Name, location and what do you do?

Gillean Opoku, Sydney, Australia. I am a visual communicator and the founder of Afroklectic.com. By day I work as a designer for a creative agency and by night I am managing and writing for Afroklectic.com

Why are you a global nomad?

Because I am consumed my Wanderlust.  

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I felt like I needed a platform to promote creativity within my African-Australian community and showcase my work and the work of other African creatives as well as the Diaspora. 

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope Afroklectic.com becomes the creative hub of my community.

How long have you been working on this?

For over 2 years

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That I can write. I have a fear of writing because I don’t process words well, so I have always tried to avoid writing by substituting it for visuals. Since I started Afroklectic, I have surprised myself by consistently writing. 

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Moving past the web and becoming an enterprise managing a number of creative projects for the African-Australian community. 

When did you start traveling? How and why did you travel for the first time?

In Australia, when I was around 6. My dad and I went on a road trip with family members to Canberra. That was a big deal for me, because I was moving out of my comfort zone. It was like going into a new world. 

I started traveling overseas when I was 16. My first overseas trip was to Ghana with my Mum and Dad.

In what places have you lived? 

I have always lived in Sydney, but in 2011 I went on exchange for 6 months. Most of my time was spent living in London. 

What languages do you speak?

I speak English mostly and sometimes Akan. 

What’s your favorite city so far?

In terms of living, I would have to say Sydney. For holidays, Barcelona.  

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My laptop with my charger. Hopefully there would be free wireless around, and that way I can access the internet, skype, check emails etc. I would also use the computer to access a bible, InDesign, Photoshop and photos. 

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? plane

train or bus? train

walk or bike? both

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Hotel

must have fashion piece when traveling? A large tote bag. Allows me to carry all my essentials on the plane and doubles as my shopping basket whilst on holidays. 

explore/map or tour guide? explore  

metro or trolley? We don’t have either in Sydney. We just have the bus, train or ferry.