29-year-old Innocent Opiyo is a graphic designer based in Torit, Eastern Equatoria. This talented youngster hails from Obbo village in Magwi county and supports not only his own family but also other members from his community with the money he makes using his artistic skill. Read his interview and be inspired.

What made you decide to become an artist?

I loved art and drawing since I was very young. I seemed to have a natural aptitude for it and continued my interest throughout school. When I was in high school, one of my teachers gave us an art assignment and I won second place. This might seem a small thing, but somehow, I found it very encouraging. I remember drawing a very simple but intricate guava leaf a couple of years later and my teacher awarded me first place, saying my attention to detail was commendable. The drawing was put on display in the teaching staff’s common room. I never stopped loving art after that.

Were your family and friends supportive of your career choice and what challenges have you faced so far? How have you overcome these?

I’m the youngest in the family and everybody always knew I loved drawing and painting. As a digital artist now, one of my biggest challenges comes from the fact that many organizations, especially nongovernmental organizations, give me a lot of work but very little time to complete them. The deadlines are very tight, and the payment, very little.

It’s difficult to make ends meet sometimes, because clients only pay me a part of the money for a project in advance. The remaining payments are also often delayed. Because of this, I sometimes must survive on small loans from friends and family. When I finally do get paid, most of my income goes in paying off the money I borrow promptly.

I don’t come from a rich family and lack of capital is something all South Sudanese artists must combat. This pattern can be disheartening. But there’s always good news as well. For example, right now I’m working on a contract to design 30 signposts for AVSI, an NGO. The money they promised to pay me is enough to not only finish the job well but also add to my savings.

What motivates you to use your talent to advocate for social justice and peace, despite the hardships? Can you give us an example of the positive reactions you have got from people?

I believe that young people must be economically independent. Peace and stable finances go together. My dream would be to open a company that provides digital art services with like-minded people. However, starting your own business requires baseline financing. I have rented a small place and, together with another graphic designer run a small design studio called BILO Arts and Design Enterprise, which I established in 2017.

 I’ve received a lot of encouragement and good feedback from everybody who comes to my studio regarding the work I do.

Some have given me great ideas to expand. I believe in partnerships and collaboration so I when I receive a contract, I work with fellow graphic artists in Juba or even in Kampala who help me out with supplies that I can’t find here in Torit, for example. I try and return the favour in whichever capacity I can. It’s all about reciprocity.

Why is it important for young people to be actively involved in politics and speak up on issues that impact them directly?

I’m an artist, first and foremost. I’ve grown up amid conflict, and frankly, I don’t like or enjoy politics. I often avoid conversations about political issues with my peers because it can be so highly contentious and create conflict. However, I firmly believe in peace and harmony. I always help others like me because I believe artists should lift each other up. We are young people and we can lead by example.

How do you think youth can be empowered across South Sudan?

I’ll give a one-word answer: entrepreneurship. I believe that the one thing that engages youth is the ability to start something of their own. If young people across this country are empowered to start their own businesses they will usher in an era of peace and prosperity, economic stability and social cohesion. We need to live a life where we see true progress and not just have political ambitions.

What do you feel your country needs most at this moment in time and why?

The first thing everyone needs in South Sudan is peace. People here are crying because of war, crying because of hunger, ambushes and violence. When there is peace, you will find everybody is gainfully employed, there is enough food on the table and there is happiness everywhere. But with the current situation we are in, unemployment is rampant even among educated youth. This is why we see criminality. Conflict has blocked every opportunity for people to self-actualize and have the freedom to choose how to live their lives. We need peace now.

If you had a message for the youth of South Sudan, what would it be?

My message to young people is that they should keep striving to develop vocational skills, as these skills are certain to bring quick progress, rather than hoping to land white-collar jobs, which are not available now. I also appeal to the young girls to finish their education and speak up against cultural traditions that force them to drop out of school at an early age. Girls deserve the same learning opportunities as boys.