Available for work

2026

Featured in Behance · Awwwards

About me

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Zara

Okafor

Zara

Okafor

Zara

Okafor

Designer, art director, collector of good ideas.

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I grew up in Lagos surrounded by colour, noise and some of the boldest visual culture in the world. Market signage, Aso Ebi prints, hand painted barbershop boards. Long before I knew the word design, I was studying it.

I studied Visual Communication at the University of Lagos, then spent five years in agencies across Lagos and London working with brands in fashion, food and hospitality. In 2021 I went independent to work closer to founders and give every project the attention it deserves.

Today I partner with brands from Lagos to Lisbon, building identities and campaigns that feel considered, confident and impossible to forget.

[Philosophy]

What I believe

  1. Clarity first

If it doesn't say something, it doesn't stay.

  1. Culture is a tool

The best brands borrow from real life, not trends.

  1. Details carry weight

People feel the small things even when they can't name them.

  1. Work together

The best ideas come from honest conversations, not big reveals.

[Experience]

Independent

Visual designer and art director

2021 to now

Independent

Visual designer and art director

2021 to now

Studio Nkem, London

Senior designer

2019 to 2021

Studio Nkem, London

Senior designer

2019 to 2021

Oyster Creative, Lagos

Designer

2017 to 2019

Oyster Creative, Lagos

Designer

2017 to 2019

Anthill Agency, Lagos

Junior designer

2016 to 2017

Anthill Agency, Lagos

Junior designer

2016 to 2017

[Capabilities and tools]

Capabilities

Brand strategy · Identity design · Art direction · Typography · Editorial layout · Campaign creative · UI design

Tools

Figma · Adobe Illustrator · Photoshop · InDesign · After Effects · Framer

[Beyond the studio]

Off the clock

When I’m not designing, I’m hunting vintage prints at Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, building a record collection that’s mostly Afrobeat and jazz, or planning the next trip with a camera in hand. I also mentor young designers through monthly portfolio reviews, because someone once did the same for me.

Got a brand that deserves to be remembered?

I take on a limited number of projects each quarter so every one gets my full attention. Tell me what you’re building and let’s see if we’re a fit.

Lagos, Nigeria (GMT+1)

02:23

© 2026 Zara Okafor. All rights reserved.

Built by Blessing Adewale (Teeblix) for you :)

Zara

Okafor

© 2026 Zara Okafor. All rights reserved.

Built by Blessing Adewale (Teeblix) for you :)

Zara

Okafor

© 2026 Zara Okafor. All rights reserved.

Built by Blessing Adewale (Teeblix) for you :)

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