As the world becomes borderless each day, it means opportunities across the globe become more accessible. However, to be privy to these opportunities, one needs access, skills and a nudge in the right direction. This is where platforms like New Comma come in.
New Comma is an inspiring new platform that is set to help young creatives with a pathway into the industry. With a focus on native and diasporan African talent, the site looks to showcase their work and empower African creatives with opportunities and resources to compete locally, as well as on an international scale. It is also a place for agencies and global industry leaders to mentor these trailblazers.
Led by two Ghanaian creatives living in the UK, New Comma’s founders believe that for Africa’s creative scene to truly become the high-value sector it deserves, it requires collaborative action, as well as intellectual and financial support. With its expanding digital economy, declines in data costs, and – in light of the pandemic – a shift towards remote workspaces, the continent’s creative industries are in a good place.
Tunji Ogunoye, Team Lead of Nigerian Design platform DearDesignr is keen to mentor through the site. He says “The essence of creating a platform to mentor young and upcoming creatives is to empower them with direct access to useful resources. New Comma seeks to help African and diasporan creatives find their footing within the industry, and we believe young creatives have a lot to watch out for as more opportunities and access are being put in place to hasten their growth in the industry”.
Young Africans between the ages of 12 and 35 are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth population by 2030 (PRB, 2019). With such a large population of young people on the continent, it’s imperative that structures are put in place to support them and connect them with other Africans across the diaspora in the creative field.
“Our goal is to create an ecosystem for African creatives to enhance the quality of the work they produce while being in control of their own narrative on a platform that is made especially for them,” says Natalie Narh, Co-Founder of New Comma.
“Many creatives have great potential, but lack access to opportunities and resources that level the playing field to compete locally and on an international scale,” adds Nigel Atta-Mensah, Co-Founder of New Comma
New Comma is looking to benefit creatives in many ways, for example –
– Creating a free portfolio to showcase their work
– The opportunity to meet other creatives working locally, or across the African diaspora
– Joining mentorship schemes with industry leaders across the African continent and its diaspora
– Gaining creative tips and insights from events tailored for an African audience
– Finding gigs and other work opportunities
– Aligning their skills with relevant requirements
The platform is also open to the following-
Agencies
The site will provide a pool of African talent for organizations/enquirers looking to hire part-time and full-time creative roles locally or internationally.
Mentors
New Comma will also create avenues for agencies to support upcoming creatives through mentorship schemes, sponsorships and more.
Enthusiasts
Curating a collection of content for creative enthusiasts who don’t necessarily want to embark on a creative career, but enjoy navigating the scene.
Daniel Ampofo, Founder of the creative hub Dex Ghana believes “One of the easiest ways to grow as a creative, is to belong to a community. It exposes you to a pool of resources and experiences that make your journey smoother if you were going alone. These are the possibilities New Comma will be creating for creative space – an avenue that fosters collaboration and support”.
The waitlist for New Comma is currently open and interested creatives and enthusiasts can #GetWaitlisted at new-comma.com
Follow New Comma on Twitter and Instagram for updates and creative business tips.