Senior’s ‘soulful’ art design wins BET HBCU contest

Senior’s ‘soulful’ art design wins BET HBCU contest

Senior’s ‘soulful’ art design wins BET HBCU contest

UDC student Folahanmi “Fola” Akinleye won first place in the 2021 BET Soul Train HBCU Art Design Contest with a design inspired by soul music in the city. Held to mark the 50-year milestone of “Soul Train,” an iconic Black cultural institution, the contest was open to graphic artists/illustrators who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.UDC student Folahanmi “Fola” Akinleye won first place in the 2021 BET Soul Train HBCU Art Design Contest with a design inspired by soul music in the city. Held to mark the 50-year milestone of “Soul Train,” an iconic Black cultural institution, the contest was open to graphic artists/illustrators who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Akinleye, a senior in the Bachelor of Arts graphic design program, received a prize of $4,000, and UDC received $5,000. In addition, he will attend the BET Awards in Los Angeles this summer.

Akinleye’s winning piece depicts an African American woman standing, eyes closed, with a city in the background. Around her neck is an African pendant, and the words “Let Your Soul Glow” sit above her while musical instruments surround her.

“The piece was made to represent soul music and the state of mind it puts us in,” Akinleye said. “The calming, subtle nature of her demeanor calms the viewer as the colors of the instruments and elements pop and capture the viewer’s attention.”

Folahanmi “Fola” Akinleye UDC StudentA native Washingtonian, Akinleye chose to attend UDC because “it represents D.C. and what we stand for.” In addition to his studies, Akinleye works in Enrollment Services as a graphic designer/marketing assistant and has helped produce several design concepts displayed across campus. Akinleye’s work can be viewed through his online portfolio.

“Fola is a treasured asset in Enrollment Services,” Office Manager Pamela Gammage said. “His creativity and ability to effortlessly create graphics are amazing. It is wonderful to see his talent and ability recognized.”

Akinleye’s goal is to launch his own design business that emphasizes the relationship between art and technology. “This award will help me further my career goals by creating an avenue for me to better express abstract ideas, thoughts and emotions through art,” he said. “It will contribute to a foundation of my creative processes being showcased and appreciated.”

Akinleye’s winning design appears on various merchandise in the BET Store and can be purchased here.