That there are odds against us is no hidden fact. It is moving despite them that requires discovery. That we have many reasons to drift with the crowd is very much on the surface, but going the extra distance, deploying creativity, needs to be unravelled.Chima Nnaekpe, a graduate of Covenant University, Nigeria, has definately brought creativity and efforts beyond the usual to the table with his debut Comic book: My Valentine 1.
In this exclusive interview, Chima takes us on a journey to confirm the story of efforts and creativity that the end product tells so loudly.
1.Beyond the geek glasses and artistic demeanor, who is Chima Nnaekpe?
Chima: A highly talented youth and a genius with an addiction to thinking and living in a world of Fantasy.
2. At what point did fine arts become your thing? When did you start drawing?
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| Chima Nnaekpe |
3. By this work are you saying that you are taking your drawing beyond a hobby and making a career out of it?
Chima: Yes I am making a career out of it.
4. Has this been an easy decision? What challenges where you confronted with?
Chima:It hasn't been an easy decision. There have been the challenges of school life (i.e. assignments, project, exams)
that have beclouded my interest in it; but thanks to God for the friends i met and preachings by anointed men of God, including inspirational books which have revived my liking for it.
5. What inspired My Valentine?
Chima: To be frank i don't know; but it was the motive of establishing the popularity of my favourite comic characters that made me to continue with it by modifying the storyline of the comic story.
6. How long has it taken to put this work together?
Chima: Two Months (August - October); the longest i have ever spent in making it. This is because of the technology introduced making the comic.
7. How much effort did you put into the production of this work, was it an easy process?
Chima: Not that easy especially the "colouring" aspect of it.
8. What would you like the world to know about My Valentine?
Chima: I want the world to support that love should be shared amongst ourselves irrespective of our differences.
9. You come across as a determined person; can we safely assume that you are?
Chima: Yes, but i hope that with time you all will know and not just assume.
10. If yes, what fuels your determination?
Chima: The World watching animated movies and series of my comic stories and not only that; God's name being glorified all around the world when i start making spiritual and biblical animated movies too. Also another driving force to going on with this project refers to the inspirational achievements of my mentor, Walt E. Disney. You potential readers also make a huge part of my motivation.
11. Many youths and people in general wish they could feel the joy of a concluded work as you probably feel about My Valentine. What advice would you offer them?
Chima: If you love something very much, your passion for it helps you to conclude the work you propose to do without the feeling of how hard it was to do so. So...I'll advise that you all should be very passionate about your desired project.
12. What impact do you hope My Valentine has on its viewers?
Chima: I want "My Valentine" to impart the spirit of love not just amongst spouses or boyfriends-girlfriends; but amongst our friends and even our enemies.
13.Should we expect anymore comics from you?
Chima: Yes. Expect to have the other episodes of the comic.
14. Where can we grab copies of My Valentine?
Chima: Still thinking about that....
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