Growing up in Dowa, Malawi, I pursued my primary and secondary education at local government schools.

My journey into the world of design, however, began outside the traditional classroom.

Through self-guided learning and consistent practice, I discovered that passion, hard work, and perseverance could open doors that formal education alone might not.

This chapter reflects on that journey, exploring key lessons and insights gained along the way.


Lesson 1: The Power of Self-Learning

How YouTube Became My Classroom

After graduating secondary school, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in IT at Exploits University.

While the curriculum provided a solid foundation, it was through independent learning that I discovered my passion for design.

With help from a friend, I accessed YouTube tutorials on topics I found fascinating—Adobe Illustrator and logo design among them.

I spent countless hours watching and rewatching these tutorials, pushing myself to understand every detail and technique.

Lesson: Self-learning is one of the most powerful tools in today’s world.

It allows you to explore beyond formal education, find your interests, and develop skills that might otherwise remain untapped.


Lesson 2: Embrace the Struggles of Skill Development

Balancing Academic Work and Freelance Projects

By the time I completed my studies, I had already taken on small design projects, creating posters, flyers, banners, and logos for clients.

This phase wasn’t easy—balancing rigorous academic demands with client work and constant self-improvement was challenging.

I spent hours practicing, struggling to choose colors and fonts that would bring my designs to life.