far?

I have undertaken quite a number, but the most recent ones included graphic design for Uniscoo — Nakumatt Smart Card, branding consultancy for cross-lights entertainment, Global Peace Youth Corporation and Explosive Entertainment.

I am also head of the branding department for Uniscoo. I designed On Qampus magazine and website. I have undertaken interior design for private homes around Nairobi and Eldoret. I got the best graphic designer award at Nairobi University for the Inception event and am currently undertaking their graphic designs.

How do you source for clients?

Through my website www.boldesigns.co.ke and the social network, especially Facebook. I also rely on word of mouth, especially from clients I have worked for.

How well does your job pay?

Well enough to keep me content. Payment ranges depending on the needs of the client. For instance, I got a net amount of Sh250,000 from one of the interior design work I did. 

So how did you end up in design?

It is a passion. I happen to be an all-round artist and hence it was only natural that I ended up as a designer. Even in high school, I enjoyed music and art. I can also sing. In fact, my brother and I just released a new single, produced by J Blessing called Peace Game.

Did education play a role in all this?

To some extent… yes. I am currently a third year student at University of Nairobi, undertaking a degree in Bachelor of Arts in design. It is not only the concepts taught in the lecture halls that count. The networks one gets from being in the school environment are helpful as well.

What was your dream career as you grew up?

I wanted to do Medicine since art was never seen as a career option then. Fortunately, I scored an A minus and the university could not admit me for Medicine. So, I ended up taking up what I always enjoyed doing, and here I am, with no regrets whatsoever.

What challenges do you face at work?

Rigidity of the market is the most challenging issue to deal with. Most people do not want to employ or work with young, untapped talent. They always want the people with experience.

The other thing is finance. Design is expensive and maintaining a design firm is even more expensive.

What do you like about your job?

The fact that design has no limits and no restrictions always keeps my mind working, coming up with creative ideas.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Never say it is too early to start. Do not hold yourself back. The world has endless opportunities, if we only tuned our minds in the right direction.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself as the youngest successful CEO who has created avenues for other younger people to venture into the world of design.

Who inspires you most?

That has to be my mum. She is the most hardworking person I have ever known. She has been an inspiration to me and put up with me even when I was being difficult. She always saw my capabilities and encouraged me to go for it.