If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.

Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including A Naija Christmas and Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is currently in cinemas.

Feyzo!, who calls herself The Billionaire Makeup Artist, is also a two-time AMVCA nominee.

In this light-hearted yet serious chat, she shares the secret to landing big clients and the hardest thing about being a makeup artist in Nigeria's movie industry.

Show highlights

0:00 – Introduction

2:39 – This or that questions

3:24 – Feyzo’s journey into artistry

10:55 – The hardest thing about being a makeup artist in the movie industry

12:51 – The process of preparing for a character

22:13 – Managing the makeup/SFX team

28:07 – Handling unexpected challenges on set

37:45 – The secret to landing big clients

43:00 – Impact of the AMVCA on her career

45:13 – The importance of professional development

47:12 – A word to her future self

48:13 – Appreciation and end

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journeyoftheartpod?si=eDeQrPxScePjcpfT?sub_confirmation=1

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Guest’s links

Follow Feyzo! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feyzomua/

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow JOA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with editor and publisher, Anwuli Ojogwu, about some trends in modern African literature. We talk about what Nigerians at home and abroad are writing now, her work on the Caine Prize anthology for 2021/22, and some self-publishing tips for writers.

Anwuli is a co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press and the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria. Find out more about Anwuli below.

0:00 – Introduction

1:40 – What's the IT factor with popular writers?

6:03 – How to build trust with writers

9:48 – Starting a society for editors in Nigeria

19:17 – Editing the Caine Prize anthology 2021/22

24:49 – Today’s writing pool and talent development

29:23 - What are Nigerians abroad writing about now?

34:09 - What are Nigerians at home writing about now?

37:13 - Tips for writers who want to self-publish

41:59 - Upcoming books from Narrative Landscape Press

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/agoBUidLkj8

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Guest’s links

Follow Anwuli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anwulipriscilla/

➡️ Narrative Landscape Press: https://www.narrativelandscape.com

➡️ Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria: https://sbmen.org.ng

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Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Lola on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared.

Show highlights

(0:00) Introduction

(2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story

(4:57) Book Uncle and the Istri Lady

(7:26) Helping children become better readers

(10:49) How to develop socially conscious themes in children’s book writing

(13:52) Showing reality in writing

(15:32) Plotting vs discovery writing

(18:35) How long it took Uma to write Birds on the Brain

(19:40) Revealing Book 3 of the series

(19:59) Data in storytelling

(22:45) The question of the greater good

(27:05) Giving readers reasons to see

(29:57) The writer’s stumbling block

(31:33) Appreciation & end

_____________________ Guest’s links

Buy Birds on the Brain: https://houseofanansi.com/products/birds-on-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOorpRrFo-WCEGogszEEJU5Quu5L5oD209kr9QFivlgQZW3uNRa_l

Follow Uma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umakrishnaswami/

_____________________ Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/