Bukola Dagiloke is a graphic designer who studied at the University of the Arts LCC, graduating in 2006 with a BA Hons in Information Design and an FdA in Graphic Design for Communication. Working as the Creative Editor at photography studio Urban Photography after graduating, Bukola wanted to venture out on her own as a freelance designer.

Struggling to raise her profile in order to recruit regular clients and get paid for the design work produced, Bukola signed up to CIDA’s Digital Women’s Club project.

“I came across CIDA though DV8 training where I joined the Digital Women’s Club.”

CIDA’s Digital Women’s Club [DWC] project began as a route into the creative industries for women who were unemployed or running sole trader businesses. It was funded by LDA (London Development Agency) via ESF (European Social Fund) and offered accredited training and business development in film, music, literature, web design, TV and design.

“The DWC experience was definitely the beginning for be360 Design. Going into the course, I didn’t know what to expect, but coming out and reflecting a number of years later it still amazes me that so much can be achieved in such a short space of time. The guest speakers that came to visit such as the editor of the notorious urban lifestyle editorial Trace magazine gave me a great insight into the possibilities and the benefits of having an agency that combines quality photography and design.”

“The talks equipped me with the relevant insider scoop on the industry that would help push be360 Design into the forefront of the urban design and media industry. Reflecting back I can appreciate the highlights, the journey and development that have taken place as a result of the course and that all obstacles can be overcome no matter how big or small.”

“I have developed a loyal client base and using the marketing and networking skills and I have managed to attract the right type of clients and contracts to work on. After learning the basic web design skills on the DWC programme I have gone on to studying web design in depth and also used the skills I was taught on the course to set up my second company The I Feel Experience Ltd.”

The I Feel Experience project was founded in 2007 and has developed to help provide opportunities and experience for the next generation of emerging talent trying to break into the fashion and media industries within the United Kingdom. The project seeks to identify the potential within the models and young creative’s involved and give them the opportunities to gain confidence and a true insight into the fashion and media industry.

“I set up the project because I could see that young talented people were often struggling to show their true potential within these industries and often struggle to find the right type of experiences and opportunities to move them forward in the industry. The IFE projects are progressing well, we are now running modelling, styling, make-up artistry and photography courses as well as providing opportunities for young people to get involved with events such as the Alternative Fashion Week and a whole host of other events.”

Bukola’s involvement with CIDA didn’t end there. In 2010, Bukola applied to be part of CIDA’s Action Digital project. Action Digital supported unemployed/under-employed artists in producing and running an advertising/communications campaign in commercial conditions, offering participants direct experience of using their creative skills in a small campaign team including design, idea development, digital, budgeting and project management.

“I got involved in Action Digital because I have a passion for advertising and have always wanted to work within the advertising industry. I learned a lot about the industry and honed some of the creative skills that I don’t often get the chance to use in my day to day projects.”

Bukola is currently teaching web design and graphic design skills to 16 -19 year olds at DV8 Training as well as freelancing as a graphic designer and art director with various clients.

Bukola is also running a series of courses at Waltham Forest College with The I Feel Experience Ltd, providing training and experience for young people that want to get into the fashion and media industries.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such innovative projects at CIDA and feel I have taken a lot away from them in terms of creative thinking and applying theses to practical projects.”

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