We have admired your striking artwork, but who is the man behind the pencil?
I am Kelvin Wamae, a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Geospatial Engineering, but now a full-time artist. I consider myself a simple, humble person with several talents, including playing basketball, woodworking and baking. I am also one of the founders of an art organisation called Artpreneur Alley, where we empower both upcoming and advanced artists through skills training, exhibitions, and knowledge on marketing and intellectual property, among other areas.
Where and what did you study in university/college?
I studied Geospatial Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculturer and Technology.
Favourite and worst units while on campus?
My favourite unit was engineering drawing. The worst was programming.
Best and worst lecturer?
The best lecturer for me was the one who taught Algebra; my worst was the Calculus lecturer.
Are you currently doing what you studied at university?
Interestingly, no.
How was campus life generally?
Campus life was really enjoyable. I loved art exhibitions at school, although my course was very demanding and kept me extremely busy.
How did you make money (hustle) while on campus?
I earned money by doing commissioned drawings for students. I also got paid for playing basketball on the school team.
How was dating life during your time on campus?
To be honest, it was pretty good. I learnt how to create time for my loved one despite my hectic schedule.
What do you think of campus relationships?
If you find a partner who shares your vision and wants to build something meaningful with you, whether a business or a future, you can definitely grow together.
Where did you hang out on weekends during your time on campus?
Most of the time I was in my art studio creating new pieces, or spending time with my loved ones.
What did you do with your free time?
I spent my free time experimenting with my creativity, especially in art and woodworking.
Classmates you will never forget?
I will never forget my gang: Jack, Dawoods, Emma, Goodness, Lagat and Denno, my study group and ride-or-die friends.
Take us through your artistic journey. How did you start drawing?
I began drawing in 2018, just before joining campus. I knew nothing about art, so I taught myself using YouTube and Instagram. Watching Western artists create hyper-realistic drawings, pieces that look exactly like photographs, really inspired me. That motivation pushed me to keep improving.
Since then, my skills have grown tremendously, and my passion for drawing portraits has deepened. My love of music also influences my art, which is why I often draw musicians whose work I admire. I have drawn several local and international celebrities including Bien, Nyashinski, Savara, Watendawili, Njerae, Bensoul, Okello Max, Ezraël Mbonyi, Lauryn Hill, ArrDee, and the late Raila Odinga, among many others.
When I started, I never imagined my art would grow to this level. Today, I am living proof that art pays. Through it, I have been able to buy my first iPhone 13 Pro Max and my first car, a Suzuki Swift. My goal is to inspire upcoming artists and make people smile through my work.
Advice to young people who want to venture into drawing?
First ask yourself what drawing means to you. Do you want to be a full-time artist, a part-time artist, or is it simply a hobby? Whatever the case, believe in yourself and trust that you can make it work.
Any tips for creating a masterpiece?
Using high-quality art materials really helps, and mastering how to use those materials is equally important.
What are some notable mistakes artists make?
Many artists do not invest in their craft. They avoid attending masterclasses, exhibitions, or joining art communities, yet these are essential for growth.
What challenges have you faced?
At first, accessing quality art materials was difficult and expensive because most had to be imported.
Which has been your best artwork so far, and what inspired it?
Drawing the late Raila Odinga stands out as one of my best pieces. It took more than three days to complete because of the high level of detail. I admired him deeply: his resilience, his principles, and what he stood for. That is what inspired me to draw him.
You have an interesting story about your first client who refused to pay. Tell us about it.
When I was starting out, I was not very good. After completing a drawing for a client, he looked at it and said it did not resemble him at all, so he refused to pay, and even declined to take it. Looking back at that drawing now, I understand why! (Laughs)
One last thing you’d tell your campus self?
Always believe that you can and you will succeed. Put in the work and let God do the rest. And never forget our mantra: “Draw it till you make it.”
Any final word of encouragement?
Take a leap of faith in your talent. Believe in yourself and put in the work. The world can be unfair, but you have the power to change your story.