Oluwabusayo Onifade
Q What do you do?
“I’m a content designer.”
Basically, I write the text for the many apps you have on your phone that you do and don’t need, lol. From the onboarding flow to buttons to settings and much more, that’s all me wrote. Get it? See what I did there? I also write the text for website experiences so that you have seamless gliding and fun, punchy copy. Part of my job is doing extensive research on brands and their competitors to see how we can stand out and constantly innovate. I’m all about iterating, growing, and constantly driving to get the best, reach the goal and to keep reaching higher.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Great question! I would say just following God’s path for me. It’s taken me from studying Kinesiology to studying and graduating college with Honors in Ethnic Studies plus a minor in Spanish and studying and getting my Master’s in Media and Cultural Studies. Ever since I was little, I had big dreams of being a journalist. I realized that God had far better plans for me, so I landed in tech! What a great change! Being in tech has helped me to be a better writer and it pays very well!
Writing for products and being the brand voice for many companies, I found that design helped me to better market and speak about the products I was writing about. Enter Figma - one of the best tools I’ve ever used! That helped me to understand the design process better and create cool wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Several jobs later, UX Writer, Content Strategist, and Lead Content Designer, I’m still enjoying it and always growing. I’m very grateful. :)
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Another great question! I think I’ve said some of it. Some content designers don’t have as diverse of a background as I do and they don’t have as much deep design experience that I have. Not just design experience but that design lens that’s so important for the work I do. I’m also all about teamwork and collaboration. Two minds are better than one, so it’s so important to bounce ideas off each other, get feedback, learn and grow.
Q What are you working on right now?
Learning, learning, learning. While I’m doing some freelance work (most recently for a stealth startup) and interviewing and applying, I’ve also been learning and doing courses for my development. From motivational courses on confidence and speaking to the ilovecreatives Graphic Design course (which I’d love to do this December), I want to keep growing and learning. You do n’t have the same learning experience as when you’re on the job, so I want to keep growing, keep learning, and be a better designer. I’ve also been working on some scriptwriting for a short film I’ve been working on about turning your trauma into triumph. Stay up to date with it on my LinkedIn!
Q What’s your style?
I have a very punchy, bold, and fun style. I really love to make things like technology and crypto sound sexy cuz we all know that mess be dry AF, lol. Anyway, I would say the work that I did at Jellysmack definitely fit with my personality and design style. It was punchy, bold, innovative, forward-thinking, colorful, sleek, and sexy! :)
I can’t show it yet (adding it to my portfolio), but I do have some inspo:
This is some work from my friend did, Enrico, a very friendly and talented Italiano (ah, Italy, sounds nice right about now - focus Busayo, lol)! Anyway, I really like the futuristic yet classic look. I also love the typography he uses and bold text and writing. I really want to dive deep into graphic design and more typography and UI components.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Hmmm…I wish I could do more projects in different languages like Spanish, which I happen to also be fluent in. I also wish I could focus on more forward-thinking projects like NFTs.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
In all honesty, it’s been hard being laid off and trying to get a job in this market, but I’ve stayed motivated and I know God will place me in a great place in His perfect timing! Amen! :)
I would say for me, just trying to land better paying freelance work. I’ve been getting these quick, one-off projects which although I’m working with impactful brands, it doesn’t pay the bills. I want my work and skills to be better valued. I want do work that’s not only meaningful but where I can be more creative, better valued, and explore different industries.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Wow, let me just create a list:
-Massages, like asiatsu aka the best massage in the world!
-Meal prep
-Please do my laundry of endless clothes, lol
-My hubby and I just bought a house - please! Help us with the rest of the unpacking and please set up our closet system!
-Do my makeup! I miss that. I miss doing a bit of a more glam look. It’s nice to pamper yourself! :)
-Therapy- another thing that ain’t cheap. I believe more people would do it if it was ACTUALLY affordable. Would be great to work with a trauma therapist to help me heal from my trauma.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Hmm…more of “You’re beautiful, you’re strong, you’re worthy, you’re enough, you’re sexy!”
I try to do that more and it has helped my confidence, especially when I’m feeling down.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Hm…well, like I mentioned, trauma therapy. I did a little of that, but it’s very expensive. Therapy helps me learn more about myself and the people in my life.
I would also say that with freelancing, it would be nice to learn more from people’s experiences without having to pay $2,500.00 to simply learn the tips and tricks. I love how ilovecreatives has practical tips, lessons, and skills you can learn. Thank you!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
It really depends on what I get. I like the stability of full time roles, but I also like the flexibility of freelance roles. I’m looking for Lead/Sr. Content Design roles as well as projects that are fun, meaningful, impactful, and exciting. Crypto, NFTs, wellness, mental health, women-led brands, black female-led and black male-led brands, edutech brands. Anything that challenges me, helps me grow, is truly making an impact for people.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
-Communicative client who knows what they want
-Positive, friendly, collaborative environment
-My voice is being heard
-Leadership listens to others and applies their feedback, suggestions
-Great pay
-Where I have the flexibility to travel (aka remote) and that cares about my overall wellbeing
Q What is your rate?
My current day rate is $1000/day.
Feel free to email me to discuss your project needs so I can provide you with a customized quote.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Simply email me at hello@uxscribe.co with the following details:
-Your project brief
-Your goals
-Your timeline
-Your budget
-Your needed deliverables
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I admire William Winston. He’s not only a great friend, but he’s a talented content designer and filmmaker. He has a deep background in directing and writing, all coupled with a friendly, warm personality. He brings out the best in everyone, loves to collaborate, and has a unique direction and approach to storytelling.
I also admire Morgan Gaumann. He’s one of the most talented designers I’ve ever worked with. He not only brings brilliant design and a strategic approach, he also comes with a positive attitude and an infectious laugh.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I read a lot, write a lot, explore, connect with others and lots of hot yoga and boxing.
This member profile was originally published in November 2022 / Updated December 2022