Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Rukhayat Orekoya—familiarly known as "Rukky"—is a multidisciplinary brand designer and illustrator with over four years of experience shaping vibrant visual identities for startups. Her career is marked by a deep-seated commitment to storytelling, a skill she has honed while helping brands navigate the intersection of digital-first products and human-centered design. Currently serving as a Brand Designer at the food delivery giant Chowdeck, she has become a central figure in crafting the playful yet efficient visual language that defines one of Nigeria’s most recognizable consumer apps.

What distinguishes Orekoya’s work is her rare ability to fuse bespoke illustrations with strategic brand assets, ensuring they are not just decorative but strictly "fit for purpose." Through projects like Partna, where she led as primary visual designer; she utilized custom color directions and playful illustrations to represent the payment stack designed to make it easier for global businesses to launch and operate in Africa. By treating illustrations as a functional extension of a brand’s voice, she bridges the gap between cold digital interfaces and the warm, vibrant realities of her users’ everyday lives.

Beyond her technical versatility, Orekoya’s brilliance is defined by her role as a community pillar and a transparent practitioner. Her leadership within organizations like Professor Ayodele Awojobi Design Competition (PAADC) and her commitment to sharing her iterative process demonstrate a "design-forward" philosophy that prioritizes both education and inclusivity. Ultimately, she is a designer who understands that for a brand to truly succeed in the African market, it must move beyond utility to become a recognizable part of the user’s daily narrative—a feat she achieves with a signature blend of strategic clarity and visual soul.

Follow @rukkyart and read more stories on https://lagos-meet.com/