Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Selected Exhibitions
Organizations Affiliated
Leadership Experience
Affiliations
Innovative Textile Art Award
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

OLUYEMISI AJAYI

Philadelphia,PA

Summary

I am a professional in the art industry with a strong history of delivering creative and impactful work. Known for collaborating effectively with team members and adapting to changing project requirements. Reliable and focused on achieving exceptional results with a combination of artistic skills and a positive attitude, I am a diligent textile artist with a solid background in art and design. Successfully contributed to various art projects, showcasing a keen eye for detail and creativity. Demonstrated proficiency in team collaboration and project management skills.

Experienced with creating visually appealing and innovative art pieces. Utilizes strong creative skills and attention to detail to enhance artistic projects. Track record of effective communication and teamwork in dynamic environments.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Costume Dresser

Nordstrom, Collectors, Couture/ Lingerie
08.2023 - Current
  • Ensured costume longevity through proper care, storage, and repair techniques.
  • Delivered timely costume modifications according to directorial feedback or script revisions during production development stages.
  • Demonstrated adaptability in accommodating last-minute changes or requests from production team members while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Curatorial Research Assistant

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA)
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • Participated in frequent meetings with other researchers to talk about project updates, difficulties encountered, and knowledge gained from working on ongoing projects.
  • organized study materials and maintained a neat workspace to encourage productivity.
  • Maintained open channels of communication with project managers and team members to promote fruitful collaboration on common goals.
  • Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating expertise in a variety of subjects
  • Make use of virtual tools to enhance team productivity and engagement in remote environments.

Dress Specialist

Anthropologie Walnut Street
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Maintained a clean and organized store environment, creating a comfortable shopping atmosphere for customers.
  • Assisted brides in selecting the perfect wedding gown, contributing to their special day's success.
  • Managed customer appointments efficiently, optimizing time allocation for consultations and fittings.
  • Resolved customer complaints professionally, ensuring a positive shopping experience for all clients.
  • Collaborated with the design team to create visually appealing store displays, attracting more customers.
  • Increased sales revenue by effectively recommending suitable accessories to complement dresses.
  • Provided constructive feedback to designers based on customer preferences, helping improve future collections'' relevance.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, resulting in high client retention and repeat business.
  • Organized successful trunk shows featuring exclusive designer collections, boosting sales during event periods.

Freelance Fabric Art Consultant

Royal Hut
01.2002 - 09.2020
  • Streamlined inventory management by implementing digital cataloging systems for tracking artwork acquisitions and sales.
  • Organized private viewings and studio visits for clients to experience artwork firsthand before purchasing.
  • Expanded network connections through attending art fairs, gallery openings, exhibitions, auctions, and other relevant events.
  • Assisted clients in building cohesive art collections for both aesthetic and investment purposes.
  • Negotiated consignment agreements on behalf of clients seeking to sell or purchase secondary-market pieces discreetly.
  • Collaborated with interior designers to select complementary artwork for various design projects.
  • Educated clients on proper care techniques to preserve the value of their artwork over time.
  • Increased exposure for emerging artists by connecting them with collectors and organizing solo or group exhibitions.
  • Curated exhibits within corporate and residential spaces, showcasing a diverse range of artwork.
  • Conducted thorough research on artists, their work, and market trends to provide informed advice to clientele.
  • Managed the acquisition process for clients, including negotiation, purchasing, framing, and installation.

Women's Dresses Stylist

Macy's City Center
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends and industry news, ensuring relevant styling suggestions for clients.
  • Provided excellent customer service by attentively listening to client needs and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Monitored current trends to understand fashions and better serve customer needs.
  • Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
  • Processed payments and entered sales in the register for prompt customer service.
  • Scheduled regular follow-up appointments with clients to ensure they remained satisfied with their purchases and styling advice.
  • Successfully organized in-store events to promote new product lines and engage potential clients.

Indigo Workshop

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center
06.2017 - 10.2018
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Artist Workshop for Spirited Things: Sacred Arts

Fleming Museum of Art, University of Vermont
09.2017 - 10.2017
  • I taught fiber art and dye pigment techniques.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Participated in creative brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas or improve existing ones.

Fabric Print Post-Graduate Apprentice

The Fabric Workshop Museum
06.2017 - 08.2017
  • Created a pattern for fabric screen printing.
  • Design a three-overlap design and colors for fabric screen printing
  • Organized extracurricular activities that promoted teamwork, cooperation, and skill-building outside the traditional classroom setting.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making processes when adapting lesson plans or adjusting instructional methods based on student performance trends.
  • Finished assigned work on schedule with minimal supervision.
  • Helped project managers develop work schedules for overall projects and individual stages.

Creative Director and Founder

Arisimi Design
01.1993 - 01.2016
  • Design textile products
  • Streamlined creative processes for improved efficiency and team productivity.
  • Championed a culture of creativity, encouraging team members to take risks and push boundaries in their work.
  • Created award-winning designs that effectively communicated complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Conducted market research to inform creative direction, keeping projects aligned with current trends and consumer preferences.
  • Led rebranding initiative, successfully capturing company's evolved mission and values, resulting in increased stakeholder engagement.
  • Oversaw the development of creative strategies and brand guidelines, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
  • Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.
  • Conducted research and identified market trends to inform creative direction.
  • Monitored progress of projects, keeping them on schedule and within budget.
  • Spearheaded a rebranding campaign to meet and exceed quarterly sales goals.
  • Orchestrated the launch of a new product line, from concept development to market introduction, achieving significant media attention and consumer interest.
  • Enhanced digital presence through oversight of website redesign, focusing on user experience and aesthetics.

Instructor Indigo Batik Workshop

The University of Arts
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.

Textile Artist in Residence

National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • Produced commissioned artworks that resulted in highly satisfied clients who provided repeat business and referrals.
  • Curated textile art exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of artists and styles.
  • Conducted workshops on various textile art techniques, fostering creativity and skill development among participants.
  • Participated in artist residencies to expand personal knowledge of global textile traditions and techniques.
  • Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
  • Managed inventory control systems for studio supplies by regularly taking stock of available resources.
  • Enhanced textile designs by implementing innovative techniques and materials.
  • Established partnerships with local artisans, incorporating their unique skills into collaborative projects.
  • I worked on restocking the Museum shop with Nigerian textile art and Museum textile Art collections

Instructor Natural Dye Fiber Workshop

Contemporary Craft Organization
11.2018 - 11.2018
  • Expanded network connections by attending art fairs, gallery openings, exhibitions, auctions, and other relevant events.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
  • Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.

Instructor Indigo Workshop

Philadelphia Handweavers Guild
11.2017 - 11.2017

I taught students the Yoruba dyeing technique using indigo.

  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.

Education

Undergraduate Degree - Art History, Textile

Moore College of Art And Design
Philadelphia, PA
05.2026

Associate of Arts - Creative Art

The University of Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria
08.1990

Skills

  • Proficient Word Processing
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office Proficiency
  • Collection Management
  • Curating Engaging Materials
  • Exhibition Design Expertise
  • Data Analysis
  • Creative Writing
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Achieved result by completing tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Documented and resolved artistic issues which led to excellent project result.
  • Collaborated with team in the development of new project.

Selected Exhibitions

  • Fabric of Being, International Conference for Population and Development, Nairobi, Kenya, 11/01/19
  • Women in Craft, Germantown, PA, 01/01/18
  • International Batik Conference and Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 01/01/07
  • Textile of Unity, Terra Cultural Exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria, 01/01/07
  • World Women Trade Fair, Santa Monica, California, 01/01/08
  • Three Countries Textile Exhibition, America Cultural Center, Bamako, Mali, 01/01/05
  • Latin-America Cultural Conference and Exhibition, Bahia, Brazil, 12/01/01

Organizations Affiliated

  • Fabric Workshop Museum, Philadelphia, PA
  • Philadelphia Guild of Hand Weavers, Philadelphia, PA
  • National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.
  • NextFab Studio, Philadelphia, PA

Leadership Experience

  • Member, Advisory Council of The Welcoming Center, Philadelphia, PA, 01/01/19
  • Board of Directors, Center for Microenterprise , Lagos, Nigeria, Head of art/craft section., 01/01/01, 12/31/19

Affiliations

  • Fabric Workshop and Museum, Philadelphia, PA
  • Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Philadelphia, PA

Innovative Textile Art Award

At Lagos Art Fair Lagos, Nigeria

Languages

Yoruba
Native or Bilingual

Interests

  • Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
  • Baking
  • Web Development and Design

Timeline

Costume Dresser

Nordstrom, Collectors, Couture/ Lingerie
08.2023 - Current

Curatorial Research Assistant

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA)
06.2022 - 08.2022

Dress Specialist

Anthropologie Walnut Street
01.2020 - 01.2022

Instructor Natural Dye Fiber Workshop

Contemporary Craft Organization
11.2018 - 11.2018

Instructor Indigo Workshop

Philadelphia Handweavers Guild
11.2017 - 11.2017

Artist Workshop for Spirited Things: Sacred Arts

Fleming Museum of Art, University of Vermont
09.2017 - 10.2017

Indigo Workshop

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center
06.2017 - 10.2018

Fabric Print Post-Graduate Apprentice

The Fabric Workshop Museum
06.2017 - 08.2017

Women's Dresses Stylist

Macy's City Center
01.2017 - 01.2020

Instructor Indigo Batik Workshop

The University of Arts
01.2010 - 01.2011

Textile Artist in Residence

National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria
01.2008 - 01.2009

Freelance Fabric Art Consultant

Royal Hut
01.2002 - 09.2020

Creative Director and Founder

Arisimi Design
01.1993 - 01.2016

Undergraduate Degree - Art History, Textile

Moore College of Art And Design

Associate of Arts - Creative Art

The University of Lagos
OLUYEMISI AJAYI