Creator Interview with Daevid Adeola

Let's start with your journey—what first sparked your passion for photography and videography?

As a kid, I loved tweaking my Facebook and 2GO (an old Nigerian social media app) profile pictures to match what I thought was cool at the time. Every phone I owned had at least one photo editing app, but I never saw it as anything more than a fun hobby. I just enjoyed it, so I kept going. Over time, as I was exposed to photography and videography, my love for visual storytelling deepened. So, I wouldn't say there was a single moment that sparked my passion—it was always there, waiting to be fully realized.

Was there a defining moment when you knew this was the path for you?

In 2019, as my birthday approached, I wanted to post a series of pictures leading up to the day. Hiring a photographer wasn't an option, so I got creative. My brother and I turned my mom's curtain into a makeshift backdrop, and using my iPhone 6s, I directed him on framing the shots—all he had to do was press the shutter. For inspiration, we used a Vogue magazine cover, and I edited the photo to look like I was featured on the September edition of 'Vogue Nigeria.' (There is no Vogue Nigeria, by the way.)

When I posted it, it became my most-liked photo at the time, with people congratulating me on the feature. That moment was surreal—knowing that a picture shot and edited in my house, on my phone, could look convincing enough to be mistaken for something by a world-renowned brand. It made me wonder: what could I create with better equipment? I guess we're about to find out.

Every creative has a unique process—what does yours look like from idea to execution?

People often expect creatives to have a structured process, but for me, it varies. Sometimes, I get an idea, sketch it out, plan it thoroughly, and then execute. Other times, inspiration strikes randomly—I might be walking down the street when something catches my eye, and I start taking pictures on the spot or rush home to bring the vision to life. My process isn't always defined, and that's the beauty of art—its spontaneity. I let the piece lead me; I'm just the medium.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

I still consider myself a beginner, but from my experience, I'd say: make sure your passion runs deep. It should be so strong that it reflects in the way you talk about your art, your process, and your ambitions. This industry comes with challenges—people will disrespect your work, undervalue your time, and question your worth. If it's just a hobby, those obstacles might discourage you. And above all, seek and hold onto the most creative being of all time—the one true God, Jesus Christ.

Finally, where can people connect with your work and support what you do?

You can find me mainly on Instagram and X @daevidadeola. I also sell digital copies of my work on select platforms, all linked in my Linktree. If you're interested in a print of any piece, feel free to reach out!