Meet Our CEO, Angeline Azeez
Angeline Azeez, 25, is a young and talented graphic designer based in Trinidad and Tobago. Embracing the dynamic lifestyle of a digital nomad, she constantly craves new challenges and seeks out opportunities to infuse her creativity into artistic and branding projects. Azeez’s passion for art and design was ignited from the tender age of five when she started carrying around a drawing book everywhere she went. Her curious hands were always immersed in the vibrant world of paints and coloured pencils. Azeez’s artistic calling solidified when she won the National Schools’ Art Competition in 2015, presented by PowerGen Trinidad and this pivotal achievement marked the beginning of her remarkable career.
She blends her artistic flair with strategic design, always pushing creative boundaries with the skills she honed over the years. Studies in graphic design, editorial, corporate communications, mass communications, data analytics, marketing, and business development are all part of the foundation for Azeez’s successful creative path, in the world of advertising.
Currently, she serves as a graphic designer in the finance sector for The Maritime Financial Group. Azeez further refined her skills in branding and campaign development while conducting focus groups for market research purposes to align designs with audience preferences. She also had the opportunity to serve on the judging panel for the logo competition for the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). These experiences have not only equipped Azeez with a unique skill set but have also enabled her to make a meaningful impact across various sectors, showcasing the power of graphic design in communication and advocacy.
A recent project has served as a culmination of Azeez’s years of learning and growth in the field of graphic design. She had the privilege to contribute illustrations to Miss World T&T delegate, Jordanne Steele’s, “Under the Poui Trees: A Tale of Friendship and Inclusion”, a book presented as part of her Beauty With a Purpose project which placed in the top five of her category and Steele was in the top ten of the pageant. The book beautifully explores themes such as accessibility, curiosity, and the celebration of differences for the differently-abled. Speaking to Women Empowerment from her Cunupia home, Azeez said “What truly touched me was witnessing the heartfelt reactions of the children towards the illustrations, underscoring the profound impact of visual storytelling in fostering understanding and inclusivity. “This opened a new pathway to another side of my creative world that I’m currently exploring: illustrations. Illustration is not just a skill; it’s a deeply personal form of expression that allows an artist to infuse a part of themselves into every piece. Your illustrations are more than just images; they are windows into an individual’s personality and soul.” She said that each artwork was a testament to her love for creating characters and worlds that invited viewers to ponder and feel.
Azeez believes that art should evoke emotions, spark thoughts, and offer new perspectives. She explained that every artwork was deliberate, aimed at eliciting a specific response or conveying a particular emotion. Azeez added that through her illustrations, she aimed to create a connection with the audience, allowing them to delve into their imaginations and see the world through a different lens. Her path, however, did not come without its challenges.
“Passion fuels creativity and makes every challenge an opportunity for growth.“
– Angeline Azeez
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) Degree in Graphic Design from The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) in 2023, Azeez has dedicated the past six years to perfecting her craft, excelling in branding, print, digital, and large-format design. She said navigating the world of graphic design as an emerging professional had been a journey with many twists and turns. Azeez said as the eldest daughter of three siblings, this came with its own set of responsibilities. She said the additional balancing act of managing school with work, while enduring lengthy commutes to and from, required immense dedication and perseverance.
A male-dominated field
Azeez said the male-dominated nature of her field added an extra challenge, particularly the nature of the workplace environment. She said that graphic design was inherently a gender-inclusive field, free from stereotypes that favoured one gender over another. Azeez said, however, that while educational settings reflected this inclusivity, the professional world painted a different story. She replied that leadership roles in the industry were predominantly occupied by men, creating a stark disparity. Azeez revealed that the design industry notably lacked female leaders who could inspire and guide young women, proving that they too can ascend to upper-level positions. She said that only 39 per cent of all creative directors and designers were women, while 61 per cent were men (Zippia 2024). Azeez continued that this significant minority status contributed to the perception that women were confined to lower-level design roles.
Formed her own creative agency
To change this narrative, Azeez established her own creative agency, Creative Fusion Art Studio, aiming to be a catalyst for change and demonstrate that women can excel in leadership positions within the industry. She said graphic design was a harmonious blend of communication and creativity, encompassing idea generation, image creation, word interpretation, and media realization for industry, commerce, culture, and society.
Azeez said many designers were well-versed in design, but lacked understanding of the business aspect, a gap that schools often failed to address, leaving students unprepared for the real world. Recognizing the importance of business acumen alongside design skills, Azeez decided to educate herself to master this side of graphic design. She said that she binged-watch ‘The Futur’ YouTube channel for four hours a day and listened to many financial literacy podcasts gaining useful knowledge that enabled her to effectively run a business and navigate the professional landscape. Azeez said graphic design was often mistaken as an “easy” field or merely a matter of “moving objects around on a computer,” but it encompassed much more, and required discipline.
She claimed that her self-driven nature stems from a deep passion for her work, as she finds joy in the communication aspects of the profession. Azeez mentioned that what truly motivated her was witnessing the satisfaction and joy on her clients’ faces when she presented them with the final product. She said this fulfilment reinforces her dedication to the craft and motivates her to continuously excel in her profession.
In a career spanning multiple industries such as human rights, media, and finance, Azeez has refined her graphic design skills to encompass a versatile and impactful approach. She collaborates with clients globally and locally on projects of varying scales. Entering the corporate world, she began her career as an in-house designer for the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC). Azeez’s role extended beyond creating artwork on human rights issues to understanding the cultural significance of colours in advocacy, developing campaigns, public speaking, and studying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for their implementation in Trinidad and Tobago were integral parts of her work. Afterwards, she transitioned to Guardian Media Ltd as a design specialist. Azeez focused on creating layouts that resonated with a broad audience while offering guidance and collaborating with a diverse team of nine designers to meet all publication design requirements.
Azeez also lends some advice to young and upcoming graphic designers looking to enter the real world.
Tidbits from your Visionary Bestie!
“In the world of Graphic Design, mastering the 3Ps—Persistence, Patience, and Passion—is key to success.”
Azeez said persistence was vital for adapting to the evolving digital landscape, while patience helps manage demanding clients and tight deadlines. She said passion fuels creativity and makes every challenge an opportunity for growth. Azeez said she will always remember a quote by Pablo Picasso: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” She said don’t ever be afraid to show up and show out, be the creative kid you were meant to be!