Meet Tim Meduna, a Calgary-based, Nigerian-born artist who blurs the line between work and play. As a full-time creative specializing in film, digital art and photography, Tim has cultivated a vibrant portfolio, and the business and financial skills needed to thrive in the art world. 

We caught up with him as he celebrated the debut of his first solo exhibition to talk about the realities of life as a working artist, the rich experiences that inspire his work and the crucial role of financial literacy in building a sustainable creative career. 

From navigating the challenges of self-funded passion projects, to understanding the importance of pricing his work effectively, Tim shares invaluable insights for his fellow working artists.

Q: What’s it like being a working artist?

A: Being a full-time artist is a journey of passion, persistence and purpose. Since moving to Canada three years ago, I’ve committed fully to my art—not as a side hustle, but as my main pursuit. It’s been a rewarding yet demanding experience, requiring not just creativity but also business acumen.

Beyond creating art, a large part of my day is spent managing the business side of things—replying to emails, invoicing, following up with team members and collaborators, and attending business meetings. These administrative tasks are just as crucial as the creative process because they ensure that my practice remains sustainable. While there are challenges, I take pride in the fact that I’ve built something from the ground up, and every milestone is a testament to perseverance and growth.

Q: How have your experiences as a Black artist shaped your approach to the creative process and storytelling?

A: My background plays a significant role in shaping my perspective and artistic voice. I was born in New Bussa, Northern Nigeria, as the last of six children. I lived there until I was four before moving to Ibadan, the ancient city of Oyo State, where I spent the next 20 years of my life. Ibadan was where I cultivated my sense of identity, creativity and cultural awareness. Later, I moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where I transitioned into adulthood and independence, navigating the fast-paced creative industry before eventually relocating to Canada.

These experiences have deeply influenced my storytelling. I explore themes of identity, migration and transformation, pulling from the different environments I’ve lived in and the cultural shifts I’ve experienced. As a Black artist, I strive to create work that honors both the struggles and triumphs of my people, celebrating resilience, beauty and heritage.

Q: What is it like to have your first solo exhibition?

A: It’s both exciting and surreal! My first solo exhibition, "A Classic Night of Art (with Tim Meduna)", features my two collections, ADÚMAADÁN and ÌYANÙOLÚWA. This exhibition is a milestone, giving me the chance to showcase my artistic evolution in an immersive way.

Curating an exhibition requires more than just creating the art—it involves planning, marketing and ensuring that the audience experiences the work in the most impactful way possible. Despite the challenges, I see this as a defining moment in my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with others.

Q: What inspired both of your collections, ADÚMAADÁN and ÌYANÙOLÚWA?

A: ADÚMAADÁN was inspired by the resilience and grace of Black women. The name itself translates to "one who embodies beauty with strength," and the collection is a tribute to the often-overlooked power of Black femininity. Through rich tones, strong poses and ethereal lighting, I aimed to capture both softness and strength in balance.

ÌYANÙOLÚWA is a deeply personal project that reflects on the journey of becoming—rooted in identity, migration and transformation. It explores the tension between tradition and adaptation, the challenges of navigating different worlds, and the power of self-discovery. This collection tells the story of a man finding his way back to himself, embracing both where he comes from and where he is now.

Q: You use the word “transformative” to describe much of your work. What significance does transformation have for you personally?

A: Transformation is at the heart of my journey—both as an artist and as a person. I see art as a tool for growth, a way to challenge perceptions and a means of healing. Each piece I create is a step in my own evolution, and I want my work to inspire transformation in others.

Personally, transformation is about embracing change, whether in identity, purpose or creative expression. It's about allowing oneself to evolve without losing the essence of who we are.

Q: What is something you wished someone told you sooner about managing your finances as an artist and entrepreneur?

A: I wish someone had told me earlier that creativity and business must go hand in hand. Talent alone isn’t enough—you need financial literacy, pricing strategies and systems to sustain yourself.

One of the most pivotal moments in my career was meeting my mentor, Sam Obadero, who helped me gain the confidence to charge [for] my worth, and balance personal and business finances. In the early days of my career, keeping up with bills was a real struggle, and I understand why many artists accept low-paying work just to survive. This is why there needs to be more structural support from governments and organizations for full-time artists, particularly in covering operational costs. Without this, many talented artists are forced to undervalue their work, making sustainability difficult.

Q: How do you fund your purely creative projects?

A: Most of my passion projects are self-funded, which means I reinvest income from client work into my personal artistic endeavors. This can be challenging, but it ensures that I retain full creative control over my work.

I have yet to win a grant for any of my art projects, though I continue to apply for funding opportunities. However, Last year I participated in the Black2TheFuture residency at Emmedia, which provided support for my first short film. Programs like these are vital in allowing artists to experiment and create work that might not have immediate commercial appeal but carries deep cultural and artistic significance. 

In more recent times, my ongoing collaboration with ATB through [their] Black Team Member Network, an employee resource group for Black team members has played a significant role in helping me achieve key career milestones, including this upcoming exhibition. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which I owe in part to my mentor and friend, Ejiro Onobrakpor. His guidance and support have been instrumental in my growth within the industry and in establishing myself in the city of Calgary.

Q: What financial advice do you have for anyone wanting to launch a creative career?

1. Know your worth. Price your work based on its value, not just on what you think people will pay.
2. Diversify your income. Have multiple revenue streams—whether through commissions, workshops, upselling your services or licensing your work.
3. Save and reinvest. Put money aside for creative projects, equipment and future opportunities.
4. Treat it like a business. Keep records, budget and plan for slow seasons.
5. Seek funding opportunities. There are grants and residencies available—apply for them!
6. Always stand on business. When transacting with clients, ensure contracts are in place, payments are structured and expectations are clear. Protect your time, your work and your worth.

Check out "A Classic Night of Art (with Tim Meduna)" for yourself. Tim’s exhibition is running from February to April at the Stephen Ave Branch in Downtown Calgary, with a special gallery event on Saturday, February 22 starting at 6pm.