Meet Netsanet (Net) Tesfay | Illustrator and Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Netsanet (Net) Tesfay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Netsanet (Net), can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
As a native of Ethiopia currently residing in the United States, my identity has been profoundly shaped by my background and upbringing in Africa. Both as a creative and as an individual, I credit my sense of aesthetics, culture, and sensibilities to the foundations laid by my roots. I am a manifestation of the grace, patience, and resilience instilled in individuals who hail from diverse backgrounds. Today, while navigating the intricacies of basic human complexities, I find continued inspiration in the diaspora mentality, constantly seeking connections and a sense of belonging. This essence is channeled through my art and reflected in my daily interactions

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kokeb Studio- a home based creative art practice in the Bay Area originated from the concept of providing a space and representation of contemporary Black art inspired by my rich African heritage, diaspora experiences and passion for activism. My creative voice and aesthetics find expression through a whimsical, bold, and colorful style, characteristics frequently observed in my work. As an artist and a proud mother of two Black children, my primary challenge and work is ensuring that they feel both seen and represented in the world. Kokeb Studio endeavors to bridge this gap.

Leading a creative endeavor is never a straight path. Owning a small art business brings its share of challenges, filled with trial and error. Over time, I’ve learned to tackle these hurdles by embracing difficult tasks, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging my networks and connections. I am still continuing to grow and am sure that I will learn more lessons as I climb.

My creative success thus far is attributed to the opportunities and challenges I’ve navigated over the years, figuring out what works along the way. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the University of Central Oklahoma, collaborative work experiences, and a robust support system as my foundation, I approach each opportunity with positivity and embrace challenges. While I may not have all the answers, I’ve observed that creating opportunities for oneself and unapologetically showing up are pivotal for the success of any creative business.

I’m grateful my work resonates and brings joy to many people. My greatest desire and hope is to continue to create representational work that allows my audiences to feel seen and proud. I’m actively working and intentionally seeking for opportunities and collaborations, and these things allow me to do my work.I am actively engaged in my work, intentionally seeking opportunities and collaborations. These endeavors are instrumental in facilitating and enhancing my creative pursuits.

The year ahead holds exciting prospects for Kokeb Studio as I eagerly anticipate delving into projects in the pipeline and sharing the accomplishments from months of hard work. A few noteworthy ventures include the publication of two books I illustrated : “The Gabi That Girma Wore” with Little, Brown and Company and “Our World Ethiopia” with Barefoot Books. Additionally, I look forward to participating in a juried exhibition at our renowned local gallery, collaborating on mural projects, and showcasing and creating products for vending opportunities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A weekend trip to the Bay Area is an absolute delight. Stretching from the East Bay to the North, there are endless adventures waiting to be enjoyed. Here’s a fun weekend itinerary my best friend and I recently had, starting in Walnut Creek on a crisp early morning.

We kicked off our day with a hike at Shell Ridge Open Space, taking in the scenic trails and soaking up the city views. After working up an appetite, we headed into town for a Mint Mojito coffee, indulged in delicious pastries at Philz Coffee, and explored my favorite vintage consignment shop, Labels, in downtown Walnut Creek.

Refueling was a must, so we opted for lunch at Cafe Coluci, an authentic Ethiopian spot in North Oakland. Trust me, spending our hard-earned dollars on luxury secondhand goods requires some serious energy!
One of the perks of being in the Bay Area is the quick access to big cities and wineries. I highly recommend a trip to San Francisco for art and culture at my favorite museum, SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art). We checked out the latest exhibition and continued our adventure with sightseeing, food, and drinks at The Ferry Building Marketplace. Don’t miss the mahi-mahi sandwich at Gott’s Roadside—it’s always on point.

And if you can’t squeeze it all into one day, no Bay Area visit is complete without a day trip to wine country. That’s where you’ll find us on day two, heading to Napa Valley for a day at The Hess Wine and Estate winery. It’s a unique experience blending wine tasting, art, and culinary delights. Another day filled with joy awaits!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I attribute the success of Kokeb Studio to my biggest fans, my family !! It’s through their support system that I am able to sustain and do what I love. From my sister Dr. Yodit Betru who is my number one cheerleader to my husband Dr. Samuel Tesfay who is my constant rock, their support is pivotal to the growth and success of my art practice.

Website: kokebstudio.com

Instagram: @kokebstudio

Facebook: @kokebstudio

Image Credits
Netsant (Net) Tesfay and Ellen Keith Shaw