25/05/2026
Honored 🎨🔥💯
She Generations Arts Spotlight of the week: Dorah Graphics 🔥👏🏾
1. Who is Dorah
I am Novestar Mvula, but I go by Dorah, my mother’s name and my brand name. I am a student at NRC pursuing Textile and Fashion Design, and I work as a fashion designer, graphic designer, model, and actress.
2. When did you first realise “I am a designer”
I realized I am a designer from the moment I was able to design something from scratch and turn it into reality. It didn’t just happen overnight, it came after days of consistency, dedication, and passion.
3. What’s one piece of feedback that completely changed how you design? Who gave it to you?
Having someone who believes in what I do changed my perception toward designing. Drew Jessie is one of the people who believes in my work a lot, including my friends too.
4. What’s the one design tool or ritual you can’t work without? Why does it matter to you?
Music and brainstorming before designing. Before I touch any software, I like understanding the feeling behind the project. That ritual helps me create designs with emotion instead of just decoration. And of course, Adobe Photoshop is a major part of my process.
5. What’s one project that feels most “you” and why does it matter to you?
My recent 20-day Free Branding Challenge is the most “me” project. Designing daily pushed me to think differently, improve faster, and prove what I am capable of.
6. What’s the hardest part about being a woman in graphic design right now? And how do you push through it?
Being underestimated creatively or professionally just because I am a girl graphic designer. I push through by staying consistent, improving my skills, and letting my work speak louder than doubt.
7. Today it's Africa Day, what does designing as an African woman mean to you in 2026?
For me, it is pride, responsibility, and purpose.
8. What’s one myth about graphic design you wish clients would stop believing?
That graphic design is “just making things look nice.” Good design is strategy, communication, psychology, branding, and problem-solving combined. A strong design can influence how people see and trust a business.
9. What do you hope the next generation of girl designers in Malawi will have that you didn’t?
I hope they won’t be afraid to take up space, dream bigger, and build globally from Malawi.
10. Where can people connect with you ?
(Tafaka mu Comments box)
(Interviewed by Tao Jeka)
