Name:
Jessica Udeh

Hey Jess, we're going right into it. What's your main job/role, as well as in hierarchy, the other things you do ; be it in the white collar realm, design, sound, service etc :

Jess:
"Hi guys, very happy doing this with you! My main role is Head of Community at an e-commerce tech startup called NASO. I connect us to different niche artists and brands who I think would make great use of the platform. I also manage our events and community network. I’m also excited to share that I’ve just taken on a monumental role as Art Director for WACO Theater's annual publication—a position I’ve been working towards for a while. It’s a major step in my journey, giving me the opportunity to lead the visual direction for an incredible organisation. Beyond that, I’m a creative multi-hyphenate: a collage artist, DJ, sound designer, and freelance brand strategist. I specialise in web and graphic design, brand identity, EPKs (electronic press kit), content and event production, and much more."

How do you manage balancing being the Head of Community at NASO with your other creative and freelance pursuits?

Jess:
"It’s all about staying organized and knowing when to switch gears. I’m very intentional with my time. My corporate role might have set hours, but my creative work is flexible. I schedule tasks based on energy levels—if I feel creative in the evening, I’ll work on my art or sound projects then. Also, really feeling for everything I do keeps me motivated to manage it all."

How does your nomadic lifestyle influence your work and creativity? What are the pros and cons of being a 'global ghost' and how have you been able to do this?

*Global Ghost : someone who physically bounces between places in the world .

"here one minute, there the next".*

Jess:
"Being a 'global ghost' keeps my creativity alive. Constantly changing environments sparks new ideas and perspectives. However, it can be challenging to maintain a routine or feel grounded. What allows me to live this way is a mix of remote work, conscious financial planning, and securing gigs in advance.

I pitch myself wherever I go ahead of time as well as when in those spaces (hence being able to make money on the go and afford things), whether it's through social media, networking, or just being vocal about what I can offer."

How did you navigate your way into multiple fields like tech, art, and sound design? Could you share how others might find similar opportunities?

Jess:
"It started with a desire to diversify my skills. I began as a collage artist in 2016, then DJing in 2017, and later sound design in 2018. My big break came when I reached out to a mentor I found online (shots heavily advised for people to always shoot). I offered to do for others what I was doing for myself, and it led to an unpaid internship, then to project management roles, and eventually paid contracts. My advice? Don’t be afraid to reach out, even for unpaid opportunities at first—learn and grow from them. Leverage social media to showcase your work, and always pitch yourself."

What actionable tips would you give to someone looking to succeed in your field? What should they focus on?

Jess:
"Never stop pitching yourself. Be vocal about your skills and what you can offer, especially on social media. Create and share your work consistently—let your creativity speak for itself. Focus on building genuine relationships, both online and offline, and always be ready to adapt. Also, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out, meet them, create them."

In more detail, how do you afford and sustain your nomadic lifestyle, and what does pitching yourself look like?

Jess:
"Conscious planning is key. I plan my travels months ahead and secure gigs or contract jobs in those locations. My income comes from a mix of my NASO role, freelance gigs, and projects I pitch myself for—like DJing, art direction, and sound design. Pitching yourself is about confidence. You need to show why you’re perfect for the job—whether it’s in a DM, email, or face-to-face. Be clear about your value and how you can meet their needs uniquely."

How has trusting your mentors and pushing through self-doubt helped shape your career, and how do you plan to use your new role to uplift your community?

With this new role, I now have the creative freedom to hire friends and individuals I believe are well-suited for the positions. This is incredibly important to me, as I’m passionate about providing opportunities to my peers and the wider audience of capable people i come across. 

I was introduced to this job opportunity by one of my mentors, and I honestly never thought I’d get it. But I did—and this experience has taught me something valuable: we should pursue things even when we feel scared or anxious. As creatives, we must learn to trust in other people’s confidence in our abilities, even when we can’t fully see it in ourselves. Now that I’ve secured the role, I realise there’s truly no one better suited for it. Just imagine if I hadn’t taken that chance. 

What are your aspirations moving forward? How do you see your career and personal life evolving?

Jess:
"I’m focused on expanding my creative projects, especially in music and sound design. I’m also looking to solidify my presence in the tech world, perhaps even starting my own agency. I want to continue exploring the world, but with a more sustainable and balanced approach. In addition, I’m transitioning into becoming a recording artist and reconnecting with my musical roots. I'm also exploring object and fashion design, allowing the childlike creativity I once suppressed to guide me as I move forward in my journey.

Im playing the balancing act.

How i see the journey ; It’s all about growth - both creatively and professionally."

Words : Jessica Udeh | Iletutu Awosika | Cynthia Onyebu

Visuals : Ore omoboriowo

Bonds, Better together : Journal Entry | Aug - Sept 2024