A veteran artist, Ibe Ananaba, on Wednesday, says young artists and youths must work hard, think deeply and embrace originality for them to make a difference in their endeavours.

Ananaba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that every work of art would usually come with its distinctiveness because it should be well thought out.

“There is nothing like being inventive in what you create and if I talk about originality, two artistes come to mind, Fela and Jackson,’’ he said.

He said that originality makes the difference, that the late musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was Fela, while the late musician Michael Jackson was Jackson, both artistes had originality in what they did.

Ananaba noted that many people would influence the young artists when they were coming up, but they would have to pick something from their work “that is unique and retain that identity”.

The artist, however, urged other young artists/artistes to be sincere in whatever they do.

“They must give back to the society by mentoring young people. If they transfer what they they have, they will get better thing in return,’’ he said.

According to him, when he impacts on others, he also learns from them.

The artist also noted that the Nigerian educational system must improve and the kids should be involved in the art because the art makes us think creatively’’.

“Art practice is structured differently, you are self employed, you do not have a salary, so your selling point is your uniqueness,’’ he said.

Ananaba graduated from the Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) in Enugu in 1999.

He is the Art Director of Insight Communications Ltd., an advertising company; he is a cartoonist, fashion illustrator, graphic designer and painter.

(NAN)