10 Questions with Daniella Uchendu-Oji

Daniella Uchendu-Oji, born on November 3rd, 1998, in Houston, Texas, is a designer and animator whose journey is a testament to the fusion of traditional art and digital innovation. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Daniella was immersed in an environment where technology and creativity were always present, thanks to her family's artistic background. Her mother, a performing artist, and her uncle, a talented drawer, played significant roles in nurturing her artistic talents.

From a young age, Daniella was passionate about both computers and traditional art forms like drawing and painting. This dual interest led her to explore digital tools such as Blender and Photoshop during her middle and high school years. Inspired by music video directors who utilized 3D animation and special effects, she discovered the potential of merging her love for computers with her artistic talents. This realization sparked her interest in computer art, allowing her to tell stories in new and innovative ways.

Daniella is the founder of Geometry Node, a design and animation company, and Tintype, a startup focused on creating tools for creatives who use software. Her work in both ventures is interconnected, with each influencing the other. Her projects emphasize the responsible use of technology, aiming to create sustainable and impactful art.

Her artistic philosophy revolves around storytelling and societal impact. Daniella views her art as narratives that provoke discussion and interpretation. She starts each project with a thesis, providing a clear identity and direction. This approach ensures her work resonates with viewers and sparks meaningful conversations.

Balancing her roles as a designer, animator, and startup developer, Daniella integrates her expertise in digital art with her entrepreneurial spirit. Her projects reflect her dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the intersection of technology and creativity.

daniellauche-oji.com | @theoji_

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art has been my constant companion since childhood, a language through which I've always felt at home. Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in the vibrant and dynamic environment of Lagos, Nigeria, my journey as an artist has been shaped by diverse cultural influences and an early exposure to creativity. With a performing artist mother and an uncle gifted in drawing, my family nurtured my artistic instincts, and these roots have profoundly influenced my path.

Growing up, my world was filled with the dual passions of art and technology. My fascination with computers started early, and by middle school, I was exploring the endless possibilities of digital art through tools like Blender and Photoshop. This blend of traditional drawing and painting with cutting-edge technology has become the hallmark of my work, allowing me to create intricate and compelling visual narratives.

At the heart of my creative process is storytelling. I believe every piece of art should evoke emotion, provoke thought, and spark conversation. Whether I'm working on a design, animation, or any other medium, I begin with a clear concept or thesis, building an identity for each piece before bringing it to life. This approach ensures that my work is not only visually engaging but also rich in meaning and depth.

As the founder of Geometry Node, my design and animation company, and Tintype, a startup focused on developing innovative tools for digital artists, I'm committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve. My projects often explore themes of sustainability and social commentary, reflecting my belief in the power of art to inspire change and make a positive impact.

For me, art is more than just a career—it's a way of seeing the world and connecting with others. It's about taking the familiar and transforming it into something extraordinary, about using creativity to bridge gaps and foster understanding. Through my work, I hope to challenge perceptions, ignite imaginations, and contribute to a more thoughtful and compassionate world.

Cycles, 3D Character, 2023 © Daniella Uchendu-Oji

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us more about your background and how you first got interested in art?

For me, artistic talent has always been a part of my life. Drawing was a big part of my childhood, and I was always known as the artist in the house. I believe I inherited most of my artistic abilities from my mom's side of the family. My mom is a performing artist, and her brother is an excellent drawer. Growing up, two things I loved were computers and art.
I was born in Houston, Texas, but I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. In my house, we were always surrounded by technology—computers, cameras, and my mom was constantly vlogging or taking pictures. When I was 14, I started seriously thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. The influence and talent were already there, and I was super ambitious. That's when I first learned about computer art and realized I could combine my two passions.

You were born in Houston but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. How have these cities influenced your artistic journey?

Lagos mostly because that's where I spent most of my childhood. Honestly, growing up as an aspiring artist in Nigeria isn't exactly a walk in the park. You'll constantly be overlooked, even by teachers—everyone just tags you as a failure.Fortunately, I had support at home, but in boarding school (Middle and High School), it was a different story. They always told us that if we didn't go into science or something 'respectable,' we'd end up broke. So, there was this constant need to prove yourself, especially if you didn't come from a wealthy family.
Art class in high school was a sanctuary where I found others who saw life the way I did and were enduring the same treatment. We even had teachers who would walk into our class just to tell us we'd be nothing—it was wild times. At 17, I moved back to the States, lived in Philadelphia throughout college, and then moved to Los Angeles after.

Let's talk about your work. How did your passion for art and computers develop, and what led you to focus on 3D animation and visual effects?

I was creating traditionally and for fun—drawing on paper and painting on canvas. Then, in middle school, I stumbled upon Blender and Photoshop. I was always following music video directors and saw an interview with one who said he studied '3D Animation and Special Effects.' That was my "aha" moment.
I had no idea computer art could be a career! So, I started researching and found out that it was a whole world. It blew my mind. At the time, I was really into storytelling, and as I dove deeper into 3D animation, I became more and moreobsessed. I felt super blessed—like, 'Wow, people actually get paid to do this!'

As you mention in your statement, one of your taglines is "I tell stories via design." How do you incorporate narrative elements into your visual art and animations?

I think about everything like a storybook. It usually starts a certain way, and based on the characters' decisions, it can end in one of three ways: tragic, happy, or that ambiguous "to be continued" with no real resolution in sight. When it comes to my work, it depends on whether it's a personal project or client work. Ultimately, every design, piece of art, or animation I create is open for discussion because there's always room for interpretation. That's why I always start with a thesis. It's my way of giving the project an identity before I dive in—like giving a story a title before writing the first chapter.

Spike, Render 3D, 30x30 in, 2022 © Daniella Uchendu-Oji

You are involved with several projects, such as Geometry Node and tintype. How do you balance your work indigital art and design and your involvement in startup development? Do these different areas influence each other?

These are two companies I currently run: Geometry Node, my design and animation company, and Tintype, a startup I'm building for creatives who use the software. Both are in the same creative industry, and most of the things I do in my life will likely be in this space. Since I'm building for computer artists, these areas of my work influence each other significantly. Balancing my work involves a lot of overlap, as the skills and insights from one project often enhance the other.

Ultimately, what messages do you hope to convey through your art? And what impact do you wish to have on the people who experience your work?

Rawness, breaking boundaries and creating your own path. Really something that can make people think or even spark conversations.

In your work, you are constantly dealing with the newest technologies and innovations. How do you keep up to date in this regard? And what is your stand on AI, and what impact will it have on our lives in the future?

I really only deal with New media technologies in my work. I am constantly reading about it and sometimes even come up with my own ideas and create new things. At this point it's a hobby for me - As regards general technology updates; Right now it's producthunt and reddit.
I view AI as a tool designed to expedite workflows and aid in brainstorming. Its primary utility lies in enhancing productivity rather than replacing the essence of art itself. The intrinsic connection between art and the artist remains irreplaceable. When it comes to commerce and business, the rise of AI underscores the ongoing issue of artists being undervalued in the business world. AI only emphasized it; it's not like it didn't already exist. Art's importance in business is the two most important roots of business - Creativity and Communication. The fact is that every business is driven by creativity, and there is no innovation without creativity. Also, art is one of the best channels for communicating your business to the world if you really want to drive sales. So, it's just a matter of acknowledgment.
AI's impact, in my opinion, will be based on how it's adopted and used, and I really do think that it's an individual thing.Many things will be attempted with AI, many things will be created, and just like everything else, it'll have positive and negative impacts. I choose to look at AI as a normal thing because I actually believe that it has always been here - the only difference is the current speed. It's not something that overly excites or worries me, to be honest. It's just a part of evolution - something new will come and take over the buzz soon.

GL, 24x36 in, 2021 © Daniella Uchendu-Oji

Mahalia, 24x36 in, 2021 © Daniella Uchendu-Oji

Speaking of the future, what are some of your future projects or goals, both for your art and your ventures like Geometry Node and Tintype? What legacy do you hope to leave in the art and creative industries?

I won't want to reveal too many things too early, but I'd say that I want to be part of the reasons why artists and creative industries are more sought after in the business world. I'd love a world where artists can just make money from their art and be seen as a legitimate business; I'd love a world where artists are paid for their work, and I'd love a world where artists are respected early so they don't lose their dreams and hopes. It is possible as soon as the world allows more of it.

Lastly, where do you see yourself and your work five years from now?

Oh boy! First of all I'd hope Tintype is already fully out there and adopted in the creative world. I'd want to be fully securing myself, much better at my craft, learn more so I can also come up with more ideas that can help push the art and creative industry forward.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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