Abuja-based artist and designer Sherif Apampa is making waves in the creative world with his emotionally-driven work that celebrates Nigerian culture, boyhood, and innocence. Operating from his independent studio Our Forever Youth Studio and through his graphic journal God's Own Country, Apampa creates bold and beautiful imagery across multiple mediums that documents his homeland of Nigeria.

Apampa describes his distinctive approach as having "an affinity for image treatments," with techniques that lean toward an analog feel achieved both by hand and through software. "Textures are an important part of my work because they bring a human touch," he explained. This tactile and illustrative approach to graphic design has been heavily influenced by cinema and photography, as well as From Form, the creative studio for design and film that has served as continuous inspiration for analog effects.

Rather than limiting himself to traditional labels, Apampa has built an expansive practice in the arts and entertainment industry that spans multiple disciplines. His work is governed by a philosophy of using art as an entry point to communicate meaningful messages. "The designer believes that viewers often find a way to connect to his work through its tactile qualities, or through his subject matter," noting that his portfolio maintains "a sensitive and sustained focus on Nigerian culture, boyhood and innocence."

For Apampa, his artistic mission serves a deeper purpose rooted in cultural preservation and national healing. "In one sense, it's my way of grieving what was lost. In another, I want to give people what I think they need: Nigerians need national pride to fight apathy, and men need to find themselves again," he shared. This philosophy drives his commitment to creating work that not only showcases Nigerian heritage but also provides positive role models and cultural touchstones.

These themes came to life in Apampa's recent project "Player Club," where he highlighted Nigerian football heroes throughout history in a series that presented each figure as a collectible trading card. The project was created as a direct response to a significant gap in Nigerian education – the removal of history as a standalone subject in the Nigerian school curriculum until January of this year. This educational policy change had effectively stripped Nigerians of access to positive, influential figures from their past to look back on and draw inspiration from.

"The recognition of these players was a response to the removal of history as a standalone subject in the Nigerian school curriculum," Apampa explained. "Player Club is my way of fulfilling this" need for historical connection and national pride. Through his artistic interpretation of these football legends, Apampa provides a visual archive that celebrates Nigerian achievement and gives young people heroes to admire.

Apampa's broader body of work includes various projects that continue to explore themes of identity, community, and cultural preservation. His graphic journal "God's Own Country" features work like "Coming Home," while other notable projects include "Onye Aghala Nwanneya," "Unforgettable by Jacari," "World Building as a form of story-telling," and "Our Homecoming." Each project demonstrates his commitment to analog-inspired design techniques and his mission to strengthen Nigerian cultural identity through art.

As one of those creatives who is "balancing it all," Apampa represents a new generation of African artists who are using their platforms to address social issues while celebrating their heritage. His work serves as both artistic expression and cultural activism, providing a bridge between Nigeria's rich history and its contemporary creative landscape. Through his sensitive design practice, Apampa continues to tackle the complex themes of cultural identity, masculinity, and national pride that resonate far beyond Nigeria's borders.