Today we’d like to introduce you to Toyin Cole.
Toyin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Art has always been a passion of mine. I can remember it distinctly beginning in elementary school and the excitement I felt as I sat at my desk watching the clock until it came time to go to art class. Anything to do with art was a big deal; from choosing the right shade of blue, I wanted to color the sky to which colors I wanted to use when painting my artwork and pottery. I was literally lovestruck. Art has always been a form of self-expression for me and I enjoyed how it made me feel so I decided late in high school that I was going to make it into a career. I entered into SCC and later transferred to UCF studying Art and graduated with a B.F.A in Graphic Design. Getting my B.F.A. was not the easiest goal as I became a single mother during my undergraduate years and pushed through my studies juggling a newborn baby while relentlessly trying to earn my bachelor’s degree.
With most of my family out of state and with very little help, I quickly learned how to be adamant, resourceful and continue to strive with the expectations of greatness even when there seemed to be no way. After college, these learned traits afforded me the ability to work with reputable organizations like Orlando Health, Florida Blue and Onyx Magazine. Today, I work as a graphic designer and photographer under my company T. Photography & Design, specializing in brand development, including establishing brand identities, content creation and brand photography. I help businesses find their brand’s voice and communicate it through design.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road and at times, it can still get a little rocky. Because I was so used to handling things on my own, I never really had a mentor or someone who could guide me through the difficulties of entrepreneurship. I was so stubborn and set in my ways of figuring things out on my own that I lost a lot of valuable time that could have been spent on growth instead of going through trial and error.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in business brand development by helping my clients establish brand identities through their stories. This includes designing and forming visible elements such as color palettes, logo design, content creation, marketing collateral and attributes that identify and distinguish their brand in consumers’ minds. I also specialize in brand photography, which is a major key in brand development by producing images that communicate the voice of a brand. I have been able to create images through product photography and branding sessions that stand out within my client’s industry by showcasing their personality and incorporating what makes them unique in their imagery. I am so proud of the strides that I have taken within my business.
From the knowledge that I have acquired, the people who I’ve met, to the companies and organizations that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’ve been able to take on some pretty amazing projects and always enjoy being able to sit back and admire my contribution to creating something that matters and makes a difference. I think what sets me apart from others is genuinely just being me. My experiences, what I’ve seen and how I interpret a concept makes me who I am and has a lot to do with the work that I produce. I enjoy pushing boundaries and welcoming new experiences because that is what brings growth. Growth is a daily goal of mine and I constantly strive to break barriers to reveal new levels of success.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to keep learning, making new connections, expand my team and build within my business. I’m really big on making connections because the paths we cross are what helps to shape us as an individual, build our core values and help prepare us for future opportunities. I’ve done quite a bit of project in other states and countries and would love to continue down that path. I’d love to take on more international projects, travel and acquire more culture to incorporate within my designs. My plans for the future are limitless and I look forward to the many expected experiences.
Contact Info:
- Email: toyincn@gmail.com
- Website: www.toyincole.com
- Instagram: @toyinphotodesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyinphotodesign
