In My Own Words: Esther Nyongesa

From Sketches to Impact: How a love for art evolved into a career impacting millions of farmers

For Esther Nyongesa, our Senior Graphic Designer, childhood doodles and arts and crafts were more than just hobbies—they were glimpses into her future. Little did she know that these early creative sparks would ignite a career in graphic design, where her visuals would shape farming guides and resources that impact millions of farmers across sub-Saharan Africa. Dive into Esther’s inspiring career journey, discover her unique creative process, see how her work makes a tangible impact, and learn how she finds her balance between design and personal passions.

What was your inspiration to be a graphic designer? 

Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by art and all things creative. My earliest memories of drawing date back to around grade 5. Whether it was DIY projects, drawing, coloring, painting, or making dolls, I was always interested in creating colorful pieces. 

Initially, I aspired to become an architect but narrowly missed the university entry mark. So, I decided to pursue interior design as a backup plan. My goal was to earn my undergraduate degree in interior design and then transition to architecture. However, my time at university took an unexpected turn. I started designing magazines for different programs, which introduced me to graphic design. This new avenue intrigued me so much that I began self-teaching through online courses on Illustrator, Photoshop, and other design software.

Before I knew it, my passion for graphic design had grown immensely.

How did this interest morph into a career at One Acre Fund?

My first job was as a graphic designer at an education-based NGO, where I worked on book layouts and marketing materials.

Around 2016, my mom told me about a senior graphic designer job opening at One Acre Fund. I applied but was still honing my skills and didn’t get the job. Fast-forward to 2017, and another opportunity at One Acre Fund appeared. This time, the role seemed tailor-made for my abilities. I applied, went through the interview process, and landed the job. I have been at One Acre Fund for over five years, and it's been an incredible journey!

What's the most unexpected place you've ever found design inspiration? How do you take an idea and turn it into a powerful visual that resonates with One Acre Fund's audience?

Interestingly, I often find design inspiration from food. If I need specific color hues for a design, I might pick them from a vibrant food photo. For example, a plate of rice with peas, carrots, and yellow peppers can provide a variety of colors. I also find inspiration from nature and even people's bright clothing.

The general creative process involves reviewing the brief, brainstorming, sketching, and designing. At One Acre Fund, understanding the target audience, primarily farmers, is crucial. Most of our farmers are from rural locations, with varied literacy levels, so my role is to break down complex information into visually digestible chunks.

If you could design a new emoji to represent social impact, what would it look like and why?

The emoji I envision is people holding hands in a circle with a heart emoji pulsing at the center. Often, social impact is represented by a globe, symbolizing the world we strive to improve. However, after working in two NGOs focused on social impact, I have realized that what truly resonates with me is the heart behind the work. When we act out of love for humanity, we naturally strive for everyone's well-being. This love drives us to fight social injustices, improve livelihoods, and create a better world. Even when challenges arise, doing it from the heart keeps us motivated, and knowing our work makes a real difference.

Design is more than aesthetics. Can you share a project where your work had a tangible impact on One Acre Fund's mission?

The launching of Tupande, our farmer-facing brand in Kenya stands out! Unlike other projects I have worked on, this one involved creating a new identity, which was initially daunting. Leading the rebrand while transitioning roles was challenging, but I realized I knew what to do because we weren't deviating entirely from the original brand, just introducing new elements. We introduced the new brand guidelines and elements, which required extensive stakeholder collaboration and marketing to farmers. Three years later, I am incredibly proud of how we have transformed the brand. Seeing how 'Tupande' resonates with the Kenya team and farmers in their language and culture and its positive impact is immensely rewarding.

Do you have any advice for aspiring creatives who want to create impact?

Being deeply invested in the mission and impact of your work is crucial. As designers, we often feel like we’re just executing, but understanding the mission and details of our design can make a big difference. When designing for farmers, for instance, I need to be genuinely interested in how they’ll interact with the design to ensure it effectively communicates the message. Grasping the audience’s needs makes us better designers. Additionally, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities helps us grow and push beyond our comfort zones. 

Outside of work, where can we find you? How do you spend a typical Saturday?

I am a huge fan of CrossFit. I can squat between 90 and 100 kg, which is impressive given my weight of around 68 kg. It is always exciting to see how much I can lift and challenge myself further.

When I'm not hitting the gym, I’m likely experimenting in the kitchen with a new recipe, exploring a new restaurant, or balancing family time with self-care. I recently made some delicious cheesy meatballs that turned out amazing.

What’s a surprising fact that might surprise your colleagues?

I have always been the social butterfly, but recently I have noticed that I often feel drained after interactions. During the COVID pandemic, I intentionally disconnected and discovered that I enjoy solitude. I have become more self-aware and realized I am more of an ambivert. I have learned to set limits, appreciate being a homebody, and value my quiet time.