I’ve been creating art my entire life, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I decided to take it seriously, eventually becoming a professional artist in 2015. I used to be a fashion designer with my own brand, but I quit after failing terribly—despite being born into the business. I was younger than everyone working for me, and at some point, I felt they weren’t taking me seriously. The stress nearly drove me insane, and I was losing money I didn’t have. It felt like I couldn’t get anything right. I needed a break.

I traveled to the U.S. to escape and rethink my path. One day, after visiting the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, I whispered to myself, “I can do this. I can be in this museum one day.” A seed was planted. That night, I began sketching. The first thing I drew was a character with big eyes. I don’t know why, but there it was—staring back at me.

I left the U.S., returned home to Ghana, and couldn’t shake this burning desire to create art. It consumed me. I drove straight to the art store for supplies. I’d never painted before, but that didn’t stop me. Without tutorials, I dove into this new world. I painted one of my sketched characters: big round black eyes, red skin. I had no idea what I was doing—I just wanted to create. Lost in the process, I finished it and made three more that same week. Something told me to post them online (Instagram). I did. Moments later, an old friend sent me a direct message. She loved my work. I assumed she was just being nice—until she asked to call.

During the call, she requested I give two paintings to her friend, who was leaving for Nigeria that night. Hesitant but curious, I agreed. When she asked about the price, I said, “$30,” but the line cut.

A couple of weeks later, she called again. The artwork had sold—for $800—and she was sending me the money. “WHAT?!” I couldn’t believe it until the payment arrived.

Wow. I can actually make a living from something I’d do for free? I was sold. I vowed to become an artist—not just any artist, but an internationally recognized one. Every now and then, I reflect on the serendipitous chain of events that led you to read this.

My name is Midichi, and I’m an advanced contemporary artist.
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