Maia Boakye – How to Gogh from One Place to Another

Edited by: Jina Aryaan

Maia Boakye is a first year student at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus, intending to study visual arts and architecture. She just transferred from University of British Columbia after 2 years of studies. Maia recently landed a design internship with VICE Media Canada and has published for many clients including the Globe and Mail, Shondaland, and Good Newspaper. Maia’s poems and artwork has been published in print and online, from Feels Zine, VSCO, and many others. Learn more about her experiences below: 

1. What are some current projects you are working on right now?

My most recent editorial illustrations were published on Shondaland, a platform created by producer Shonda Rhimes. I also worked on a poster for the second issue of Good Newspaper, a publication that focuses on inspiring news, people and ideas. Freelancing and creating work for school has given me less time for my own practice, but I am constantly drawing and I try to create personal work as often as possible. 

2. How is it like working for VICE Canada? 

I am really enjoying my internship so far. The atmosphere at the office is even better than I expected. I think what I really enjoy is being surrounded by such creative and talented people. It’s such a privileged to be among them. 

3. I understand that you just transferred from UBC to UofT? What was that like? Was there a stigma you had to overcome?

I definitely haven’t faced any stigma regarding transferring from UBC specifically, but my experience as a transfer student has been a learning process for sure. It can be frustrating to feel as though I’ve regressed or that the past two years were a waste of time. I have to remind myself that everything I’ve done has led me to where I am and where I’m going, success doesn’t always happen as linearly as we want it to. 

4. Are there any distinct differences between the social and academic environments at UofT and UBC? 

Although I don’t have a direct comparison to the academic environment because I switched programs, I definitely am being challenged here at UofT. It can be difficult to stay motivated, but I enjoy the challenge. Socially, simply being in downtown Toronto is such a huge difference. I’ve really enjoyed having such easy access to galleries, art supply stores and independent events around the city, but it has caused a bit of a chaotic sleep schedule! 

5.  Why did you ultimately decide to transfer from UBC to UofT?

At the end of the day, I needed change. I think that I would’ve eventually thrived in Vancouver but at the time, it wasn’t the right fit for me. I was just craving something more and I needed something big to change in order for that to happen. 

6. When did you know you wanted to pursue art as a career?

To be honest, I still don’t know if I want to pursue it as a career, mostly because I’m not really sure what being an “artist” would be defined as for me. Becoming more active in the art community and learning new skills has drastically changed my perspective on the role of a creative in the future. As technology becomes more intelligent, creativity will become a more valuable skill. Designers hold some of the more important keys in creating a future that will allow humans and technology to co-exist and do so in an environmentally friendly way. 

7. What is the process of working with bigger publications? How would you suggest others tackle interviews for these bigger jobs?

When it comes to getting contacted or being interviewed by bigger publications, having an online presence is really important. It was scary for me at first to put my work on the internet. Not only is it hard to share your intimate reactions of your experiences, but the internet isn’t always the best place for art. Art gets stolen by big brands all the time without credit and usually without apology. That being said, I decided it was worth the risk. 

The process of working with a bigger publication is really quite similar to any other creative job. My most important interview tip is quite cheesy, but really be yourself. If you’re a creative person, you’ve already got a leg up. Also, know your design process well. It might be helpful to think about the steps you take when creating work, even if it is as simple as drawing something before you go to bed. Being able to articulate this is key. 

8. I know you have done an illustration for the Globe and Mail. What was that like? What was the process?

I have, it was quite a lovely experience actually, I love the Globe and Mail. In most cases you’ll probably be working with a creative director of the publication and sort of go through this back and forth process of bouncing off ideas, making work and getting feedback on that work. 

9. Tell me about the type of art you do. Any specific themes, ideas, or concepts you usually focus on? 

I am trying to experiment more with my illustrations, but technically I specialize in vector illustration and graphic design. I am also starting to explore video, film photography, poetry and installation. I have pretty big goals for my practice. The themes I usually focus on are just my personal experience as a woman of colour, and I’m really trying to figure out how to best represent that in my work. The cool thing about illustration is that anything goes. We have the ability to create our own realms. 

10. What is your advice for aspiring artists?

Being an artist or designer or anything creative is hard work. I work very hard to keep up with my skills and to really be a part of the art community. Life becomes art, which becomes work, which becomes life. It’s all very interconnected and that can make it difficult to breathe at times. I’ve found it helpful to take breaks and work on a new medium that perhaps I haven’t been able to explore yet. Over the summer I picked up a used Canon AE-1 and started shooting film again. I wrote poems at the park, and only drew in black and white. Also, I think that it’s so important to create relationships with other creatives, especially those who are a little bit older than you and have been in the field for a while. They are your greatest resource. 

For those interested in more of Maia’s work, her instagram is @maiaboakye and her website is www.maiaboakye.com. All images used in this article are original illustrations and can be found on her website. 

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