The Risks We Take

Growing up in Nigeria, we often heard the proverb, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket so they don’t all break at once.” This advice, commonly used by teachers and parents, encouraged us to diversify our options as we pursued a career path. However, I chose to defy this conventional wisdom and focus on becoming a published author and illustrator, specializing in comic books.

In a society that often prioritizes professional careers over artistic pursuits, my decision was met with skepticism and criticism. Many around me echoed concerns that I was jeopardizing my future and urged me to pursue a more stable path. Despite these doubts, I remained resolute, choosing to invest all my energy in my artistic ambitions.

The journey was not without its challenges. I faced setbacks and struggled to make progress, while peers who took the more traditional route seemed to advance more quickly. There were moments when failure seemed imminent, and the lack of a safety net loomed large. Nevertheless, my determination and the fear of failure ultimately drove me to persevere

Reflectively, I’ve come to realize that my approach was fuelled by a combination of passion and a fear of regret. Knowing the sacrifices I’ve made and the risks I’ve taken serves as a powerful motivator, propelling me forward even when faced with self-doubt and creative stagnation.

My journey has taught me the importance of acknowledging and leveraging one’s motivations, whether they stem from a desire for success or a fear of failure. By focusing on my goals and reminding myself of the stakes, I’ve managed to maintain momentum and continue pursuing my artistic vision.

Now, as I work on new projects, including my children’s mystery graphic novel series, Korobá, I recognize that my unorthodox approach has become a defining aspect of my creative process. While it may not be the most conventional path, it’s one that has yielded results and continues to drive me forward.

Ultimately, reflecting on your origins and the sacrifices made along the way can serve as a powerful catalyst for perseverance. Recognizing the investments you’ve made – in terms of time, energy, and opportunity – can foster the resilience needed to overcome challenges and stay focused on your goals. This introspective awareness has been instrumental in my own journey, enabling me to maintain momentum and continue striving towards my objectives.

Àlàbá Ònájìn is a Nigerian children’s book author/illustrator based in England. He has always had a passion for telling stories through his drawings, and as a child, was strongly influenced by the illustration style of Hergé’s Tintin series; these books sparked an energy to bring his stories to young readers around the world.

Ònájìn’s work includes two picture books at Random House Studio, Waaa Waaa Goes Tawa! (2022), and Oh No, Ojo (2025). Past books include Anike Eleko, a comic book on girls’ education and On Ajayi Crowther Street, a graphic novel published in collaboration with the German cultural organization Goethe Institut, and other art collaborations with UNESCO on the Role of Women in African History Project, illustrating the lives of three great African women: Funmilayo-Ransome Kuti, Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia, and Miriam Makeba.

You can find him on his website or on Instagram.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: You can win a copy of Korobá by Àlàbá Ònájìn, donated by Holiday House. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment at the bottom of the preview post by Wed., May 13, at 6:00 p.m. EDT. The winner will be randomly selected by Stacey Shubitz and announced at the bottom of the post by Monday, May 18. You must have a U.S. mailing address and provide a valid e-mail address when you post your comment. If you win, Stacey will email you for your mailing address. She will choose a new winner if you do not respond with your mailing address within five days.