Akinmade Akinleye
visual artist, creative educator, and Photographer in Lagos, Nigeria
AKINMADE AKINLEYE
Pan African Visual Artist | Creative Educator | Speaker | Visual Storyteller
Akinmade Akinleye, professionally known as The Optimist, is a Pan-African visual artist, creative educator, and internationally recognized photographer dedicated to documenting African stories through powerful visual storytelling. With nearly two decades of experience, he has built a reputation for creating compelling imagery across corporate events, fashion, entertainment, weddings, and leadership summits while championing innovation within Africa's creative industry.
As the Founder and Creative Director of Optimistic Visuals, Akinmade has worked with multinational brands, corporate organizations, fashion designers, and major events across the continent. His work has been showcased in several African countries, where his distinctive approach to storytelling has positioned him as one of the continent's respected visual creatives.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, he launched virtual photography classes that empowered over 100 photographers and aspiring creatives across Africa and the United States, reinforcing his commitment to education and creative empowerment. Today, he continues to mentor emerging talents through workshops, masterclasses, and speaking engagements focused on photography, entrepreneurship, visual storytelling, and the future of the creative economy.
An early adopter of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in photography, Akinmade integrated AI into his creative workflow to enhance efficiency, post-production, and visual innovation, making him one of the pioneering voices advocating for the responsible use of emerging technology in African visual storytelling.
His evolution into fashion and runway photography has further expanded his influence, capturing the artistry, movement, and cultural identity of African fashion while documenting runway productions and creative events across the continent.
Akinmade is a sought-after speaker whose presentations explore creativity, innovation, AI in visual storytelling, creative entrepreneurship, branding, and the business of photography. His mission is to inspire creatives to build sustainable careers while using storytelling to shape Africa's global narrative.
His contributions have earned him several continental recognitions, including Best Photographer of the Year at the Young Achievers Africa Awards (Rwanda), Best Photographer of the Year at the Zikomo Africa Awards (South Africa), Best Photographer and Best Inspirational Man at the Music Video Awards Africa (MVAA), Best Star Photographer of the Year at the Shining Stars Africa Awards, and recognition as one of Africa's Most Inspirational Men in Zambia.
Akinmade is also a proud member of ForbesBLK, the global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders.
Driven by a vision to elevate African creativity on the global stage, he continues to create impactful imagery, educate the next generation of visual storytellers, and champion collaboration across the continent through the power of visual arts.