SA: Can you start by introducing yourself to our readers? Tell us a bit about your background and what you do.
My name is Kwame Koda. I am a professional photographer and director specializing in creating visual content for both local and international brands. I am from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and have permanently relocated to Accra, Ghana.
SA: Do you remember any particular moments or experiences from your childhood that sparked your interest in visual storytelling?
Absolutely, I can remember as far back as kindergarten. I remember my excitement when I had to use a crayon to colour a drawing of a tomato. Aside from that, I also remember drawing human faces. I loved to draw all the time; my exercise books in primary school were always filled with drawings. I also really loved Ghanaian movies.
SA: Were there any books, movies, or art pieces that left a lasting impression on you as a child?
Yes! I can never forget owning a ‘Dennis & Gnasher’ book. I used to watch the entire cartoon on TV, and it was interesting to see pictures of my favourite cartoon in a book. I remember sometimes tracing some of the drawings with a pencil just to recreate them.
SA: Were there any childhood experiences that you feel significantly shaped your creative journey?
I think it would have to be my love for drawing and colours. I loved drawing and had a passion for it, which shaped everything for me.
SA: Did you have a mentor or a significant figure who encouraged your interest in the arts?
I lived in a compound house back in Kumasi, and there was an older guy living with us who taught me how to draw. His name was Ernest. Ernest encouraged my passion for the arts the most, as everyone else wasn’t too interested.
SA: What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your early photography experiences?
Always come along with extra light!” I remember showing up for my first photography gig one time during the day. We couldn’t shoot during the day because the rain had started, so we had to wait till evening for the guests to show up, and that was a very horrible day for me.
SA: Can you tell us the story behind your first camera and the first photo you ever took?
I used to borrow cameras from some of my friends back then to shoot. I started practising a lot with them and even began making some money on the side. One time, a friend told me that the next time I brought the camera back, I would have to pay for it. By the time I returned the camera, I had saved enough money for my first camera. The first photo I ever took was during a photoshoot I did for a friend’s Instagram page. She was into creating influencer content at the time.
SA: Looking back, what would you say were the key milestones in your journey as a photographer and creative director?
There have been many highlights, but just to mention a few: collaborating with Samsung, shooting for the likes of Stonebwoy, Not3s, Lance Gross, and many more; directing music videos for Kidi, Fameye, Pato Ranking, Stonebwoy, etc.; and also producing music videos for Omah Lay and Ninho.
SA: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about being a full-time creative entrepreneur?
I think that would be that we don’t make enough to make it a full-time business, which is not true. There are so many ways to generate leads, for sure. I personally recommend creating your own opportunities around industries that may need your services consistently.
SA: How important has networking and building relationships been to your success?
I started directing music videos last year, and as of now, I have about 15 videos to my name. I have never reached out to anyone to shoot a video; it has all been through the power of networking and relationships. That’s how important it is.
SA: Can you share a story of a major failure or setback and how you bounced back from it?
Certainly, I remember my first year of directing. I had a huge financial loss on a major production, and not only that, but I also went into debt within the same period on the same job. I had to take out some loans to pay off my debt, but despite all this, I managed to bounce back within a month and even bought my first car.
SA: How do you deal with the pressure of constantly having to innovate and stay ahead in your field?
I’m currently dealing with it now. I try to stay focused and get more sunlight. I have long-term goals that are much bigger than me now. My pursuit of achieving them always keeps me ahead; you will always find me doing something better at every point.
SA: What inspired you to start Kodafix Studios, and what is its mission?
I started Kodafix back in high school. I wanted to create a brand that stands for all my creative capabilities. Kodafix is a combination of Koda + Graphics + Fix. I believe art is meant to solve problems, so I wanted a design hub or platform that uses creative art to fix problems in society.
SA: What are some of the core values that drive the work at Kodafix Studios?
It’s simple: precision + creativity + innovation.
SA: What was the inspiration behind the Suntopia Art Exhibition series?
“The sky is the limit,” they say. Well, how about touching the sun? How about reaching deep into the mind to do the extraordinary?
The Suntopia story begins at the beach, where the sun touches the surface of the earth beyond the horizon. Symbolically, the sunset represents our personal goals as humans.
The use of the sun is to inspire and encourage people to increase their capabilities, expand the use of their talents, and dive deep into their minds to manifest the genius within, through the pursuit of the sun.
SA: How did you develop the themes and concepts for Suntopia Art Exhibition I & II?
I believe the best stories come from personal experiences. My themes and concepts come from my own life experiences and some of the emotions I harbour most of the time.
SA: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while organizing these exhibitions?
It’s mostly been about picking the right locations for the exhibition. I quickly learned that most galleries in Accra would likely prefer to work with contemporary artists specializing in traditional techniques such as painting rather than photography. Regardless, we always make things work.
SA: How did the public respond to Suntopia I & II?
Amazingly, I actually did no promotion at all for the two events, but the turnout was always surprising!
SA: What impact do you hope the Suntopia exhibitions will have on the art community in Ghana and beyond?
I wish for Ghanaian artists to create and host their own exhibitions. The idea of waiting and looking for opportunities shouldn’t be the only option; we should always be able to create our own opportunities.
SA: How do you approach visual storytelling in your work?
I mostly and simply go by picking a concept, planning it out, producing the content, and then finally promoting the work.
SA: Can you share a project that you are particularly proud of and why it stands out to you?
I believe that would be the one I worked on for Fameye’s ‘Songs of Peter’ album cover. It’s a personal favourite, and I think it stands out to me because of its deep meaning. He himself even tattooed the typography of the title on his arm.
SA: What keeps you inspired and motivated to push the boundaries of your creativity?
It has to be the idea of chasing the sun. I always want to constantly push myself and push more boundaries in my field. The sun is the farthest object from the Earth. If I’m going to try and reach for it, then I have a very long way to go!
SA: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in photography and digital marketing?
I try to follow the very best visual artists in the world at the moment, learning and unlearning all the time. I’m not actually a fan of trends; I try to stay in my lane and consistently get better at my style and craft.
SA: When you’re not behind the camera, what other hobbies or interests do you pursue?
Travelling and Swimming
SA: What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of photography and visual arts?
I want to be remembered for my use of colour and the orange circle, and most importantly, for my message of faith and belief in one’s God-given talent.
SA: How do you plan to give back to the creative community and support emerging artists?
Through my exhibitions, art talks, and creative workshops, I aim to constantly motivate and educate people about art.
SA: Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, absolutely! But I’d rather not say anything for now—just stay tuned.
SA: How do you handle criticism in your professional journey?
I barely receive any, but I wish I had more. I need to get better at things I may not be doing right.
SA: What role do you believe visual art plays in shaping cultural and social narratives?
A very big role, as a matter of fact. We are moved by the things we see and hear all the time, and visual communication has played a significant role in influencing society and our culture in many different ways.
SA: If you could photograph any event or person, who or what would it be and why?
For now, it would have to be Asake, I really love his personality and the message in his music.
SA: What’s one thing about the photography industry that you think needs to change?
We need to be more open about sharing knowledge and information.
SA: What’s the most bizarre or unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a project?
Partying!
SA: If you had to choose one photo from your portfolio that defines your style, which one would it be and why?
That would be ‘Touching the Sun,’ created in 2022.
SA: What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to photography?
I really hate shooting under harsh lighting.
SA: If you could only use one lens for the rest of your career, which one would it be and why?
50mm lens. I love taking headshots and portraits.
SA: What’s the funniest or most awkward thing that’s happened to you on a photo shoot?
It would have to be my first paid job. I didn’t bring extra lighting, so I had to borrow some from another photographer who was attending the event I was shooting at the time.
SA: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in photography, what would it be?
Have a plan, a big plan, stay focused, and have fun!
SA: What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
“Be stubborn with your goals, but be flexible enough to adjust the details.” — Jeff Bezos
Thank you Kwame Koda!
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