Rap-approved graphics for Luton art student

Abraham Onafowokan, who studies Graphic Design at the Luton campus, created a visualiser-motion design for a video accompanying the track Love and War by Asher D, aka Ashley Walters – a British rapper and lyricist whose music career started in the late 90s when he joined the UK garage and hip hop group, So Solid Crew.

Asher D went solo in 2006 and is also known for his acting roles in TV and film, with credits including Grange Hill, Top Boy, Bulletproof and Hustle.

Abraham said: “It’s sort of crazy for me to have created something for Asher D, as he is one of my role models.

"He comes from the same area in Peckham I grew up in, and I’ve been a fan of his music and his other work for years.”

Alongside his studies, Abraham works as a freelance graphic designer, working on a range of projects for clients through his own business ‘AO Designs’.

The experience of leading on creative projects for other clients meant Abraham was ready when the opportunity with Asher D came his way.

He said: “I was contacted by the director of the music video to create something they could use for promotion.

"I was given full creative control and I produced a cut out text image with clips from the video inside the text.

“Initially I was just making something to promote the music video online but I was told that the director, Asher D and his management team all really liked what I had come up with and wanted to include in the video itself, which I was really happy to hear!”

The music video launched on the GRM Daily Youtube page last month and has had over 40,000 views so far.

Noel Douglas, senior lecturer in Graphic Design, said: “It's great that Abraham has got to work with a prominent artist like Asher D.

"We have a number of graphic design students who make music and work with musicians which is always exciting.

“One of the projects we explore as part of the Graphic Design course is graphics for music content and it's great that Abraham has been able to showcase his motion graphics skills so well."

Abraham initially joined Bedfordshire on a Business Studies course, but found his calling when visiting a friend studying Advertising and Branding Design at the University’s specialist art building, based in Luton's cultural Hat District area.

He said: “I was doing graphic design work on the side in my spare time whilst studying Business.

"I wasn’t sure if Business was for me and so when I visited the School of Art and Design and saw what the staff and facilities were like, it pushed me to change course to Graphic Design and follow my passion. Honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made."

The Alexon Building, which hosts the School of Art and Design, has custom-built industry standard facilities that have allowed Abraham and fellow students to develop their artistic 'hobbies' and passions into careers.

He said: “The tutors have really helped my perspective in the design industry, and I’m really happy to have made great friends across the university.

“In the future I want to be an established graphic designer working within the design and music industries.

"Specifically, I want to be in a position where I can design artwork, illustrations and motion design for well-known brands and clients.”

To see the music video, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-SYripVRks&feature=emb_logo.