Makoko – Stories on Water (Ballpoint Pen Drawing)

Hey Hive Fam,

Here’s a recent ballpoint pen piece I just wrapped up — inspired by MAKOKO , a truly unique water-bound community in Lagos, Nigeria.

This drawing captures a glimpse of everyday life in Makoko — where houses float, and the rhythm of living flows with the water. I wanted to tell a quiet story through strokes and shading, to show the resilience and beauty of a place many only hear about.

Funny thing — when my friends came around to see , they thought I printed it ! They were shocked it was done by hand, especially with how I shade using just layering, pressure, and patience. It’s always dope when someone sees the effort in what you love doing.

Working with ballpoint pens is always a challenge — there’s no undo button, just flow, pressure, and patience. I used layers of color to build depth and shadow, trying to make every line feel intentional. The process was long, but worth it.

I’ve added some close-up shots so you can see the textures better. Every line in pen counts, and that’s part of what makes the process special to me.

Thanks for checking it out and supporting the journey. Much love always 🖤

#youngartfair #makoko #ballpointpenart #hiveart #drawingcommunity #naijaart #visualstorytelling