11TH SPACE; THE FACE BEHIND THE BRAND

LIGHTS,CAMERA, ACTION!
Eleventh space is a production house birthed and led by the talented and determined graphic designer turned photographer; Franklin Gyan Jr.Simpliexpand had a chance to speak to Franklin regarding his Start-up Eleventh space. Our encounter with him taught us a lot about perseverance and the benefits of hard work. Franklin’s work with Fanyogo, Ideal milk ,Frytol and other well-known brands is what drew us to his story. His unique approach to photography and attention to detail serves as a constant reminder of what one can do when led by Passion.From just speaking to Franklin one can tell that he possesses a strong intent to change the otherwise not so daring creative space in Ghana. He hopes to inspire other creatives to think outside the box ,this drives him to constantly produce unique and awe inspiring content.About a decade ago Franklin fell in love with Design and photography. His passion grew fonder under Dennis Dartey, a former graphic designer turned big time commercial and advertising photographer’s mentorship. Franklin had the pleasure of meeting Dennis through his best friend, Dennis’ brother, Stanley. For the next two years Franklin would find himself jumping at the slightest opportunity to follow and understudy Dennis during his multiple commercial and advertising campaigns.  “He opened my eyes to photography, I didn’t think it could be achieved on that scale, so I was quiet mesmerized, I was in awe, I thought it was a lie, I didn’t think he did it himself. I was so mesmerized that I always wanted to be with him in the studio space to see him create”, he says. One would think that for someone who was ever so eager to learn, Franklin would drown his mentor in questions. He admitted to being intimidated by Dennis to the point that it held him back from asking questions. Most of the skillset he possess now were acquired through observation. The time spent at campaign shoots left him emulating all Dennis’ skills. With attention to detail being the spearhead, he landed an internship at the prestigious Innova DDB in his 3rd year at KNUST all the while  whilst freelancing as a graphic designer, during his early photography days and eventually the birth of the Eleventh space.The Eleventh space started two years ago as a one man show. Franklin who is undoubtedly a strong headed person had a plan. Having given his parents an ultimatum: photography or nothing, he came out the victor. He acquired the equipment needed to further his photography as substitute for furthering his education abroad. Having his way, his journey started off with an obsession to get the job done as opposed to chasing money. In his words he says “I wanted people to see my images and say that wow! This couldn’t have been shot by a Ghanaian”; that alone, would give him fulfilment. With hard work and determination, he built a name for himself.The solo work put in during the Kwarley’s Residence campaign made him more of a believer in the separation of powers. With avid for teamwork, he gained the platform to build a team from previous interns who had proven themselves and created the buzzing Eleventh space.