Multi-disciplined Creative Nana Poley [@Nana_Poley] highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone

Creative entrepreneur, Nana Poley specialises in photography, creative writing, art direction and production. As a multidisciplined creative, Nana has used this to create impact within the creativity industry in Ghana. Achieving a Communications (Journalism) degree from Ghana Institute of Journalism Nana’s strong storytelling and academic skills has enabled him to be authentic. Nana is well-versed in Accra’s landscape and knows exactly where to find the hot spots within the city to help bring ideas to life. Read more for our exclusive interview with Nana:

You are a multi-disciplined creative, tell us more about how you gained access into the industry?

“Storytelling has always been my first love; from broadcast / print journalism to film &
photography. I have always loved the art of storytelling. I have always been a creative person since childhood. Back in Nursery school, I was the basquiat in my Crayon art class. My bedroom walls were tattooed with crayon abstract. Fast forward to junior high, pre-technical skills and picture making were my academic report boosters. I’m rarely confused about my wants and how to achieve this. So, it is not surprising how I have been doing this creative business, professionally since 2010. Starting off with event photography.”

Tell us more about the work you have done in the space, as I know your work is not limited to just photography?

“I have done so much outside my photography perimeters. Styling and creative direction was something I believe fill in dots of my visual storytelling. So, communicating through clothes, poses and location was very vital to me. I have worked on so many production sets as a stylist/ styling assistant, producer/ production coordinator and art director etc. My work highlights includes:

GUCCI X MANJU JOURNAL, MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK DIGITAL CAMPAIGN, GLITZ AFRICA FASHION WEEK, AKWASION (Dutch HipHop star), PRINCE OF WALES STATE DINER & FASHION SHOW, CLASH MAGAZINE x MELANIN UNSCRIPTED x AMAARAE.”

What has been the most challenging thing about being an Art Director and Producer?

“Having full creative control! My steadfastness purpose and an intensity of determination is usually quite unnerving if it does not align with my professional purpose. Hence, once I am tasked and I know that a successful completion will get me what I want, I tend to set about it with a tenacity and single-mindedness”.

You have worked on various reputable campaigns and sets. Do you always go with a plan in mind, or do you let creativity take the lead on the day?

“I am a spontaneous, passionate, magnetic, emotional, and determined person. I am very ambitious and driven. When I set a goal, I will work hard and nonstop to achieve that goal. Sometimes because of that “can’t stop, won’t stop” attitude, you can be considered as an opportunist. That is fine, just make sure you do not come across selfish!”

What does the future look like, what can we expect to see from in 2021?

“The future looks like a rainbow at night. Nothing below Surrealism.”

Follow Nana Poley on Instagram.