Graphic designer, educator and creative entrepreneur, Olalere Kareem, is using design to create business opportunities, develop young talents and expand his influence across international markets.

Kareem, who began his creative journey in Nigeria, has built a career spanning graphic design, entrepreneurship, education and mentorship, with his work reaching businesses in the United Kingdom, United States and Germany.

“Graphic design was never the destination. It was the vehicle,” Kareem said, describing how he has used his creative skills to pursue opportunities beyond visual communication.

His journey into design was unconventional. While studying Political Science, he began designing election campaigns, event branding materials and promotional content before undergoing professional training in graphic design, photography, videography and digital media production.

In 2021, he founded Logos by Venessa, a creative practice named after his mother. The business grew through referrals and attracted clients from different sectors, including technology, fashion, construction, education and professional services.

The venture has since evolved into Designnolio, a multidisciplinary creative agency through which Kareem hopes to build a business capable of operating across international markets beyond his personal capacity.

Beyond commercial design, Kareem has also focused on mentoring aspiring creatives. Through portfolio reviews, career guidance and branding education, he has supported hundreds of young people seeking to build careers in the creative industry.

During his National Youth Service Corps programme, he founded Finding Creatives, a volunteer initiative designed to connect aspiring designers with mentors while encouraging young people to explore opportunities in the creative sector.

At Ulster University, Kareem also founded the institution’s first student-led Global Business Club, organising programmes in Birmingham, London and Manchester that linked creativity, branding and business growth.

He has equally taken his professional experience into the classroom, where he currently works as a Teacher of Computer Science and Creative iMedia at James Brindley Academy in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on his philosophy of design, Kareem said, “I believe great design is not measured by how attractive it looks but by the opportunities it creates for businesses, for communities and for future generations.”

His work has earned him recognition, including the Crest Africa Award for Excellence in Graphic Design and Creative Leadership of the Year, as well as awards for Best Graphics Designer and Creative Brand Designer of the Year.

As Designnolio develops into its next phase, Kareem’s career continues to combine design, business, education and youth development, reflecting his belief that creativity can be used not only to produce visual content but also to create opportunities for others.