Every once in a while, you come across an artist whose work makes you stop scrolling because their work is so good you have to give out your attention. That was my experience when I first came across Ali Bakare, better known as Varokthegreat. There was something immediately striking about his work. Beyond the technical ability, his illustrations possess an energy and imagination that make them feel larger than the frame they occupy. His understanding of character, atmosphere, detail and visual storytelling is remarkable, especially for an artist still carving out his identity and pushing the boundaries of his craft.
Read our conversation conversation with the young artist below:
What first drew you to visual art, and when did you know you wanted to pursue it seriously? My name is Ali Bakare, a.k.a. Varokthegreat, a digital artist and illustrator from Nigeria. My journey into visual art started with my love for anime. I was especially inspired by Naruto and the creativity, characters, and energy found in anime. I started drawing mostly for fun, but while I was in secondary school, my artwork began getting a lot of attention. That was when I realized I wanted to take art seriously and see how far I could go with it.
How would you describe your style right now, and how do you feel it’s evolving as you grow as an artist? I would describe my style as dynamic, creative, and slightly story-driven. I enjoy creating artwork that catches people’s attention and makes them curious about what they are seeing.
Walk us through your creative process where do your ideas come from, and how do you bring them to life? My ideas often come from anime, games, and things I imagine, which I develop through sketching and experimentation.
Is there a piece you’ve created that you’re especially proud of? What’s the story behind it? One of the pieces I’m most proud of is my Sekiro illustration. I enjoyed creating it because of my love for the game and its atmosphere, and it remains one of my favorite pieces
What do you hope people feel or take away when they see your art, and where do you see yourself in the next few years? Looking ahead, my goal is to become a successful artist, work on bigger projects, and continue improving my skills. Most importantly, I want to tell more stories through my art and create work that people can connect with and remember. When people see my art, I want them to be in awe and start asking questions. I want my work to make people curious about the characters, the world, and the story behind the image.
