Lukman Ipese, a graphic designer and visual communicator who graduated from the Royal College of Art (RCA) in 2025, is making waves by using design as a tool for relational and shared experiences. His work spans editorial design, photography, digital media, and participatory workshops, with a particular focus on bringing communities together.
Ipese, who came to the RCA to professionalise his graphic design practice, found his approach transformed. "The facilities and tutors were fantastic, I just tried to make the most of every opportunity," he commented. Previously working in advertising and marketing after an undergraduate degree in history, Ipese developed a passion for graphic design during the pandemic, leading him to pursue further study.
His time at the RCA exceeded expectations, particularly the development of his practice around participation and collaboration. A pivotal moment was a workshop with school students, which revealed the value of mutual exchange within a community. This experience directly influenced his final project, which involved inviting young people aged 12 to 14 to collaborate.
Ipese's final project, 'Kitted for Culture', began after encountering research highlighting racial bias in football commentary. Exploring the intersection of fashion, football culture, and theories on community and race, he designed workshops where young people created custom football shirt designs reflecting their personal stories. The project, supported by the V&A, aimed to demonstrate to young people that football encompasses broader creative careers beyond playing.
"My aim was to show young people that football encompasses broader creative careers like design, videography, and photography, and to give back to the community," Ipese stated. He noted that football shirts often represent home or identity for wearers, highlighting football culture's significant presence in design.
The project received significant recognition, winning both a Helen Hamlyn Award and the Varley Memorial Prize. Ipese described the awards as a "huge honour" and humbling, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the project's success.
Since graduating, Ipese completed a photographic research residency in Nigeria, exploring religious symbols and objects in Lagos. He discovered the spiritual significance of the sea and beach for worship across different faiths. This experience provided rich inspiration for his future work.
Currently working full-time as a graphic designer, Ipese is also dedicating time to his independent practice. He recently ran another iteration of 'Kitted for Culture' with a South London charity and collaborated on a project with youth members for Holloway Council regarding the campaign against the privatisation of a local former prison.
Looking long-term, Ipese is inspired by studios founded by RCA alumni and aims to establish his own studio focused on community-led design projects after gaining more industry experience.
He advises prospective RCA students to "Listen to your tutors, but trust your own intuition as well. Don’t be afraid to fail – what you make isn’t a reflection of your worth, and making mistakes along the way is part of the process."
