Liz Kilili is a driven and slightly eccentric creative. She is the founder of Creatives Garage, a multi-disciplinary space for Creatives to network, collaborate, learn and gain market accessibility. Creatives Garage hosts the Sondeka Festival, which acts as a market access platform for its members.
She also sits on the boards of Mental Health Organization and Mum, Baby and Love Trust.
We had a few questions for her and this is what she had to say.
1. Your first phone?
I think it was a 5510, that thing was such a weapon, if I still had it I doubt any mall security would let me in.
2. Between Facebook and Twitter, which one do you prefer? Why?
I prefer Facebook (yes go ahead and judge). I like the flow of images and stories better than I do Twitter.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
5 years??? Wah I haven’t thought that far. No wait! Through Creatives Garage’s impact in the society, I see us making the global village even smaller through our market access strategy plan.
4. Any question for us?
We’ll publish our answer as well What is the application of the Y we used to find in maths?
5. What would you do if you were president for a day?
I would fire a few people from the Ministry of Culture *hides! NOT!*
6. What’s your favourite book & movie?
My favourite movie is Shawshank redemption. For books, sadly I don’t read as much as I should. However, As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer is one of those books that stuck in my head. I am also currently reading/putting together a book called femmolution with amazing Kenyan women contributing to the book.
7. Who or what inspired what you do now?
More of what inspired me. I was a frustrated creative looking for a space where I could network, learn from and collaborate with other creatives but it didn’t exist so I created one.
8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?
I would probably be a pilot. I always wanted to be one when I was young. However, when I wanted to pursue it, it was too expensive for my mum so I went to my first love; being a creative.
9. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I have a superpower 🙂 I’m bipolar.
10. Which 5 things would you want to have if you were deserted on an abandoned island?
- My ipod
- My laptop
- Solar power to charge those two
- A lifetime supply of matchsticks
- A fishing rod.
11. If you were a car, which one would you like to be? Why?
Lamborghini. Why? Have you seen the curves on that car?
12. If you could be in any band in the world, which one would it be? Why?
Black Eyed Peas. I think they redefined music. I would particularly love to be Will.i.am.
13a. What qualities does a creative need to have to make it in Kenya?
Resilience, the spirit of collaboration and putting themselves out there. It is quite annoying when a creative who is only known for one song comes up to you and asks you if you know who they are. Even what’s more annoying is creatives think the world needs to know them because of who they are or what they bring to the table. Sadly, the world owes no one anything. You have to build yourself up.
b. What do you think the creative economy in Kenya needs to get to the next level?
Market Access. I feel if we have channels of pushing our works to a market that consumes then we have a chance as a creative community. Clients need to understand that manpower and money goes into creating and should therefore stop asking for favours from creatives. In that same spirit creatives need to stop giving freebies in the name of getting exposure. Exposure ni ya film. Ask for your worth.
14. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers.
I was probably the first woman kange (Conductor). It’s a long story (if you want details invite me for a Long Island). Let’s just say I got the weirdest stares from everyone. It was kinda fun seeing all those judgmental faces.