https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design daily 0.75 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/adebukola-ajao monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6021cc3510c48c03e76dd73f/1612914543704/ADEBUKOLA+AJAO%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ADEBUKOLA AJAO - VISUAL DESIGNER “Makeida’s Hands is an ode to mothers, whose hands have shaped the world, hence the duplicate fingers on one hand. Mothers are ethereal individuals who defy logic everyday by giving birth. Unfortunately, Black mothers are dying at higher rates than any other group of women in America due to pregnancy. The Black Maternity Mortality rate is a health crisis. Black women need and deserve better healthcare to preserve our lives on the most transformational day of our lives - giving birth.” BLACK & TRANSCENDENT “Whether in real or imagined spaces, Black people thrive through our creativity, our brazen resilience and resistance to injustice, as well as our love for ourselves. Being Black has been a both magical and tragic. It's hard to explain but its so deeply felt.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/allison-bowers monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6021cf27a3c4c5454f041b5e/1612914531720/ALLISON+BOWERS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ALLISON BOWERS - DESIGNER, art director “Fashion Redefined was a show featuring avant-garde Japanese fashion designers Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons, & Yohji Yamamoto. As the graphic designer, I created an art direction and environmental graphics that captured the unapologetic boldness and creativity of these groundbreaking designers. The visuals were applied to different media including posters, maps, brochures, ads, and social media graphics.” BLACK & BOLD “I aim to make an impact, in my life and in my work. Taking risks, pushing boundaries, and challenging convention are parts of my daily routine. I do this not only to create a more fulfilling & authentic life for myself, but also to hopefully help guide things in a more inclusive and open direction for everyone.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/amber-fuller monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6021d0fe5d81ae6201ac0e6d/1612914510739/AMBER+FULLER%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - AMBER FULLER - artist, DESIGNER “My art is a reflection of my subconscious, almost like dreams that come to me. I see powerful black women like Harriet Tubman and Grace Jones who broke the mold of what everyone thought a black woman should be. Harriet's life was dedicated to freedom and Grace Jones lives in that freedom. They embody what I am striving to be..."free". MLK said “freedom is never given voluntarily by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” He fought and demanded that black should be allowed to live in their birthright as a human being without prejudice.” BLACK & FREE “The definition of "free" is not under the control or in the power of another. For years I have struggled to find a creative voice that was truly mine. Not worrying about what others thought about it or me. I have finally reached a place where I create what I want regardless of perception. It feels wonderful to be "free".” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/ashley-womack monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6021d3237beeb543784fd299/1612914500972/ASHLEY+WOMACK%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ASHLEY WOMACK - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “In my final year as a design student, I became interested in the concept of Language Justice — the idea that everyone has a right to be heard regardless of the language they want to speak. I designed a cultural probe in Spanish and Mandarin and gave it out to multilingual classmates and NYC residents to research this idea. In this series of illustrations, I use my research and findings to visualize what a multilingual higher education experience might look like. The research, writing, and illustrations aim to answer the questions: Who does higher education cater to? Who feels invited? What communities are built when we encourage an expanded multilingual learning experience in colleges? What steps and resources are needed to make these multilingual inclusion goals a reality?” BLACK & BEYOND “I am mixed race, so quite literally I am more than just Black, but I also take pride in having a wide range of interests and ambitions in design and *beyond*. Bed Bath & Beyond but with flavor.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/taylor-plummer monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023451e8943b902c7a63b87/1612924304411/TAYLOR+PLUMMER%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TAYLOR PLUMMER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “A visual architect who creates from a place between the known and the unknown. A place that sees the unknown that activates faith my talent, mind and heart. Determined to helping others in the unknown place to activate faith over fear. Painter, Graphic Design, Stylist, Creative Director, Helper, Whatever I want to be and whatever I want to do.” BLACK & FREE “Freedom to me means no FEAR - Nina Simone” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/banna-tesfay monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054d655f58e89076c9aa4a2/1616172647484/BANNA+TESFAY%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - BANNA TESFAY - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Bold and colorful has always been a huge purveyor to my creative career. I've always been in love with the idea of building ecosystems of design from the ground up, and working as a branding designer has given me the chance to do that, but bring my personal illustration style into the picture.” BLACK & DYNAMIC “Design is always evolving, so should we. I've always worked towards being a multi-disciplinary designer because there is so much knowledge to be learning from so many great BIPOC creatives.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/brendan-lett monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022b5c712cfd1015355b835/1612914472868/BRENDAN+LETT%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - BRENDAN LETT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER “My work is meant to inspire awe in the creation of the divine, whether it's pattern making (geometry) or nature photography, I am not really creating but rather capturing perspectives on existing structures. In this work I challenge the bases in which black people in America are meant to see the world, by making Allah SWT the primary focus I ask my people to remember that justice is inevitable, and invite them to experience the awe for the creator that I do. These pieces are personal to me, but the structure that they are created from was not made for me alone, and so they are meant to inspire others to find and live similar experiences.” BLACK & MUSLIM “I'm a black artist, but I make Islamic art and I don't make it for my self I make it for Allah SWT. My first 20 years of life I spent as a non-muslim seeing the way in which blackness is seen and treated in the Bay Area and America, and I was lost, until Islam. This is why muslim is the word I chose, because it is the most important thing to me.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/bria-anderson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022bea086c684782074b0c7/1612914461366/BRIA+ANDERSON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - BRIA ANDERSON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “CIBS (Cancer In Black Skin) is a visual campaign all about creating awareness and driving diagnosis of cancer in Black skin. CIBS helps to drive diagnosis to allow treatment at an early stage and is a free, personally tailored digital and local platform that offers tools and resources to young Black people. The campaign is intended for educational purposes on Instagram, alongside a diagnostic skin tracking app and a service idea to implement in “social sanctuaries” within the Black Community.” BLACK & AWARE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/briana-dailey monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022e4675d4bb61871924ffc/1612914444379/BRIANA+DAILEY%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - BRIANA DAILEY - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “TropHaus Smoothie Shop is a branding project based on the idea of fun times and good vibes in the form of tasty drinks and house music. Every aspect of this project pushes the tropical and club/rave culture aesthetic, as seen from the posters of house music legends, sound waves, and neon colors.” BLACK & BUBBLY “Everyone knows me as always having a smile on my face and bringing positive energy into the room.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/carmela-wilkins monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055f0f4c4d8e1209eccfffd/1616244999849/CARMELA+WILKINS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - CARMELA WILKINS - VISUAL DESIGNER “Through visual and written outputs, this project aims to archive the narratives of black women historically entrapped in service positions by exploring the relationship between female house slaves and the master's household where she provides nourishment. In the consumption of her bodywork, the enslaved black woman is forced to establish a sense of identity, a presence that has embedded itself in modern-day American foodscapes. The book cover was hand-lettered alongside and the book and pages were made by hand.” BLACK & INQUISITIVE “I am in constant friendly competition with my past selves, learning and absorbing as much as I can within this lifetime, sometimes to a fault. This is how I acknowledge that there is still work to do: within myself, for people who look like me, and for others of different marginalized identities where we’re most susceptible to environmental injustice and degradation. An issue area constantly reflected in my work. And yet, I stress the equal importance of rewarding myself with rest to continue to do good work not meant solely for aesthetic consumption but with intent for social impact.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/d-douglass monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022e764fe4dd05c42593190/1612914418723/D.+Douglass%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - D. DOUGLASS - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “I'm a cross functional designer and illustrator.” BLACK & VISIBLE “I make sure in anything I do to showcase that black artists are everywhere.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/dane-phillip monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022e906ceb1cc62deda9340/1612914408249/DANE+PHILLIP%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - DANE PHILLIP - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “This artwork is a collage of the visual assets I designed and art directed for Vibe&Be. A modern, sporty logo is grounded by classic materials and vintage floral paintings to evoke the elevated taste of this wavy R&B playlist.” BLACK & BLESSED “2020 wasn't kind to the world at large, but it sure as hell felt like it came for black people extra hard. And yet, here I stand. I am blessed and so grateful for my health, my family, and the means to do what I love through it all. Whatever 2021 brings, it's my duty as a human being, and especially as a black man, to use those blessings to bring about real change to those that need it most.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/daneisha-kirksey monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022ea32e5692d6a0e9399d2/1612914397531/DANEISHA+KIRKSEY%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - DANEISHA KIRKSEY - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Vibrant tropical floral with a word that should resonate with everyone.” BLACK & EMPOWERED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/deon-mixon monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6022ec7d7798fc0513492766/1612914385363/DEON+MIXON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - DEON MIXON - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Design Eye is the world's premier graphic design education board game. A creative game for people with great ideas. I created Design Eye to educate and encourage youth, particularly youth of color, to realize and unleash their creativity so they can feel confident in pursuing careers in the creative world. A powerful way to help increase diversity in the design industry.” BLACK & BRILLIANT “My life is decorated with many accomplishments: academic, professional, and personal all because of God. At my age (26), I've created more impactful work than most of my peers and predecessors. Learn about me, and you'll discover how and understand why.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/zaria-richardson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60231dee61fe8924f10044b7/1612914223694/ZARIA+RICHARDSON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ZARIA RICHARDSON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “This work is a poster celebrating the Stone superfamily of typefaces. The typefaces are Stone Informal, Stone Serif, and Stone Sans Serif. The look of the work is inspired by 1980s Apple computers because of the superfamily's connection with early digital printing.” BLACK & ECLECTIC “I am like a sponge. I enjoy learning about various subjects and dabbling in many fields. Using what I have learned, I let my interests collide in ways that let me express myself through unique blends of my knowledge and art.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/zach-norman monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023223f4b04cf6524a14c6a/1612915279197/ZACH+NORMAN%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ZACH NORMAN - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This GIF was inspired by the Shaw Bros. logo that showed before the kung-fu movies I watched often growing up. The goal was to use the tone and look of the logo and make something that could be used for the culture.” BLACK & INSPIRED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/yuliee-wilson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602323311abb180cf87caabf/1612915519926/YULIEE+WILSON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - YULIEE WILSON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “It's a design about returning to yourself.” BLACK & PASSIONATE “Lit like an Aurora Borealis in the blanketed purple hue of the northern skyline. One becomes enamored by realities beauty and engages in a fair exchange of the time in each moment.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/ty-davis monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054d971adc51732cc35ac2c/1616173459088/TY+DAVIS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TY DAVIS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “My work is based around public displays of shared intimate moments.” BLACK & EMPATHIC https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/tonee-cudi monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602326952c859079c9da886b/1612916414022/TONEE+CUDI%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TONEE CUDI - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Be proud of who you are. Take pride in your stride. Let the whole world know.” BLACK & LIMITLESS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/thomas-barnett monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602328c7062e9f0f82794a35/1612916951268/THOMAS+BARNETT%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - THOMAS BARNETT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Portals in the Brain lead to new thoughts in the mind. Our thoughts are always changing and our lifestyles will create them - live more, think more.” BLACK & ORGANIC “I create art not by planning, but by trial and error.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/tevin-stuurland monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60232ac6d3f4dc6a0b3622b0/1612917462856/TEVIN+STUURLAND%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TEVIN STUURLAND - VISUAL DESIGNER, PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) “Making intangible concepts more tangible through a visual medium.” BLACK & MULTIFACETED “People always seem to think people are very one-dimensional but people actually have many faces/sides to them.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/terrence-williams monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602341d2d1f74934196f7b76/1612923369283/TERRENCE+WILLIAMS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TERRENCE WILLIAMS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “As someone living at the intersection of a black & queer identity, I'm often tasked with figuring out how to navigate this world that doesn't always love either of those identities. In fact, those identities are constantly at odds with one another in some spaces. This piece is a simple celebration of being Black & Out. Acknowledging the beauty of a black, queer person living their truth and the miracle of black, queer self love in spite of a hateful society.” BLACK & OUT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/teneka-king monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60234333778fe00150a964cf/1612923715234/TENEKA+KING%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TENEKA KING - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “Event design for Keep a Child Alive's Black Ball. The night was centered around the 80’s - a time when brave activists spoke out and did something way before it was fashionable or safe to do so. When activism played a critical role in breaking the silence and cutting through the stigma surrounding the AIDS epidemic. At the event we evoked that spirit of activism from the 80’s and paid respect to those who acted during that time. The theme was reflected through the décor, collateral, messaging and musical performances.” BLACK & PROUD “Black people have been made to feel small and encouraged to dim their light in most spaces. However, we have always had a deep sense of pride as it relates to who we are and our contributions to society. We rarely get the credit, but Black people are the change makers that drive culture forward, and we should be proud of that.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/tempestt-carreon monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602343a4970336546e2801c6/1612923853026/Tempestt+Carreon%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - TEMPESTT CARREON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ANIMATOR, ILLUSTRATOR “This is a poster for the 2019 film, Ford v Ferrari, a story about the grit & determination needed in the racing world. I grew up going to the track, loving the intensity of a race & in awe of the beautiful cars in the pit. As a young Black girl, I'm sure I stood out at the track, but it didn't matter. I was there for the love of the sport. It's the same in Design; I make what I make out of a love for Design, never letting the color of my skin keep me from where I need to be.” BLACK & BRAVE “As a Black girl growing up in so many different environments, I was taught that my heritage requires a great deal of bravery to positively influence the narrative of what it means to be Black. As a creative, this bravery has been vital in having the courage to face challenges enthusiastically and make real change.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/sudie-wentling monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602346555421ed6b2028e230/1612924527168/Sudie+Wentling%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - SUDIE WENTLING - ART DIRECTION, DESIGNER “Kulima, means to cultivate in Swahili. Through engagement, education, and design, the Kulima organization empowers everyday citizens of all ages to use their collective voices to shape their physical environment. The custom logo design celebrates the cultivation of self-expression and spatial activism.” BLACK & COMMITTED “Committed to pushing boundaries with the understanding that design is an evolving art form that can harness the power of our diverse experiences to propel us forward.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/sonja-calhoun monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602347c778ddac4af99f5560/1612924888592/Sonja+Calhoun%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - SONJA CALHOUN - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “I'm Black and Weird. As someone who was the "odd duck" growing up, I'm owning it now. My weirdness is as much a part of me as my Blackness.” BLACK & WEIRD “Silliness is one of my traits that I never felt was celebrated enough. Sure, I may be strong, beautiful, and passionate. But I'm also kinda weird. And I like being able to express that.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/sofia-gulaid monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60234a04fae8d71dc6a98bc8/1612925460112/Sofia+Gulaid%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - SOFIA GULAID - DESIGNER, URBAN PLANNER “Greetings from Mandela: A theoretical tourist map about “Mandela, Massachusetts”. In 1986 there was a referendum that proposed a new city formed by the majority of Black neighborhoods in Boston seceding, but it was never passed. What would Mandela look like if the referendum had won the vote?” BLACK & URBAN “As a Kenyan-American urban planner and designer I'm always interested in ways that Black and African identities might manifest in the built environment and how we can challenge cities to reveal these identities more.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/shannon-chong monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60234ae178ddac4af99f96c5/1612925854557/Shannon+Chong%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - SHANNON CHONG - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Does it even matter whether our hands were raised in peace or held down by force? Will we ever be seen as anything other than a threat? This piece was created and posted to my Instagram account (@shan_chng) in May 2020. The caption that companioned is as follows: "Moments like this yet again force me to question my existence as a Black American; They force me to question my place and value as a human being. It’s a reminder of how far we have to go for equality; for justice. We, as a society, must do better. We must demand change."” BLACK & VALUABLE “As a Black American I have had to question my value as a human being. Am I good enough? Smart enough? Talented enough? Am I worth enough? Do I deserve the innate respect that all humans deserve? Yes. I am valuable merely because I exist.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/ricky-dennis monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60234c5a8943b902c7a6e069/1612926125178/Ricky+Dennis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - RICKY DENNIS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “A dual graphic of the food processing industry's relationship with cows that go belly up.” BLACK & THANKFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/priscilla-ojomu monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60234e84cc8e33014d229308/1612927526371/Priscilla+Ojomu%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - PRISCILLA OJOMU - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “I imagine a future where I'm a Free Black woman. Free to create art, free to love, free to simply exist. The flowers represent the beauty in me, in my skin, emotions, and personality. The umbrellas represent the many dreams I have and the wish to create shelter and comfort in my self. My desires fuel me to "aim for the stars." My FUTURE SELF is someone who can love herself unapologetically. She is not afraid to speak her mind. She uplifts others because she uplifted herself. She matters.” BLACK & FREE “I'm Black and Free in a time where the colonial gaze would rather have me in chains. I'm Black and Free to live as I please without fear. I'm Black and Free to fight for my total Freedom.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/nomonde-mtetwa monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054c9465be1b361d6789106/1616169304169/NOMONDE+MTETWA%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - NOMONDE MTETWA - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “I created this during the peak of the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020. We were a few weeks into the National Lockdown and I was going through a lot of emotions, withdrawal being one of them, mostly due to the loneliness and mundanity of my life during that time. I like experimenting with typography in my design and I try to use it in ways that don't just convey the meanings of the words but emotions too. I feel this poster does just that.” BLACK & DYNAMIC! https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/nneka-njoku monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054c8a34af67b79f727e417/1616169147682/NNEKA+NJOKU%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - NNEKA NJOKU - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “'Legacy' is a conceptual publishing brand and magazine that focuses on modern fashion and its traditional influences in the African Diaspora. Using the concept "the past is now", Legacy melds the traditional with the modern creating a middle way where there's no distinction between the two. The project includes a sample magazine spread, and promotional materials for Legacy's brand + launch event.” BLACK & CURIOUS “I have always been naturally curious & introspective- constantly questioning & contemplating what lies beneath the surface of myself and others.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/nina-q-allen monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023593059c4413e7bccff50/1612929346172/Nina+Q.+Allen%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - NINA Q. ALLEN - VISUAL DESIGNER, ARTIST “Nina Q. Allen - "WHALE CRY ... WHALINGS (/EKŌLŌˈKĀSH(Ə)N/)" Digital Poetry, Dimensions Variable, 2021.” BLACK & INTUITIVE “I exist in a magical, afro-indigenous...watery portal.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/naomi-gennery monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60235b0539b3535bec364685/1612929827905/NAOMI+GENNERY%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - NAOMI GENNERY - ILLUSTRATOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VISUAL DESIGNER “My work is rooted in social issues, I love making work around womxnhood, identity and modern life. My artwork for the exhibition looks at modern dating apps and the racial profiling thats comes hand in hand.” BLACK & CREATIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/mel-isidor monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023eb1173f6264a4822ca86/1612966719994/MEL+ISIDOR%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - MEL ISIDOR - DESIGNER, artist “These works are excerpts from “A Voice at the Table,” a research initiative exploring the role affirmative spaces play in promoting community building, empowerment, and resilience for Black womxn in Roxbury, Boston, MA. The first of two images features popular affirmative spaces for Black womxn in Roxbury as identified through surveys and interviews. The second image captures 77 survey responses to the question “What is one question you would pose to the community?” overlaying the mural, “Africa is the Beginning,” from the Roxbury YMCA, a piece that serves to honor Pan-African heritage and inspire community mobilization. Full research outputs leverage photography, collage, illustration, mapping, and writing to produce a graphic booklet and interactive website [avoiceatthetable.us]. This project speaks to my passion to bridge complex topics around urban development, design, and planning between academia and art.” BLACK & EVOLVING “My practice both personal and professional is grounded in the notion that “The only lasting truth is Change,” [Octavia Butler]. I find joy in both the balance and chaos of continued learning, expansion, and growth.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/louis-white monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023eb9d1bd40077b511b88a/1612966858343/Louis+White%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - LOUIS WHITE - creative director, designer “This artwork is one of the many key visuals for the European launch of the Nike React Element 55 across Nike.com and retail. Along with an amazing team, my responsibilities were to lead on creative/design direction and digital strategy.” BLACK & AMBITIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/lauren-ashley-barnes monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023ed232389441049d5ec7b/1612967279961/Lauren-Ashley+Barnes%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - LAUREN-ASHLEY BARNES - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Whimsical illustrations with bold color combinations and pattern play.” BLACK & WORTHY “I'm worthy of everything that is possible, that I'm enough just as I am.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/landon-lee monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023f003a03f004ba0d9c17d/1612967971659/Landon+Lee%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - LANDON LEE - VISUAL DESIGNER, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, STRATEGIST “In an effort to help support local business, throughout the year, our company will offer to rebrand a business in need at reduced fees (or sometimes pro bono). Bundles by Daisy is an example of one such business that requested a new brand. Noble Creative Collective aptly stepped up to the plate and delivered a mark that we're proud to share. The logo makes great use of negative space while conveying a sense of pride and positivity in Black women's hair care.” BLACK & ASPIRATIONAL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/laetitia-auguste monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023f151d6b1c745b273bd8e/1612968292547/LAETITIA+AUGUSTE%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - LAETITIA AUGUSTE - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, ANIMATOR, ART DIRECTOR “The branding for this event! This is one of the few times I’ve felt like I was able to contribute towards building up my community through design and for that I’m so thankful.” BLACK & CAPABLE “I’m so glad I trusted my gut and decided to become a designer. It took me a while (Especially as a first-generation Immigrant) to dispel this notion that art could be a lucrative career and not just a hobby. I'm proud of the person I'm becoming.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/kyla-goss monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023f3253bc6c7443ad34cbc/1612968944458/Kyla+Goss%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KYLA GOSS - brand consultant, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “This piece was created to serve as a reminder that I can have and already possess the things that I want in this life. The design is loosely inspired by a received email.” BLACK & DESERVING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/kieron-lewis monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023f45792140940807019ea/1612969081659/Kieron+Lewis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KIERON LEWIS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “AFREADA is a literary magazine, featuring original short stories from established and emerging writers across Africa and its diaspora. See kieronlewis.com/AFREADA to read the magazine in full.” BLACK & HUMBLE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/khara-woods monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023f550891b492ce9f2bf4b/1612969324152/Khara+Woods%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KHARA WOODS - DESIGNER, ARTIST “Multi-colored, abstract composition of semi-liquid-like forms.” BLACK & BUILDING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/keith-craig monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023facdd76f9d083ce32435/1612970717174/Keith+Craig%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KEITH CRAIG - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “The founder of Sankofa Soccer Academy, Mya Walsh, is seeking a way to forge a space for minority soccer athletes who might feel isolated or even uncomfortable in an environment that doesn’t always look like them. I designed a logo that marries a soccer ball and the shape of the iconic raised fist to identify the mission the academy. The fist is a symbol of power and the resilience of the black soccer player fighting against the barriers. I’ve also included the Pan-African colors, red, yellow, green and black to further represent the heritage of the black community.” BLACK & BLESSED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/karim-ali monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023fde29bb17a5ab40b1472/1612971508451/Karim+Ali%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KARIM ALI - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR “My brand is called BadNews® the meaning behind it is embracing the experiences of your life — the good ones, the bad ones, the shameful ones, the right ones, the wrong ones, the happy ones, and the sad ones. Here is a piece from our last 2 collections.” BLACK & AWARE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/kameron-davis monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6023ff01a0509126ac480496/1612971794526/Kameron+Davis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KAMERON DAVIS - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, STRATEGIST “Strategy fueled high power design.” BLACK & STRATEGIC “I feel like I've struggled in my life with putting the hustle before being strategic. Strategy is needed now a days more than ever and in order for Black people to make it to the places we want to be we are going to have to use strategy to close the gap.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/kadrian-hinton monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024003da03b255e1b98c777/1612972107516/Kadrian+Hinton%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KADRIAN HINTON - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece is called "Reaching for the Son". It is an ode to black women. Paired with this poem (authored by myself): To be black and to be woman is to wish for just two arms. To wish for one more to cover me from harm To carry sweet wombs shaded by bitterness Instead I’m left with infinite extensions of myself to carry my sons To be black and to be woman is to wish for one arm to Reach the Son” BLACK & AMBITIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jordan-plain monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602401aeecdc392e301141fc/1612972645073/Jordan+Plain%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JORDAN PLAIN - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR “My art is a blend of poetry, shape, and color. I mix these three things to bring the most out of my mind. I want to have an abstract feeling with my work but also have hard hitting words that take you down a path of thinking.” BLACK & FUTURISTIC “I spend a lot of time thinking about black people in the future. The greatest defiance of white supremacy is black people living. I choose hope and ideating on the future instead of looking back at the hardships we have faced.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jonathan-sangster monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054b7f40012f9333cb52360/1616164866979/Jonathan+Sangster%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JONATHAN SANGSTER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ARTIST, PHOTOGRAPHER “I thrive on aesthetic research, experimentation, and engaging process. Examining the intersection of the mechanical and biological, I find ways that human-made technologies can be used to elicit organic visual structures. By combining and physically layering past and present technological processes, I embrace mistakes, reclaim failures, and focus heavily on textures and experimentation. I use literary research to give appropriate visual forms to questions, thoughts, and dialogue inspiring semantics. ” BLACK & EXPANSIVE “I focus very intentionally on being curious and asking questions. I am always learning something new about the world and about myself.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jessica-udeh monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054b77a6d943b202f9e67f7/1616164751490/Jessica%09Udeh_WNW_WATBD Design - JESSICA UDEH - artist, designer “My artwork is chaotic, enchanting, and radical. It also highlights the innocuous forms of vanity that allow you to look inward and peel away any adopted falsehoods.” BLACK & LIMITLESS “One thing I love about myself is my imagination. I am my own architect, therefore there are no limits.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jeremiah-selengia monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602408a8742df33b0ec8aa34/1612974268772/Jeremiah+Selengia%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JEREMIAH SELENGIA - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PRODUCT DESIGNER “I'm Tanzanian/British/American and love traveling. I see myself as an ambassador for tourism in Tanzania, being a designer I felt compelled to redesign the current Tanzania Tourism brand. This was a self directed project showing the potential of the brand.” BLACK & HONEST “I choose honest, because I believe it's powerful in cultivating strong relationships.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jason-stone monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024383365aaa03a6cf40ff3/1612986433364/Jason+Stone%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JASON STONE - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER “The Dive of the Moonrunner is my reflection piece on embracing my shadow & discovering more about my moon sign in Libra.” BLACK & WORTHY https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jasmine-corrales monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602439ec7a4b7c5d199e5fce/1612986880261/JASMINE+CORRALES%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JASMINE CORRALES - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, VISUAL DESIGNER “My name is Jasmine Corrales and I am a Black and Mexican graphic designer based in Los Angeles. My design goals are to connect with people of color through accessible and approachable design. I have a B.A. in Art History from San Francisco State University focusing on Contemporary Black artists which allows me to be an excellent visual communicator with extensive knowledge of my community which I aim to share through design.” BLACK & CONFUSING “As the only black person in my family i have had to not only learn black culture on my own. As an only child made me an expert into the loneliness inside and outside of my head which allowed me to explore all corners of not only the internet my myself. Which i am in constant discovery..” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/janiel-richards monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60243aa10721001a23627511/1612987193254/Janiel+Richards%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JANIEL RICHARDS - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Growing up, I couldn't say "I hate it here," even as I joke. My family ain't play that. I grew up in a strict Trinidadian religious household where I was told "hate" is a powerful word that shouldn't be said lightly or ever for that matter. It wasn't until my 17 y/o sister started saying it every day that it stopped becoming triggering to hear -- it was one of those tik tok colloquialisms, and I became the oldhead telling her to stop saying it. Then I realized that while my mom is right that words are powerful, it's also the intent and attachment you give the words that are equally important. I initially made this shirt in February as a gift for my sister's bday to make light of her favorite phrase. Everyone has their own definition and usage, but my sister would legit wake up and say it. She's the person that lectures me on water waste and systemic racism. She's the wittiest and grimmest person I know. Some would classify her as the "angry black girl." Jokes. She's a badass who just happens to be frustrated. The fact of the matter is we don't hate it here. At least not most of the time. Most of the time, I love this shit so much I don't know how to describe it - the nights, the stars, the sky, the looks, the lookers. I mean, uh, I can't get enough. But it's those I can get enough of that make the former true. The duality of life is interesting like that - how I can strike a duckface pose mind breakdown, wear a smile on my face with this shirt on, or even cry on the brightest of days. So while the phrase is pessimistic, people should be able to say how they feel. I made this to encourage conversation and share the importance of expressing feelings, such as anger, during uncomfortable times. With the hopes that we acknowledge our discomfort, harness our rage, and be intentional with our joy.” BLACK & DEADASS “I've lived 90% of my life in Brooklyn, NY, and one thing I've learned is to always keep it a buck 50. There's power in the tongue, and to speak power into yourself is to speak with intention that is true to yourself. 2020 has made it abundantly clear that life is a blessing, family is the key, and the bag is mine. And I refuse to let anything change that — deadass.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jamar-callender monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60243cb0d0bca75c017fbd82/1612987611329/Jamar+Callender%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JAMAR CALLENDER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR “Manifestation may come in different forms. It may feel as if you're at a distance from your goals but, you just have to be patient enough to orbit around it. You'll land eventually.” BLACK & TRANQUIL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jaelen-upchurch monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60243d8ed0bca75c017fd126/1612987811651/Jaelen+Upchurch%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JAELEN UPCHURCH - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This artwork is titled "DBS: Broly - Popcorn Box Packaging". What I wanted to do with this piece was combine my passion for anime and my passion for packaging design. I love packaging that causes the viewer to interact with the piece itself and for the color palette to be something vibrant and engaging. This piece is a love letter to my younger self who loved Dragon Ball and to what type of things he could do with his art as an adult.” BLACK & GOOFY “Being a goofy person isn't all bad. Being goofy can mean you bring a smile to people's faces and you seem fun to be around. I always try to be welcoming and inviting with both my art and how I interact with others in life. I think being goofy sometimes lightens the mood and leaves others and myself feeling good.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jae-fortune monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054b4a5da61f308c621b157/1616164048518/Jae+Fortune%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JAE FORTUNE - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Every design that I have made in the past, present, and future represents a piece of me. I wouldn't say that I have a style, but I do put 100% of my energy into every project. Looking at my work is like looking at a piece of me. My work is vibrant and free. Those are the main themes that I want people to get from my work.” BLACK & AMBITIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/jaamal-benjamin monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60243f9b2c291024fa135b75/1612988462856/Jaamal+Benjamin%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - JAAMAL BENJAMIN - DESIGNER, TYPE DESIGNER “Black Boy Joy typographically explores the duality and range of Black men with self-designed type design and lettering.” BLACK & VIBRATIONAL “Vibes is everything and all around. Radiant. In motion. That unexplainable force this flows through us all, embodies us all and moves us all in perfect accord. Like a nice glass of wine. Like when the DJ throws on the right track. Like when that special someone smiles at you. Invisible, yet inescapable.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/india-myers monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054b3d367dae41660bf3c66/1616163805542/INDIA+MYERS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - INDIA MYERS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Logo and illustration created for POWtv; a virtual viewing station created by POW Film Fest for discovering stories told by women and non-binary filmmakers. I developed an illustration style inspired by art deco motifs and used a technicolor palette to add a vibrant modern twist to the artwork. I developed multiple logo options before moving forward with the wordmark that was bold enough to stand out against the illustration while also echoing the soft, organic forms in the illustration.” BLACK & TRUE “Honest in my work and honest to myself.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/hasani-tyus monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602441f99987d71f9d3eb960/1612989158844/HASANI+TYUS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - HASANI TYUS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PRODUCT DESIGNER “The power of reconnecting with yourself by connecting to the earth.” BLACK & CONSCIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/hasan-zarroug monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024435118058c47d24d09a6/1612989349516/Hasan+Zarroug%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - HASAN ZARROUG - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “This piece is about my relationship with hair. Growing up in Ethiopia, I was never taught to embrace my curls always being told to cut it short. Only until I left my country did I come to appreciate it and be prideful in its texture, thickness and strength.” BLACK & PROUD “Black & Proud. I have always struggled with identity but through art I find belonging and comfort, I express my struggles proudly and with no fear.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/grace-enemaku monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024445782bc43644de80e58/1612989655584/Grace+Enemaku%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - GRACE ENEMAKU - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “'Black Girl Magic' celebrates Black femininity. It frames Black women as goddesses of nature, drawing power from the elements. It’s an image rarely seen, certainly not historically in fine art paintings or the rewriting of history and religion and so this became a contemporary take on classical portraiture. The series aims to give Black women a representation of ourselves that reflects our innate beauty and power, while allowing us a softness and vulnerability that we are often denied. Aspects of black girl culture have been exaggerated and reinterpreted, seen in the long acrylic nails as art pieces and magical hair that defies gravity. The blend of photography and illustration allows the subjects to be immersed in a fantasy world of lavender pastels and burning flames.” BLACK & MAGICAL “There is magic in being Black. And it is born not only from our shared experiences of suffering, but from our creativity and our deep kinship. Our creative influence puts us at the forefront of counterculture until it becomes THE culture. As a young girl I struggled with my biracial identity as though I felt Black, the world didn’t always see it that way. But the magic was always in me and when I found my people I bloomed. My Blackness has connected me with my soul sisters and through it, they know me in ways others never will.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/eva-collins monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024454e94eabb530ce7cc49/1612989864507/Eva+Collins%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - EVA COLLINS - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) / RESEARCHER / VISUAL DESIGNER “I believe that quality user experiences and ethical brands should go hand in hand. I am interested in designing for a company that ethically produces services or products. This email receipt design is a presentation of what I could do in a UI designer role at such a company.” BLACK & WHITE “As a mixed race person, people believe that they are entitled to say that I'm "not black enough" or "not white enough." I am black. I am white. I am enough.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/elijah-g monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602491a896346a7792c026c1/1613009461804/Elijah+G%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - ELIJAH G. - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER “I worked on some designs and did my first Zoom guest talk with The Partnership Funds this summer, and I made some green. I decided to use that money to produce stickers that I designed so I can sell them to save money for a design computer. I want to learn how to use Blender, code video games and have my own Illustrator and Photoshop programs. This is my first sticker release (50 numbered packs) and here they are: RADICAL! 4” x 2.5” vinyl sticker When I use the word radical, it means that something is cool or excellent. I use it for stuff like games, art, clothes and other things. Radical originated from surfers in the 1960s, referring to things that are extremely awesome. Future Is Not For Sale 3” x 3.5” holographic The goal is to spread the message to kids that “The Future Is Not For Sale”, meaning when society tries to tell you what to do with your future, you decide - not them. Cutting down trees, polluting the air, and marketing products that get people to spend money on things they don’t need are ways that the future is being sold. Our Future Is Not For Sale. All Kids On Deck (A GOMEZ + FRKO Messaround) 8” x 3” die cut vinyl All Kids On Deck is about how us kids are the future and the next generation. We are the beginning of a new world and a new age. The messages and illustrations of All Kids On Deck show how kids are being creative, learning, and playing because we are next in line to make the world better. Thank you to my friend, and one of my favorite illustrators, FRKO for drawing the kids! Thank you to my mom and dad for their help with everything!” BLACK & CREATIVE about Twelve-year-old Elijah is a student, avid reader, gamer, writer and artist that’s inspired by the work of Shigeru Miyamoto, Studio Ghibli, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rebecca Sugar, Tomi Adeyemi, A Tribe Called Quest, Mark Mothersbaugh, and the comedic work of Rita Moreno as Lydia on One Day at a Time. He has designed for, and with, Flux Projects, Pancake Social, Tanya Morgan, Ticonderoga Club, Chilly-O and FRKO. https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/destiny-kirumira monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6025532bce41b34e1cca9fb2/1613058872123/DESTINY+KIRUMIRA%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - DESTINY KIRUMIRA - DESIGNER, artist “My art poses questions surrounding race, gender and politics with the aim of enlightening those of us who have chosen to turn a blind eye to the world’s most grotesque injustices. I use realism and abstraction as tools to focus the viewer’s gaze onto and away from certain figures and subjects. My work discusses themes of identity and representation by inserting contemporary portraits of Black people into inhumane yet realistic depictions of everyday life.” BLACK & PRESENT “I think especially during Black History month we are ready to commemorate the thousands of Black leaders and changers that came before us, but we must be present in the times we are in if we hope to make any type of change.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/camille-nugent monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026af4c99a34818234d1c42/1613148004023/Camille+Nugent%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - CAMILLE NUGENT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, art director “Originally from St. Catherine Jamaica, I am a multidisciplinary artist and designer living and working in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m passionate about equal representation in my art. The subjects of my work are primarily people of color, are neither victims nor heroes, and are often shaped by my culture, experiences, and my idiosyncrasies. In soft, varied dreamscapes, they navigate the sometimes-tenuous line between feeling connection and isolation.” BLACK & SOULFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/teah-brands monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054a93f46a9d2315752178a/1616161097346/Teah+Brands_WORKINGNOTWORKING_WATBD Design - TEAH BRANDS - interior DESIGNER “The Johnson Publishing Building was the first mid-rise office building in Chicago designed by a Black architect and occupied by a Black-owned company. It housed the offices of Ebony and Jet magazines, Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and others. To memorialize this space as a symbol of black achievement in America, I created a series of design representations. Among them is this "drawdel" of the office lobby, created using a combination of collage, modelmaking, and drawing. In 2017, the building was bought out and converted to luxury apartments.” BLACK & IMAGINATIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/keion-t-davis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054bc0ff9dc284e2448c831/1616165918325/Keion+T+Davis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Design - KEION DAVIS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “This artwork utilizes the trio of pan-African colors to promote Black liberation, centering a quote from the Queer novelist James Baldwin that describes the Black experience in America. The word "Black" sits atop the artwork, being the largest word in the composition and first in hierarchy, centering Black people and pulling in the eye from afar.” BLACK & QUEER “It's important to recognize that Black liberation cannot exist without Black Queer (trans inclusive) liberation.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/sandra-githinji monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055fbda7ece1450b86e4d2b/1616251439834/Sandra+Githinji_Bloom+Collection_Queen+NANDI.jpg Design - SANDRA GITHINJI - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER “Bloom is conceptualised as a collection of sculptural vases that celebrate phenomenal African female figures whose stories have been long forgotten. It physically symbolises the stories of these women who bloomed where they were planted, some through difficult situations, yet they rose and paved the way for many of us today. Standing as symbols of the power in women.” BLACK & BLOOMING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/anthony-starks monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560a49e7faa8767961c5b7/1616251567103/diptych1.png Design - ANTHONY STARKS - DESIGNER “A diptych juxtaposing two artifacts from American history: the "A Man was Lynched Yesterday" flag from the NAACP, and the "I AM A MAN" protest placard from the Civil Rights Era. Type set in "MARTIN" a typeface inspired by remnants of the Memphis Sanitation Strike of 1968.” BLACK & NERDY https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/taylor-thompson monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560ae350fef20618a81375/1616251712972/SisterRosetta_MissingHistory_TaylorThompson.jpg Design - TAYLOR THOMPSON - DESIGNER, art director “This poster was part of a 30 day series that I embarked on to celebrate Black figures throughout history as a way to process grief from the numerous displays of brutality against Black people in 2020. It was deeply important to me to create work featuring Black people in a positive light, and to introduce others to trailblazers they may not have learned of before. You can see more here: https://ohheytay.com/Missing-History” BLACK & Purposeful “I try to move through life with meaning, speak up when I have something to say, and help empower others along the way.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/adebowale-adegoke monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560b8d88dbc02315d15c22/1616251882156/Black%26Brave.png Design - ADEBOWALE ADEGOKE - DESIGNER, art director “I approached the artwork using custom typography with minimalist look that stay true the message I am trying to pass. Direct and Brave.” BLACK & BRAVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/alexalima monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560c3d1043a842bb8e1d00/1616252050969/Q001.png Design - ALEXA LIMA - DESIGNER “Creating movement through the lens of minimalism is the constant idea that I convey through my artwork. The use of continuity between color, line work, and composition creates an overall feeling of wholeness, leaving the viewer's eye engulfed in an alternate world.” BLACK & Authentic “To be completely and undeniably your true self and expressing that through anything and everything.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/alexis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560cbef2e79040b7a758e1/1616252810919/utopia00.png Design - ALEXIS LOVELY - DESIGNER, art director “this piece is my visual interpretation of the “love frequency” which is 528hz, and the state of peace one might feel when hearing it. I got into sound bowls last year, and the colors reflect the iridescent look of some of them and how the vibrations harmonize together creating a melodic masterpiece in its own right.” BLACK & EXISTING “the idea of simply existing being enough and being present in each moment has been a huge focus for me this year. movies like “soul” celebrating life and the human experience aside from accomplishments, accolades etc. has been a truth that’s really stuck with me as of late.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/brandon-williams monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60560ffb7461852b64f2592f/1616253019929/juneteenth_9.jpg Design - BRANDON WILLIAMS - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, art director “Advertising social assets that impact culture and leave statements to question logic.” BLACK & CEO, Multi-Disciplinary Creative, & Brand Strategist with a focus on Afro-Futurism & Entertainment https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/camille-elston monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561106c26d96133b3a02a9/1616253291707/What+if+zine_2-1.jpg Design - CAMILLE ELSTON - DESIGNER, art director “What If is the first in a short series of zines exploring new design foundations through an intersectional lens. The zine won the On the Desk Category in the 2020 A+D Museum Design Awards. It features poetry, prose, and illustrated pieces.” BLACK & Curious https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/chris-cyran monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605611e299cfb127aec748e6/1616253461196/ChrisCyran_GoogleDoodle+%281%29.jpg Design - CHRIS CYRAN - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, art director “Go Vote - Google Doodle I designed for Election Day 18'” BLACK & WHITE “I'm 50% Black, 50% White. Growing up in very different households and cultures inspired my process to find commonality in things that usually don't cross paths :)” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/daniel-justin monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056126448c4b95709884e20/1616253852245/unnamed.jpg Design - DANIEL JUSTIN AMOAKO - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “My artwork consists of mostly branding and innovative artwork.” BLACK & BRAVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/david-perrin monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056134ad79f592dd51b92a8/1616253792531/valentines-day-2021_FNL.png Design - DAVID PERRIN - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, art director “Vibrant artwork centering Black people.” BLACK & CREATIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/eniola-odetunde monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561564ed1e0809c1b48fd6/1616254394091/2020-06-17-5G-Woman-Blur+%281%29.jpg Design - ENIOLA ODETUNDE - DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR, ILLUSTRATOR “My demo reel showcasing some of my work from the past couple of years” Black & Bold My work is bold, graphic, and colorful. https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/juliette-mothe monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605616e11043a842bb8eecb9/1616254789418/2020-Q4_AiD-Posters_WhereAreTheBlackDesigners_HiRes.png Design - JULIETTE MOTHE - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “The artwork I'm sharing is about vulnerability and power as well. It's about finding home within one another, trusting, breaking barriers and cultivating intimacy.” Black & Vulnerable “The world continually demands black women to be strong, as in unbreakable and fearless. I'm none of these things. I'm scared and sensitive, like many of my sisters. And I find there's great power in being vulnerable. Vulnerability is key to build trust, to get closer together, to heal.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/kira-street monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056177c31e52416d656c2e6/1616254912265/100+days+of+gratitude.PNG Design - KIRA STREET - DESIGNER, PRODUCT DESIGN “100 Days of Gratitude. Doing this project helped me keep a spirit of joy during the harrowing, stressful, and heartbreaking year that was 2020. Each day, I designed an icon or a graphic highlighting one thing I was grateful for. Sometimes it was as small as seeing a spider make its web to something as big as moving back home safely after losing my job.” Black & JOYFUL “I truly believe in radical joy. That despite trauma, both personal and corporate, I can still have joy and still be grateful for things in my life, no matter how small.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/marlene-cole monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561875f2e79040b7a81fb1/1616255139476/MarleneCole_PV_GraphisPoster.jpg Design - MARLENE COLE - DESIGNER “My work centers around Typography and Digital/Printed Storytelling. No matter what medium I use within design, my work somehow comes back to trying to tell a story, or share someone's narrative. And typography happens to be a medium that I love to use and explore. Eventually, I'd like to see what happens when pushing the visual boundaries of both Storytelling and Typography together.” Black & Inquisitive https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/marlon-cole monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605618d77ff8335e3afb4507/1616255276775/nyc_tshirt+shop.png Design - MARLON COLE - DESIGNER “In narratology and comparative mythology, the hero's journey, or the monomyth, is the common template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed.” Black & Compassionate https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/matheus-castro monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605619807ece1450b8704872/1616255393091/There+Must+be+Something+-+Matheus+Castro.jpg Design - MATHEUS CASTRO - DESIGNER, ANIMATOR, ILLUSTRATOR “This work is a collage-style retro science fiction poster. In the same way the collage technique ressignifies images and bring new meanings, the poster brings another point of view to the idea of retro science fiction imagery, inserting a black person in a thematic that they are usually not seen as main characters and imagining the possibilities of diversity on retro-themed and science fiction media.” Black & CURIOS “I am always learning new things and improving my knowledge about things I love. Learning is power and being able practice my love for science, technology, culture and creativity is a blessing.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/mia-davis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605619c41f8001702f1ec3d0/1616255584752/SKELLY.png Design - MIA DAVIS - DESIGNER “A blue-hued retro but futuristic piece, showing chrome text and chrome textured imagery. I wanted to create a three dimensional effect with the ice and the hand that is shown to be robotic.” Black & BOLD https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/regina-joseph monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561ab0a79fe46cb983a4f1/1616255767397/revolutionary+.png Design - REGINA JOSEPH - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “My artwork wanted to embrace all of the Black People who revolutionize the world through their creativity. I wanted the word "Revolutionary" to be emphasized to show how amazing and game-changing we are no matter what industry we are in.” Black & Revolutionary “For so long Black People have changed so many industries in so many ways. We are the forefront of change, which is the most important element of Design, overall. We also start trends and change the direction of society by breaking societal norms.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/roneka-patterson monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561b5ba79fe46cb983b3bf/1616256001859/image0+%282%29.jpeg Design - RONEKA PATTERSON - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “The one thing you’ve got going: your one vote.” ― Shirley Chisholm. “This poster was created for the 2020 November election. Using the words of a political icon, its purpose was to encourage people to get engaged, stick it out and vote, by any means.” Black & Nothing Without My Ancestors “I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who fought unimaginable battles. I owe everything to those that came before me.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/tyrell-graham monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60561c9345562a231be0d47d/1616257760277/blackboy+%281%29.jpg Design - TYRELL GRAHAM - DESIGNER “As a Heterosexual Black Male there have been moments where women outside my community have objectified. I can only assume it is the stereotype that surrounds Black men as good sexual partners. I have heard and been a part of the conversation that praises the Black man's as a sexual being, however not being present for their struggle. I mean, if you are only there for a good time but do not show no concern for our mental health or well being, why be present at all?” Black & Unapologetic https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/design/brandon-parker monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605623967e50097d3e84cda6/1616257958912/Walls+%281%29-1.jpg Design - BRANDON PARKER - DESIGNER “Walls is an art book about various street art found on walls throughout Baltimore City. This could include simple graffiti tags to large, scale painted murals. I chose to focus on neighborhood graffiti and digitally enhanced the artwork while making the surrounding world appear flat, lifeless, and muted. Alongside the photos are quotes from a diverse group of Baltimore-area creatives, residents, and students. Along with the book, I created a motion graphics piece to serve as an advertisement for the project where I created a parallax effect on the images.”. Link here. Black & Earnest “I have an overwhelming need for things to make sense and matter in some way so as a designer, I want my work to not only look good but convey clear intentions and sincerity. It has to have some semblance of depth to it. Whether its through narrative or intended purpose, it needs to mean something and have some weight to it.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration daily 0.75 2021-02-09 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/william-askew monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054fa871d077c1fe7559732/1616181901108/William+Askew%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - WILLIAM ASKEW - ANIMATOR / ILLUSTRATOR / VISUAL DESIGNER “These pieces are illustrated concepts for a storyline revolving around morality, and the innocence of exploration.” BLACK & BRAZEN “I don’t have the patience for approval, I push through on projects and concepts with no hesitation. And I enjoy the sprint to success.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/victor-garcia monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f9711a6549224802364e/1616181628327/Victor+Garcia%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - VICTOR GARCIA - ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR “WHACK. 12"x16" canvas Mixed media” BLACK & CREATIVE “Creative, whether doodling on a post-it, clicking a mouse or painting. I'm always doing one, or, a couple of the aforementioned.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/valerie-margolin monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a047b9d1e61cda247776/1613013077855/Valerie+Margolin%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - VALERIE MARGOLIN - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, TEXTILE DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Meet PressRUN, a mechanically inspired surface design created after a deep dive into photos of vintage newspaper presses. The design's pattern block melds modern colors and abstract forms while alluding to the process of vintage analog printing equipment.” BLACK & UNSTOPPABLE “My higher purpose is sharing my creativity with others.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/trinity-polar monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a1222104eb140ff542aa/1613013340179/Trinity+Polar%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - TRINITY POLAR - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “I started making art about a year ago as a way to cope with the anxiety that I felt as a black person coming of age during a pandemic. Everyday I make new art that is completely different than what I made the day before and in that I stay hopeful. What I chose to submit is my first digital painting and I am excited to make more.” BLACK & RESILIENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/tayo-o monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a1e970b29b3bbe04b7d1/1613013497368/Tayo+O%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - TAYO O - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Recently, I've been interested in art for children. I'd like to expand a perspective that I don't see often in this context.” BLACK & HUMAN “The need to distinguish is intrinsic to the issues.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/sumuyya-khader monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a73cb9d1e61cda2507e3/1613014892492/Sumuyya+Khader%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SUMUYYA KHADER - ILLUSTRATOR “Bold and colourful highlighting the Black perspective of life.” BLACK & WORTHY “We're often told we aren't enough. We need to work harder & be the best in order to be accepted. We are worthy by existing!” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/sinclare-monsae monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a7dc3e35f64e9ac7350b/1613015145234/Sinclare+Monsae%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SINCLARE MONSAE - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “This digital fine art piece by the artist Sinclare Monsae titled “Floating” Represents the feeling of being stuck creatively. Creativity comes and goes but it never leaves you.” BLACK & VERSATILE! https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/sierra-carelock monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024a8b5a5e8f955b5abfbb7/1613015360301/Sierra+Carelock%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SIERRA CARELOCK - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR “The name "Of The Dust" comes from Genesis 2:7 KJV when God created man. I wanted this piece to be a modern depiction of Adam and Eve. This project was inspired by the trailer for Beyoncé’s film “Black is King”. I just watched the full trailer for the film... With the climate of everything going on in the country I just wanted to show the beauty of my people, people that look like me. Sometimes in media we aren’t depicted in the best light. That’s why I feel so strongly about diversity and diverse storytelling in creative areas. It’s important that everyone gets to tell their story, so people can see another viewpoint of life. This piece also has kind of a yin-yang influence. The woman is the day/ sunlight and the male represents night and the moon. I wanted to play with masculine and feminine colors and also include African face paint. Software: Adobe Fresco, Created Summer 2020.” BLACK & BLESSED “I am a Black woman that has been blessed with creativity, talents, amazing family & friends.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/shay-holmes monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024aa3b9019bd62fb42e40b/1613015680951/Shay+Holmes%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SHAY HOLMES - ILLUSTRATOR “A colorful collection of therapeutic images.” BLACK & CURIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/shani-penn monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024ab5972afc06e9ed5a67e/1613015998195/SHANI+PENN%2C+%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SHANI PENN - ILLUSTRATOR “One series of illustrations that highlights the ever-present cycle of protest culture that we must find hope through. One animated illustration drawn to capture the feeling after Breonna Taylor's murderer was not convicted. And one illustration to showcase just how dope black women are again and again and again.” BLACK & FURIOUS “I position anger as a productive force, needed to break the cycle of systemic racism and amplify the voices that should be heard.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/schessa-garbutt monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024ac5037b53f1497afe2a2/1613016308524/Schessa+Garbutt%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SCHESSA GARBUTT - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PRODUCT DESIGN (UX/UI) “I created this work at the end of 2020 after a year of being away from friends and family. I have been thinking about how we can still be generous with one another in small ways, even when nothing physical is exchanged (or when we can't be in the same room). Many of the 'gifts' on this list can be given from a distance. Many can be given to us from ourselves. This work was printed using a pen plotter / drawing robot.” BLACK & SOFT “I am on a journey toward more softness, in my relationship to myself and others. In a world that expects and gives harshness, it's radical to me to be gentle as an act of strength.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/sabrina-dorsainvil monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024adbc7dc5076120bb84ee/1613016722221/Sabrina+Dorsainvil%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - SABRINA DORSAINVIL - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Title: "Music is any dance you can pull off” - Drawn in 2016, this piece depicts a character allowing their body to move and embody invisible, inaudible music. The character is surrounded by motion and energy. Their movement is meant to be music. This piece is a part of series of ink drawings made in response to written prompts shared with me by a good friend and writer Brittany "Blue" Bellinger.” BLACK & PASSIONATE “I feel deeply both personally and professionally. As a result I have a strong desire to commit to truth telling and vulnerability. I am critical of myself and the world. Yet I feel this sense of optimism about the potential for creative practices to change the way we relate to and engage with problematic and/or oppressive systems. I continue to try to be guided by the possibilities yet imagine and fervently wrestle with my relationship to myself.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/ryan-butts monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f5ed0f284e184464c2cd/1616180726224/Ryan+Butts%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - RYAN BUTTS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER “I am footwear designer by trade, and an artist by passion. I currently work as the footwear designer for the men's brand STACY ADAMS in Milwaukee, WI and do freelance artwork and graphic design for people on the side. My artwork is inspired by our culture and driven by the fact that it's rare to see someone of color is these positions.” BLACK & TRUE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/orla-o-boyle monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024b11684b940004937038a/1613017403264/ORLA+O+BOYLE%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ORLA O BOYLE - ILLUSTRATOR “A subtle yet provocative reclamation of the "feminine" body. My work evokes a sense of private intimacy yet is voyeuristic. Not quite human, and slightly otherworldly the bodies personify queerness.” BLACK & QUEER “A self exploration of my coexisting identities.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/nathan-james monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024b1da9ce8df19c834373a/1613017694102/Nathan+James%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - NATHAN JAMES - ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR, designer “On top of being inspired by Afro Samurai, Liquid Swords & more – the detail of Ukiyo-e artwork was something that always drew me in. So I decided to illustrate myself as a Samurai.” BLACK & CURIOUS “Always remaining open, and ready for new knowledge & a new day.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/lourdes-epam monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f538d35dfc0c74041448/1616180548871/Lourdes+Epam%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - LOURDES EPAM - ILLUSTRATOR “My artwork is a balance between classy and simple.” BLACK & BEAUTIFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/linda-dounia-rebeiz monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f48bfa54916620aac810/1616180382898/LINDA_WNW_WATBD Illustration - LINDA DOUNIA REBEIZ - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Hair-aaargh-pocalypse is a meditation on my relationship with my hair and the history that has shaped it. I explore some of my childhood experiences with hair and relate them to the broader hair discourse in the Africa and black diaspora community.” BLACK & SOFT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/kristen-mimms-scavnicky monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024b7d595b66d0de63e908d/1613019106829/Kristen+Mimms+Scavnicky%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - KRISTEN MIMMS SCAVNICKY - TEXTILE DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “The work I create is situated somewhere between reality and the dreamscape, manifesting itself as an ethereal connection with my ancestors during a meditative drawing technique I have honed.” BLACK & ELECTRIC “I like to think of my abstract work as a circuit board that circulates the energies of love and light. I see myself as one of the circuits contributing to the board, just as we all play a part in circulating energy and skill to make the world go round.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/kim-kyne monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024b88d3494f9337845e18c/1613019290990/Kim+Kyne%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - KIM KYNE - ILLUSTRATOR “My artwork is a self-portrait depicting some of the different phases of my life. Fashion helps me reveal my inner world and introduce myself without words.” BLACK & EVER-EVOLVING “Growth, learning, and change are essential to who I am. Though my exterior shifts, I always remain authentic.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/keisha-okafor monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6024b9b19ce8df19c834b270/1613019586444/Keisha+Okafor%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - KEISHA OKAFOR - pattern DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This is a black girl with a sneer because she is too cool for school.” BLACK & JOYFUL “I enjoy seeing black people having fun and being carefree.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/kaitlin-parker monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602555fb0606d164f9cf8d4f/1613059605752/Kaitlin+Parker%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - KAITLIN PARKER - ANIMATOR, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece began as a pun on the common joke about two women in romantic relationships being "Gal Pals", rather than lovers. Instead, they've transformed into Gal-axy Pals and their love shines bright in a spectacular display of love.” BLACK & MARVELOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/justina-bailey monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602557907c3a5c4671e26591/1613060088107/Justina+Bailey%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JUSTINA BAILEY - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR “A commission piece but something that I loved illustrating - Entitled "My Sound Bubble."” BLACK & PRESENT “Shaping the future of tomorrow.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/judah-chrichlow monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6025589f34216105a569528f/1613060274550/Judah+Chrichlow%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JUDAH CHRICHLOW - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, ILLUSTRATOR “This illustration celebrates black women in their glory. Queens, shining in every way and being all that they can be. It's my latest and favourite illustration because it represents how I want to feel and the energy I want flowing through me, radiating into the world. I feel positive towards life just by looking at it and for that reason I have it saved as my wallpaper. A constant remind to me and all black women to continue working towards being the best version of yourself.” BLACK & YELLOW “My name is Judah and my company’s name is Lion of Judah Designs. Besides yellow being the colour that represents my brand (with a lion’s mane as the logo), it represents power, value, potential, royalty, beauty, courage, optimism, happiness, joy and the list can go on and on. Yellow is also the colour of sunflowers which happen to be my favourite flower. Some would even say I radiate that yellow. Who know!” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/john-ogwarren monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602559abe5cbab530890c08f/1613060538392/John+ogwarren%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JOHN OGWARREN - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece encapsulates the entire experience of 2020. Originally for a contest (I didn’t win) I still feel it speaks volumes because of its symbolism. From a black woman becoming the first VP, the coronavirus pandemic to the universe entering into the age of the Aquarius.” BLACK & RESILIENT “I am black & resilient because after everything that has transpired in my young black life. I still stand ready to defeat any obstacle that comes my way. And I say that with my entire chest!” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jhonny-nez monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60255ada7c3a5c4671e2dd39/1613060935086/Jhonny+N%C3%BA%C3%B1ez%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JHONNY NÚÑEZ - ILLUSTRATOR “After the cultures of deep Africa, the Afro-American culture is the most important and over time it has managed to be so relevant in a multitude of cultural scenes and artistic currents that little by little it has managed to become the best exponent of what it means to be a person. black in the twentieth century, this work is a tribute to that fact.” BLACK & STIRRING “I help people to tell stories, I help brands to be relevant, I help products to gain value. I'm a Black & Stirring illustrator.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jenny-mcbain monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f0bb377569433d38215b/1616179393225/Jenny+McBain%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JENNY MCBAIN - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “The use of high key colours as emotions.” ✨BLACK & CURIOUS✨ “I am forever learning and growing. I love where I am in life right now. Being able to work at my own pace and learn new things and skills.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/helen-opara monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60255fe2e5cbab53089189d9/1613062127708/Helen+Opara%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - HELEN OPARA - ANIMATOR, ILLUSTRATOR “In the U.K., Black History Month happens in October. Whilst LGBTQ History Month is celebrated concurrently in the U.S. The same happens again in February, but it’s flipped and reversed! To showcase how these experiences can intersect, I created spot illustrations of 8 Black LGBTQ people that should be in History books. There are so many more others I could have included, so I hope this sparks folks’ interests and gets them to look at underrepresented histories and stories. Here they are… 1) Area Scatter - A Nigerian Igbo performer and musician 2) Berto Pasuka - A Jamaican dancer and co-founder of the dance company ‘Les Ballet Negres.’ 3) Gladys Bentley - An African American blues singer, pianist, and entertainer. 4) Marielle Franco - A Brazilian politician, feminist, socialist, and human rights activist. 5) Rotimi Fani Kayode - A Nigerian photographer. Co-founder of Association of Black Photographers - now known as Autograph ABP. 6) Simon Nkoli - A South African anti-apartheid, LGBTQIA and AIDs activist. 7) Tracey Norman - An African American model, known as the first trans woman model to achieve prominence in fashion. 8) Willi Ninja - An African American dancer and choreographer. Known as the Godfather of Vogue [featured here].” BLACK & NERDY “A professional geek. Because blackness comes in all shades. Be it weird, sporty, geeky, awkward, queer, trans, mixed or disabled.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/hank-washington monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054efbd2f434701de3a9aa8/1616179141860/Hank+Washington%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - HANK WASHINGTON - ANIMATOR, ART DIRECTOR, ILLUSTRATOR “I aim to approach my work in a very vibrant and bold way. Most of my illustrative work has been labeled as 'fuzzie' with the use of texture and turning flat 2d objects into 3D elements that step out from the background. The approach is simple to represent how we are unique in our own way but common as human beings.” BLACK & GENUINE “Being a designer and creative nowadays is just as important as was back then. We now have the opportunity to shape our viewers reaction to the world through the use of composition, color, and intention. Being genuine in those 3 spaces gives us powers that we can't imagine. Especially, being black.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/eylan-flores monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60259dc4e427f52ecaab40c7/1613077970762/Eylan+Flores%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - EYLAN FLORES - ILLUSTRATOR “Infrasoles is my graphic approach to the human being and his symbiosis with nature. In my world black turns to stone angular. The dark and its associations are the main force that fight to be, to be present and to live.” BLACK & REFLECTIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/emily-walker monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60259f587b93b2068ee9ed10/1613078381781/EMILY+WALKER%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - EMILY WALKER - ILLUSTRATOR “A colorful depiction of black diversity around the World.” BLACK & ECLECTIC “I’m Eclectic because I love bringing all my interests together to make something beautiful and new.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/donye-harris monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6025a04cc368f63b8df8caa3/1613078617582/Dony%C3%A9+Harris%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DONYÉ HARRIS - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR ““Earths Queen”—We are royalty, we are envied and we will never be forgotten.” BLACK & RESILIENT “Quote here.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/djozef-reid monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054e30721ac57177d32cd38/1616175887968/Djozef+Reid%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DJOZEF REID - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Artistically I find much of my inspiration in the truth of nature. Plants take the toughest and strangest environments to grow in, and still find someway to showcase their beauty. I want to show through my work and business the beauty in living ones truth.” BLACK & MULTIPLICITOUS “In an interlude from Moses Sumney’s album ‘grae’, Taiye Selasi states “ I insist my right to be multiple. Even more so, I insist upon the recognition of my multiplicity. All things encompassed in one.”. This quote struck me with a feeling of understanding and relatability that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Being Black in the world comes as a precursor most of the time ; we are Black Artists, Black Business Owners and Black Scholars. This Black is beautiful, but to some it is comprehensive to who we are. We are Black, period. I am more than aware that myself and my people are so much more, and therefore I demand that fact be acknowledged, respected, and embraced.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/devin-fallen monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054e23dedf6c16e4134aea6/1616175717259/Devin+Fallen%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DEVIN FALLEN - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR “Drawing has always been my go-to, especially drawing people. I have a diverse skill set as it relates to design and illustration, but I always tend to sketch things out first. This helps me visualize the end product before executing in whatever medium and style is most appropriate.” BLACK & DIVERSE “I say this because I'm half black and white, which a touch of Native American. I've had varied experiences and been exposed to a variety of people of different ethnic, socioeconomic, and racial groups. This experience has helped shape me into who I am today.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/dejuan-thompson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6025b3706075843e21d1b4a6/1613083549127/DeJuan+Thompson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DEJUAN THOMPSON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR ““Float on” Sketch to Adobe Illustrator. 2017” BLACK & TALENTED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/david-kipkoech monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6025b4f9f83ee85786e39e47/1613084002810/David+Kipkoech%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DAVID KIPKOECH - GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ILLUSTRATOR “"Farm Boys 199x"- This piece depicts the adventures of life outside the busy city and the pure essence of tapping into the roots of humanity and friendship.” BLACK & EXQUISITE “Black creators and curators have the most exquisite art in the community.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/david-spears monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054e0f0edf6c16e41348331/1616175355434/David+Spears%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DAVID SPEARS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER , CREATIVE DIRECTOR “Social post to promote outdoor Bastille Day event at Mintwood Place.” BLACK & JOYFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/donovan-johnson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b19d4cdc5171fa453b28/1613148596418/Donovan+Johnson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DONOVAN JOHNSON - ILLUSTRATOR “I digitally drew my artwork through Adobe Fresco using the iPad Pro. I wanted create a piece that had mystery and intrigue to it while having an eerie vibe to it as well. Letting it draw you in but also being cautious. Using the dark monochrome colors to pull the person from the black shadows and using the white glasses to covers the eyes creates the mystery. The white outline keeping the viewers attention on the person, while the white distressed lines in the back create any eerie tone.” BLACK & CONFIDENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/darryl-diggs-jr monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b3e67a559f6466b83f3f/1613149168914/Darryl+Diggs+Jr.%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DARRYL DIGGS JR. - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “Original film photo shot on Pentax Zoom Point & Shoot. Digitally painted.” BLACK & PEACEFUL “The world is the world, control your peace.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/daniella-gyambibi monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b58ab7ed4935f2949fa9/1613149600976/Daniella+Gyambibi%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DANIELLA GYAMBIBI - ILLUSTRATOR “I would describe my artwork as serious fun: lots of serious expressions, but designed in a fun, colourful way.” BLACK & PROUD “When I was younger, I grew up predominantly with white people. Naturally, I stuck out and I used to wish I had long silky hair or fair skin. Now that I’m older and wiser, I am able to take more pride in my skin and features and realise that actually, being black is a joy and a blessing. I wouldn't trade my kinky hair, dark skin or culture for the world.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/dmani-washington monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b6464f11b94e18928395/1613149852766/D%27Mani+Washington%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - D’MANI WASHINGTON - ILLUSTRATOR “Each of the panels in this picture represents some part of my likes and personalities. There are little clues here and there about more specifics, but for the most part I tried to keep it true to being vague. There are also a few homages to family members and friends who know me and my aspirations.” BLACK & ENIGMATIC “When people meet me, they often find me very mysterious or unknown. The things I say, the things I’ve done and the things I’ve liked have never fit inside a box. I think that’s my biggest strength, wanting to try a little of everything and doing things that people may not want to do.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/cristiaan-jackson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b6e492859679d9d95219/1613149936765/Cristiaan+Jackson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CRISTIAAN JACKSON - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece is a self portrait that reflects my current state of mind and thoughts on society. I feel like I'm living in a circus. Everyone wants to be the center of attention and will put on any sort of performance to gain the spotlight. I find it very difficult to keep up with the performance because I have no interest in being a part of it. It's very frustrating and bewildering when being my genuine self makes me feel like an outcast. . . In other words : Life is a circus, where everyone's a clown and I'm the bearded lady. Here, the tightrope is limp and the tent is kind of shady. No one dares to ride the unicycle even though our car only fits one man. I'm forced to eat seal for breakfast but at least it's better than lion from a can. Everyday someone pokes and prods at the tiger and it doesn't react. Is there anyone left to come save me from this endless juggling act?” BLACK & BEWILDERED “Bewildered describes my current state of mind. When I read the news or think about how our society currently functions, I become filled with various emotions. Anger, sadness, and sometimes happiness, but ultimately I'm just confused. Why do people choose hate, negativity, and to be fake when it's so much easier to love, be positive, and be genuine?” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/corine-bond monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026b91840ff801d4965df5b/1613150508116/Corine+Bond%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CORINE BOND - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “There's a Haitian painter who's name I can never remember, who's art seem to always be in Haitian households. He always paints very detailed portraits of women and children in dark pastel palette. These portraits however seem to always be some sort of floating head with translucent vails of colours passing over their faces. This piece is my first attempt at trying to recreate that feeling digitally, however with a bright colour palette. I've always worked with hints of colour and rarely do full colour illustrations. The person I chose to illustrate however is one of the most colourful people I know, there was no escaping bright colours.” BLACK & MINIMAL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/chris-tobar monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026ba1020ea37488ec88b2e/1613150749845/Chris+Tobar%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CHRIS TOBAR - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “A King with a whole lot of clout. A Queen with a whole lot of courage.” BLACK & INGENIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/chloe-pearson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026baa70971e4442623180a/1613150896614/Chloe+Pearson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CHLOE PEARSON - illustrator, designer “Brown Sugar Bae is a piece I designed as a way to empower black women. Using bold color and bold hair, I wanted this piece to serve as a reminder for people to love who they are coily, kinky hair and all through the means of illustration.” BLACK & COLORFUL “I felt that colorful was a good word to describe myself as it aligns with the life I live currently and desire to live. A colorful life to me means one of fulfillment, joy, faith, creativity, laughter, adventure, fun, love and kindness. It can mean sadness, persevering and experiencing hardship but that is what makes us human and to me is what defines a colorful life.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/china-chukwu monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026bbaef8d3c274f678d227/1616174721818/China+Chukwu%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CHINA CHUKWU - DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “My cousin has only recently begun drawing, and is getting better with each day. When she showed me some rudimentary sketches of an emerging character of hers, I offered to take it to the next level. I was more than happy to get my hands on a black woman superhero character, and create my own contribution to black power in a literal sense. Black fantasy entertainment is something close to my heart, and this cute cartoony yet sentimental piece is a part of my drive to create more black-centred art for me, my family, and one day, the world.” BLACK & CREATIVE “My whole life has been driven by my ability to manifest my ideas onto the page. I couldn't imagine being without my creativity, and the calming energy it brings to my everyday life.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/charlotte-gray monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026bc8ed8debf200fa411c7/1613151386485/Charlotte+Gray%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - CHARLOTTE GRAY - ILLUSTRATOR, designer “This portrait illustration intended to capture the high-fashion sense and classic femme fatale style of a dear friend of mine. Her affinity to wine, and smokes of the night is part of her charm and allure. She is depicted entangled in these elements, not in a bid to suggest entrapment, but to add to her mystery as an object of desire.” BLACK & RESILIENT “I feel this word best describes me as throughout my life and career I have often had to adapt and pivot; To find my place in new environments, in certain spaces, and even to find work. In the creative industry where things are constantly changing and evolving I feel like the ability to be resilient is imperative to stay current and relevant to audiences, and more importantly, yourself as we all evolve with time.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/brnesh-berhe monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026bd1cf8d3c274f678fb75/1613151528443/Brnesh+Berhe%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - BRNESH BERHE - ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “Bright and usually with a sense of humour.” BLACK & AWKWARD https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/bree-bregman monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026bde6e6901d6a6c4ee468/1613151727931/Bree+Bregman%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - BREE BREGMAN - ILLUSTRATOR, ART DIRECTOR, DESIGNER “As a junior designer and illustrator my style and craft are constantly evolving. I'm so excited to continue to grow as a creative, and feel fortunate to be surrounded by so many inspiring, diverse and talented designers at the start of my career. To me, this illustration represents my desire to never stop learning, and never stop growing.” BLACK & GROWING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/belle-vickers-graver monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026c13aa9c71d508f9781a4/1613152583057/Belle+Vickers-Graver%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - BELLE VICKERS-GRAVER - ILLUSTRATOR “This A4 piece, titled "moonlight", was created using gouache paint and paint pens. Like all of my artwork, it was inspired by a strong desire to represent all of the beautiful black women in my life. "Moonlight" hopes to capture a familiar sense of serenity, self-love, and comfort.” BLACK & BRIGHT “From a young age I have always found myself conflicted between my academic and creative talents, and have had difficulty attempting to shrink myself to fit within a single box. Over the years, however, I have come to realize that my artistry is just as valuable as my scholarship. I am proud of myself for breaking the stereotypes of what it means to be a black woman by perfecting, developing, and exhibiting my artistic style whilst simultaneously achieving a Master of Science degree. I shine bright in both areas of my life.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/arielle-wilkins monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026cfec11c8f75acd1cb631/1613156343395/Arielle+Wilkins%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ARIELLE WILKINS - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “BROTHAS N SISTAS EXIST IN A WORLD MORE BOLD AND COLORFUL THAN OUR OWN. WHERE NATURAL HAIR ROAMS FREE AND STRONG YET RELAXED/CONFIDENT/ PERSONAS COME TO THE FOREFRONT.” BLACK & BLACKITY BLACK BLACK https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/arielle-jennings monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026d0d4b1592640d55a2579/1613156580587/Arielle+Jennings%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ARIELLE JENNINGS - ILLUSTRATOR “She Could Have Been Me - This piece is a tribute to Breonna Taylor, Oluwatoyin Salau, and all the other Black women and girls that have been killed due to police brutality and a failed system.” BLACK & WORTHY “I am worthy to exist. I am worthy to be practicing my craft. I am worthy to express myself and my opinions.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/andrew-thompson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026d1a75548ca0c5a785167/1613156789027/Andrew+Thompson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ANDREW THOMPSON - ANIMATOR, VISUAL DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Super Dope.” BLACK & PROUD https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/alexis-burr monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026d249464f9b6dbbced4e9/1613156950864/Alexis+Burr%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ALEXIS BURR - ILLUSTRATOR “This piece is an ode to folks with gap toothed smiles or those of the crooked variety. There was a time that I hid my smile in fear of being made fun of. There are not many moments in a day that I’m not smiling or laughing so I had to get over that quickly. Gap is King!” BLACK & BELOVED “Black people are often only valued for what we can do and not for just being. I am beloved by God before I am laborer or savior or mule.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/alexandria-batchelor monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6026d30f150dc960f9391ee4/1613157155704/Alexandria+Batchelor Illustration - ALEXANDRIA BATCHELOR - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This character's name is Captain 'Bot. She's the mascot of your friendly neighborhood online anime club, Beyond The Bot. She not only represents our company's freedom from corporate control, but also reflects the diversity in our internal staff as well as audience who grew up rarely having the opportunity to see themselves properly reflected in the anime space.” BLACK & MAGICAL “I'm in the midst of a magical transformation that is unlocking previously forbidden knowledge of self. I've discovered my worth, my confidence, my ability to inspire and empower others. I am truly a mystical force that resonates deep within the hearts of those I touch.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/alexa-wilson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6028652edea9552bd2a18a88/1613260093012/Alexa+Wilson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ALEXA WILSON - ILLUSTRATOR “This piece is titled, "Seven Days". It displays an arrangement of rectangular, solvable mazes each drawn by hand using ink pen. This piece may represent 5 weekdays and 2 weekends. This is piece number 7 out of 12 from Rectangle Series, a sequential collection of rectangular mazes that may or may not portray an abstraction of things found in or about our world.” BLACK & INQUISITIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/alesha-williams monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60286649b75d202e22bd7b36/1613260380097/Alesha+Williams%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - ALESHA WILLIAMS - ILLUSTRATOR “Characters, Bold Colors, and Food.” BLACK & TALENTED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/aislinn-ace monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602867a543fda95e5a3f39d0/1616246162806/Aislinn+Ace%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - AISLINN ACE - ILLUSTRATOR “This piece was created after hearing the “Peng Black Girls” track. As a reminder that the focus is about black empowerment and black celebration, regardless of what the outside approves or not. It’s about us, for us, by us, with us. So I drew a sista with her kanekalon braids, telfar bag, fendi slides and a Walmart tracksuit. It’s not just about brands because we make the brand. Also she has an ice coffee because it takes a lot of energy to be out here creating the wave.” BLACK & WAVY https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/wid-alenizi monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c3b1846b5cf505a3441b7/1614560050885/Wid+AlEnizi%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - WID ALENIZI - ILLUSTRATOR, artist “My name is Wid AlEnizi. I'm a Black-Arab female artist and soon-to-be architect. Inspired by the uncanny resemblance of Jim Crow's work, "Darky", and the ever-so-current offensive racist image of Black Arabs and Afro-Arabs in comedy. In the comedy scene of the Arab world, black people are expected to be portrayed as ugly, lazy, non-educated people that are always marginalized in a degrading manner. From Blackface to exaggerated slang and appearances, we are expected to be the jester that entertains the "superior" (non-black people), to be laughed at, and to be mocked by the majority. Due to this constant exposure of mockery and clownery, some Arab societies find it quite foreign to see Black-Arabs going against that insulting stereotype. My artifact "Cloonery" depicts the indescribable feeling of defeat and disappointment of how we, Black people, are seen here - As clowns with "Coonery" behavior similar to Jim Crow's work. Although we are not what the majority says we are, it still does not ease the amount of racial discrimination we face.” BLACK & RESILIENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jasmine-howard monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c3d2b4e6a0d1861604df3/1614560579841/jasmine+howard%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - JASMINE HOWARD - ILLUSTRATOR “My artwork reflects how we use fashion to narrate the stories we want to be told. My artwork gives the muse the power to tell her story her OWN way, simply using her clothing choices. Rachel Zoe said, "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak" and my art is a reflection of that very true statement.” BLACK & HIGH MAINTENANCE “I enjoy treating myself to luxury things without feeling guilty about splurging. We all deserve nice things, so why not buy them?” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/darnell-lysius-dicette monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c424d9e1e6b26c0c0a335/1614561899363/Darnell+Lysius-Dicette%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DARNELL LYSIUS-DICETTE - ANIMATOR, ART DIRECTOR, ILLUSTRATOR “A piece I made for my partner on our anniversary. I wanted to make him something that he would love and symbolized our relationship in a style I enjoy painting in.” BLACK & RADIANT “My best friend constantly tells me I am one of the most radiant people she knows.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/amir-khadar monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603e407470157c01e1a1152a/1614692502642/Amir+Khadar%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - AMIR KHADAR - ILLUSTRATOR, artist “This is a illustration of several Black women and femmes of various ages/representations meant to display the diversity and beauty of the African diaspora. It is inspired by the posters in hair salons. This is 1 of 16 illustrations I created for the Black Alliance for Just Immigration's (BAJI + I own all rights to the image) report on gender in Black immigrant communities. This specific image is meant to display the diversity & beauty of the African Diaspora.” BLACK & SACRED “I was stuck in between "divine" & "sacred" because the way I occupy my blackness, gender, religion, and body is all intertwined and very sacred to me. I think as black people we are asked to forge many internal and external relationships between self and communitty, and through creating those bridges we also create art. I think that this connection to creation is divine and speaks to our resilience/joy/beauty/grit and all that.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/gabby-weaver monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603e41b22a57340f6d777900/1614692825111/Gabby+Weaver%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - GABBY WEAVER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) “Floral, abstract patterns and designs that catch your eye, yet calm the mind.” BLACK & ABSTRACT “As a brown woman, to me, being abstract means being a multi-hyphenate, where I can easily flow between different artistic mediums, from porcelain and ceramics to UX design and other digital mediums.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/doreen-voltine monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603e4323a07b531858b2fcdc/1614693169183/Doreen+Voltine%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Illustration - DOREEN VOLTINE - ART DIRECTOR, illustrator “Growing up as a black girl with so little representation, it took me way too many years to realize how beautiful my hair truly was. With this piece I just wanted to elevate what I now call : my crown.” BLACK & BRIGHT! “I am a smart black woman with a super lively personality!” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jameer-robinson monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055f5d445562a231bde724a/1616249500980/jameer_wnw_watbd Illustration - JAMEER ROBINSON - ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER BLACK & Loved “Being in this world as a black man it feels like nothing but hate is around you but I’ve realized I cannot shut all out because I feel like I’m hated I must embrace and learn love. Black love” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jardley-jean-louis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056037d31e52416d6557b0e/1616249733614/black-detail-2.jpg Illustration - JARDLEY JEAN-LOUIS - ILLUSTRATOR, ANIMATOR “The illustration was inspired by Ebonee Davis's words: "Being the only Black person in a space has never made me feel exceptional. It has only ever made me feel alone."” BLACK & COURAGEOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/emmanuel-dunagan monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056142288cc9e075f26e26e/1616256963200/ECDYSIS.png Illustration - EMMANUEL DUNAGAN - ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER “Ecdysis, 2021. Poster Design (Quitting Series). 24x36. Adobe CC. Ecdysis —a process normally seen within reptiles, is reimagined here through the lens of spirituality and empowerment. The act of shedding, represents both terrestrial growth, and the ascension to a higher plane. Borrowing language from Old English and the black vernacular, it proposes what perhaps a scripture from the new-new testament could sound like were it to be written in the 21st Century. Through the use of bold colors, humor, and other eye-catching elements, Ecdysis lures in its audience only to reveal a deeper, more transcendental sense of messaging.” BLACK & Impassioned “I am my mother's / father's son —honest, when it comes to expressing ideas, thoughts, and beliefs passionately hahaha. While at times it can feel sort of like my Achilles Heel, it has also been a guiding force throughout my life, and during difficult times. I’ve committed to the idea that: with as much as life has to offer, I can’t afford to feel lukewarm about a gotdamn thing.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/domonique-battle monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056200f74303038bcbf534e/1616257143344/little+dom+avm+finish+%281%29-01+%281%29.jpeg Illustration - DOMONIQUE BATTLE - ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER “My art would be described as cartoons with soul, flavor and fabulosity” BLACK & BLESSED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/illustration/jerlyn-odonnell2 monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605620b1ca24454a7311aa2c/1616257206548/Jerlyn0.jpg Illustration - JERLYN O’DONNELL - ILLUSTRATOR “As with all my art, I'm trying to use vivid colors to highlight our presence as Black folx.” BLACK & DRIVEN https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/unimuke-agada monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60286b1573e80a50567d1fbc/1613261672854/Unimuke+Agada%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - UNIMUKE AGADA - artist, ILLUSTRATOR “This artwork, titled "Clavicle" (2020), is a floating sculpture made of mirrored acrylic. It both functions aesthetically as a wall-art piece and practically as a mirror, and is intended to incite a moment of reflection.” BLACK & BRILLIANT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/underdog-the-dj monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60286c35cd42ec7b37c7cf4b/1613261917505/Underdog+the+Dj%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - UNDERDOG THE DJ - artist, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Wiping the hell off the city.” BLACK & UNSEEN “Unseen but felt doing the shadow work :)” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/tiffany-tuedor monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60286d028e332f65ccbf32eb/1613262103101/Tiffany+Tuedor%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - TIFFANY TUEDOR - artist, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece reflects how music (and creativity, in general) is a major component of our minds and thoughts. In general, my illustrations unearth the complex, yet beautiful experiences of black women.” BLACK & BLESSED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/symone-johnson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60286f7d16348c1f04dad1b3/1613262738597/Symone+Johnson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - SYMONE JOHNSON - ARTIST, DESIGNER “This is a digital collage exploring intuition and divinity within the context of black women as vessels within spirituality. Their ability and foresight to see beyond into and create alternate realities and futures.” BLACK & VISIONARY “I believe that visualizing is an extremely powerful too especially for black folks. Visualization has allowed us to see futures and ourselves in them.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/samson-oyebanjo monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6028721d982f54315da554da/1613263400294/Samson+Oyebanjo%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - SAMSON OYEBANJO - VISUAL DESIGNER, ARTIST “This piece celebrates unity between black men and women during times where it seems like everything is against the black community however we stick together and lift ourselves up when people bring us down.” BLACK & UNIFIED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/nicole-abrokwa monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054a518769eb707fb3b4762/1616160037827/Nicole+Abrokwa%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - NICOLE ABROKWA - ILLUSTRATOR, artist, designer “My work represents the black experience, in particular my black experience. I want to capture the intricacies of being black whether that's black people in love, in tech, or just in delight.” BLACK & FULFILLED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/nathaniel-rhodes monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602876a2c729967217943285/1613264560699/Nathaniel+Rhodes%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - NATHANIEL RHODES - artist, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “In painting this I wanted to capture the feelings of anger, confusion, and frustration that black men, or men of different ethnic backgrounds feel in the face of systemic racism. Not having the luxury to be carefree, and engage in conventional activities that others enjoy because of the fact that it might cost us our lives. Simple tasks, such as going for a jog, or driving to work have resulted in the deaths of innocent black men, because of hatred, and racism. Know that when I paint I am being transparent about the way it feels to exist, while trying to live.” BLACK & CREATIVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/nana-achampong monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6028775bf31dc02ae3344f5f/1613264749970/Nana+Achampong%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - NANA ACHAMPONG - artist, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, TEXTILE DESIGNER “"what a wander" is about the wonder of who I am, what I am about, and where I want to go.” BLACK & KIND https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/maya-alexis monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60287883c5addb374a2c52a4/1613265043235/Maya+Alexis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - MAYA ALEXIS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “This piece gives "... presence to the virtual absence of black bodies in art history’s skewed visual archive..." Christian Viveros-Fauné. gouache paint and oil pastel” BLACK & REGAL “Restructuring the art-historical canon.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/lauryn-levette monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6028795050844d2ed0c81859/1613265328977/Lauryn+Levette%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - LAURYN LEVETTE - ARTIST “My work explores humanity through psychological space and personal narratives to evoke a visceral viewing experience through vivid color, fluid shape, and distorted perspective. The figures in my paintings are actively engaged in rest and leisure to exercise agency and resist capitalist standards which mechanize Black people. I base my practice off of Afrofuturism to find ways to liberate myself from the restrictive effects of systemic racism that Black folks face as a collective.” BLACK & RESTING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/laurie-fitzgerald monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60287a5decde2f4561a71f87/1613265545334/Laurie+Fitzgerald%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - LAURIE FITZGERALD - ARTIST, VISUAL DESIGNER “‘Rise’ was born in the heat of summer 2020. From the need to express my hurt, anger and solidarity with those affected by the killings, political unrest and deep rooted racism that was brought to the forefront of our global society. She is a meditation on anger, strength and the element of fire; not to be feared but embraced, honoured, synthesized; used as the tool it has always been. From golden soil we rise, rooted growing flourishing, we will rise, our light and fire shall lead the way. We will Rise.” BLACK & WHITE “As a person of mixed heritage I try to use my work as an Artist to represent and uplift the many people of colour that inspire uplift and support me. I am Black&White I am Green, I am Purple. Like the colours of my palette I am a proud mixture of races, cultures and histories. Living proof that despite our differences we can all come together with love and beauty.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/kristin-pruitt monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60287b4673e80a50567e1c38/1613265748418/KRISTIN+PRUITT%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - KRISTIN PRUITT - DESIGNER, ARTIST “Handcrafted polymer clay jewelry. Inspiration drawn from pop/modern art, architecture, vintage, balance, design and color!” BLACK & CELEBRATED “It's taken me childhood and now adulthood to understand its truth. My hope is that black and brown people see they are beautiful and celebrated for who we are, how we have endured and how we still rise...” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/kezna-dalz monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60287ca30267734564e7263a/1613266098706/KEZNA+DALZ%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - KEZNA DALZ - artist, ILLUSTRATOR “The title of the painting is "Self Love Party" it celebrates self love and black women.” BLACK & HERE TO STAY “My culture, heritage, blackness, history, should and will not be erased. Unapologetically black and here to stay.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/kemar-wynter monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60287d5d7b5b2c0f82d3869e/1613266298885/Kemar+Wynter%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - KEMAR WYNTER - ARTIST “Junetime brings forth nectars of sweet sanguine and ichorous violet to pass beyond our umber-rimmed lips. this brew, dulcet and shimmering or as readily spiced and fortified calls forth to those whose skin was tempered in the radiance of the noonday sun, along the islands and coastlines of the Atlantic. hibiscus, sorrel, bissap, a tonic which commands countless names amongst the diaspora's countless enclaves. May it ever hold the sound of rent flesh as it holds the chitter of breaking chains. The clanging of machetes, and the echo of muskets beneath the canopy and the roars of triumph in an unceasing liberation.” BLACK & INDOMITABLE “Four hundred years and some change; of racism and slavery, Jim Crow and Apartheid, leaded pipes and the carceral state. Many names, and many theories on how to break Black people, to destroy Blackness incarnate, yet we're still here and will be here in the future.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/kailee-needham monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60299440a97a3f7a6cc9ee65/1613338267907/Kailee+Needham%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - KAILEE NEEDHAM - ARTist, designer, COPYWRITER “Art is my way of communicating with myself and the world around me. So I like to use my environment as source material. I like to use bold colors, tropical scenes, and simple shapes to honor my Jamaican heritage, and Miami upbringing. Also, growing up as Black woman in a world that seems to romanticize everything but this identity, depicting Black women in my art is my way of rejecting that.” BLACK & UNAPOLOGETIC “I grew up hating my Blackness. And unfortunately, this is so common for Black kids (especially girls) in America. Growing older I've learned to love my identity, and that I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.The art I make is a rejection of those feelings, a rejection of a society riddled with misogynoir. An unapologetic and whole acceptance of myself.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/julie-cruz monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029973cc8675b2d01067a7d/1613338504543/Julie+Cruz%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - JULIE CRUZ - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “Celebrating blackness, brownness, and queerness.” BLACK & BOUNTIFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/julianna-as monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029989fdeaadc0be0cf9fac/1613338894335/Juliana+A.s%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - JULIANNA A.S - ArtIST, DESIGNER “Generative research says look at a problem as an opportunity. a/b testing, a research methodology, says create solutions for problems that don’t exist. And with that I’ve done some kind of biocompatible experiment with plant tissue, pollen, cellulose paper and heat to make this.” BLACK & BOUNDLESS “Planted by the rivers of water, my spirit can't be touched.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/jazmine-johnson monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602999f27e3424297befaeeb/1613339148789/Jazmine+Johnson%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - JAZMINE JOHNSON - ARTIST, DESIGNER “My artwork is an ode to black women as digital pioneers and trendsetters. We are often imitated but never duplicated. "Everybody wants to be a black woman, but nobody wants to be a black woman."” BLACK & MAGICAL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/jahi-lendor monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60299b12acde6209a8d49964/1613339426441/Jahi+Lendor%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - JAHI LENDOR - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR “My artwork is a 11x17 mini poster risograph print. The title is Angela Huey Hillman (Black Boom, Black Bloom). The print is meant to embody and magnify the multi-demensional and multi-melaninated Black culture and experience.” BLACK & A-FUCKING-MAZING “Pardon my language, but I say with immense confidence and urgency of my culture and myself unequivocally.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/idris-veitch monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60299c2de96acc025dd5ad23/1613339735185/Idris+Veitch%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - IDRIS VEITCH - VISUAL DESIGNER “My artwork is a re-imagination of self-identity. As a black person who lived in Japan for 11 years, one of the negative aspects I experienced was constantly being put into confined boxes due to broad stereotypes. I started this series as a means to escape that. I wanted to see myself beyond reality and more in a world of fantasy.” BLACK & MULTI-COLOURED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/gam-dhliwayo monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60299ce9e785d50698e40d19/1613339898009/Gam+Dhliwayo%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - GAM DHLIWAYO - ARTIST, DESIGNER “This piece is about being black and what it feels like sometimes to be in majority white spaces.” BLACK & RESILIENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/dujaun-kirk monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60549df47805b90289caf7c5/1616158208643/DuJaun+Kirk%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - DUJAUN KIRK - Visual Artist, Designer, Photographer “Masculinity and Mental Health in Black men are topics that are disregarded not only in the black community but also in society due to societal and media influence. Black men are delicate beings, despite what society portrays —thug, aggressive, & emotionless. To demonstrate how beautiful black men are I created a series of portraits of black men. Portraits that tell a story of how Mental Health & Masculinity affects them and their thoughts on its relationship with Black men.” BLACK & HEALING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/deandra-eubanks monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029a0cbef4fdf139f83ae16/1613340898410/Deandra+Eubanks%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - DEANDRA EUBANKS - artist, GRAPHIC DESIGNER “Divine DJ represents that we each have our own unique dance to move through life (the DJ). We all experience life but through our own perspective and it's up to us to show up to the dance floor authentically.” BLACK & GIFTED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/christi-stringer monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053d7133cbc702a5751ae48/1616107322691/Christl_Stringer_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD Art - CHRISTL STRINGER - ARTIST, WRITER “The interiority of Blackness and womanhood.” BLACK & CURIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/cain-mccallam monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029a463870ba86d0299b077/1613341806365/Cain+McCallam%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - CAIN MCCALLAM - artist, visual designer “My art is a window into the planes of chaos that exist beyond our six senses. It is new light from the dark abyss.” BLACK & SUBLIME https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/ashley-watts monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029a877e785d50698e513c7/1613342881532/ASHLEY+WATTS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - ASHLEY WATTS - artist, ILLUSTRATOR “For this illustration I was guided by the beauty of black women and pattern. Black and evolving to me can be internal or as bond such as family/ relationship, or even as a community.” BLACK & EVOLVING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/akua-afari monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029a95ec165a2198dcd0ac2/1613343090027/AKUA+AFARI%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - AKUA AFARI - ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR BLACK & EVERYTHING “Because it is feels boundless and expansive, it describes Us.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/aishatu-gwadabe monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029aa70e5d7be134f10bb59/1613343362253/Aishatu+Gwadabe%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - AISHATU GWADABE - artist “Title: African Epistemology (2021) Neural net, digital. An AI Art piece developing a new 'language' for making sense out of AI and technology through art. Epistemology from an African perspective aims to depict Black consciousness and ways of knowing based on African epistemology; specifically, the reality, culture, and behavior of ancient African people. The cosmos, universe, nature, humans, and the spirit are all considered one.” BLACK & AFRICANFUTURISTIC “My practice is centred on a radical artistic methodology inspired by Africanfuturism 2.0, postcolonial philosophy and artificial intelligence. The use of Artificial intelligence as a tool in my artistic process aims to inspire a leap toward inclusive and sustainable Digital Futures by reclaiming racial identity in a unique manner.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/abieyuwa-eigbobo monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029abb61ac7f359952daac7/1616106668145/ABIEYUWA+EIGBOBO%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - ABIEYUWA EIGBOBO - artist ““Obhiaha” is a 3d model of an Esan/Edo bride wearing a hairstyle known as Eto-Okuku adorned with traditional coral beads, which represent power, royalty, beauty and wealth and also are believed to hold special powers. With this work, I am interested in decolonizing the cultural institutions that house these ornate objects, tribal wear that showcases African beauty, redistributing them using new forms of digital fabrication.” BLACK & UNDERRATED “I feel like in the near future, people will recognize my talent and potential. This is part of what motivates me to keep creating, learning and looking for new opportunities to showcase my creativity.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/aaron-marin monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029ac71157b8c4fb54afb3b/1616095505243/AARON+MARIN%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Art - AARON MARIN - ARTIST “I explicitly use the black figure to examine, confront and challenge preconceived notions of beauty, power, and intelligence by fusing anthropology, art, and fashion. My work is centered on how black culture (people) effect space and shape the interactions, relationships, and experiences of our lives in contemporary America.” BLACK & UNORTHODOX “I like and am drawn to that which is contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted. It is isolating mostly because I don’t fit in all the time, because people have a hard time categorizing me. To me my style, is that fact that I have no style - and that I hopefully am able to deliver something fresh, exciting, and unexpected.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/valenciawashington monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053aa5047192a05f6ad739c/1616096120641/Valencia_Washington_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.JPG Art - VALENCIA WASHINGTON - ARTIST AND Visual DesignER “As a full-time abstract artist, Valencia Washington merges her life experiences in her work, where she explores the connection between lines, color, shapes and the impression music had on her growing up. Inspired by provocative icons what starts out as chaotic vision soon becomes a passionate symphony of lines and nontraditional imagery, which allows her to express emotions in the moment without hesitation, creating fluid art that inspires others to dream in color.” Black & Kaleidoscopic “We are everything and everywhere. We are not monolithic.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/tamiraclecarruthers monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053b3b74bb7730f7bd945f5/1616098234682/Ta%27Miracle_Carruthers_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - TA’MIRACLE CARRUTHERS - ARTIST AND Creative DirectOR “This piece is called 'Home Sweet Home". I created it using collage. I used black magazines, and I cut pieces of paper and glued them together to create this. I created this piece based off of stories that were told to me by my best friend, who's from Africa. She moved here as a teen, and she always tell me how she misses home and stories about it.” Black & Complex “I chose these adjectives because I form my opinions no matter who agrees or disagree. I question everything, and I remain curious. I don't fit the traditional, stereotypical idea of what a woman is and should do.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/nsanji monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053ae247602e648ff109b16/1616097008969/NSANJI_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.JPG.jpg Art - NSANJI - artIST, Art Director “2020 made me see things I only imagined in stories & history-books. Yet here I am, one of the surviving few, on the cusp of a new season, imagining a life I yearn to recognize as both full of hope and closure. This piece encapsulates my expression and position on this year— my back against the past and looking solemnly yet hopefully towards the tomorrow I deserve.” Black & Fortified https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/naki-narh monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053b0762990292d2f5e6349/1616097446114/Naki_Narh_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - NAKI NARH - artIST, Graphic DesignER, IllustratOR “‘Ansa’s Story’ captures the portrait of a woman who reflects power, history and life. Her skin, similar to revolutionary's found on a banknote highlight her wealth and ability to lead nations. Her vibrancy and complexities are simultaneously celebrated in her aura. Ansa is an ancestor as well as a leader. Ansa is a black woman.” Black & Passionate + Black & Understanding “Over the years, I realised my art practice always focused on Black and African people. I loved reflecting this in my work through layers, colours and textures. There’s a lot more that makes who we are as people, all we need to do is look beneath the surface.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/monnamorton monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053b14afbe9c34803f40ffd/1616098703858/MONNA_MORTON_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - MONNA MORTON - artIST, Designer “"A Child Shall Lead Us: Silent No More", Inspired by BLM protests this painting depicts a little girl in a protest march and the Silent March of 1917, protesting the violence against African American citizens” Black & Talented https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/deonna-craig monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053b9d9d50e0a711a41a3c4/1616099941943/deonna_craig_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpeg Art - DEONNA CRAIG - artist, visual Designer “I paint my “why” and invite you in. I also charge you to go within.” Black & Transpersonal https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/briauna-williams monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053bb4b3cbc702a574ebb9a/1616100181554/BRIAUNA_WILLIAMS_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpeg Art - BRIAUNA WILLIAMS - artist, visual Designer “I’m a self taught acrylic artist using art as a tool to heal and share with my community. I’m inspired by black woman and our strength and resilience. I try to tell a story with my work.” Black & Radiant https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/marlos-evan monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053bbe86b09ea5954da7fd4/1616100579974/marlos_evan_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - MARLOS E'VAN - artist “Marlos E'van made this in reaction 2 Gun violence upon Black Ppl from tha Cops and Tha Streets. These, & many other protest posters like this are available for free download for anyone wanting 2 take them to a protest. Foot Washin B4 Tha Last Suppa 2021 5ftx6ft Oil paint on canvas” Black & Litty! https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/jacque-njeri monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053bd6901905600e488cfc0/1616169575928/jacque-VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - JACQUE NJERI - artist, VISUAL DESIGNER “Composite visual artistry that addresses culture, feminism and female empowerment through projected extraterrestrial realities.” Black & Brilliant https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/ranijah-wright monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054cad5b588417fc3c3b4fa/1616251099772/RaNijah-Wright-VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Art - RANIJAH WRIGHT - artist, VISUAL DESIGNER “My piece is the embodiment of an ordination, from my perspective. Black people are known to be the most creatively gifted people on this planet. There’s a play on the sun(son) being that we are God’s people. The rays are bordered with the leaves of an olive tree. Olive oil is used within Christian churches to anoint an individual for different spiritual intentions. In this case, it’s as if the sons rays are anointing the people with their gifts (life, glory). On the ground, bordering the people are obsidian stones; a stone created from lava. In order to get the stone, a volcano has to erupt and the lava has to cool rapidly. Obsidian is known to block intense negativity and is used as a protection stone. In some cultures it is sacred. I used this stone as a metaphor of the hardships that black people endure but somehow, we are still expected to shine and radiate. (And do!) In the center of the foreground, there are two individuals that glow a little brighter than the others and also hold an ankh; the symbol of life. It can be said that the male and female are Adam and Eve, God’s first epitome of his light.” BLACK & ORDAINED “We are all born with a divine gift, ordained. I believe our journey in life is to find what that gift is and walk in it. Your gift, created for you and only you, might just be what keeps you happy and sane within this wicked world. Walk in your gift, walk in Godspeed.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/dotun-bello monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605609222998f4194fe91706/1616336443407/Rosa-Parks.jpg Art - DOTUN BELLO - artist, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPYWRITER “For Black History Month in 2020, I wanted to share a special sentiment with the African American community. I was desperate to speak on this divide between Africans and African Americans. It was driving me crazy that people could deny other Black people their heritage simply because they were not born on the African continent. I made descendants of gods as a way to push the notion that our culture lives within us and can never be taken away. The pairing of Sango and Martin Luther King Jr. came up first and seemed so natural that I started to look at other gods and the African American heroes that could be matched to them. It was a bit eerie to see the pairings come together so easily. The rest was about figuring out the execution strategy: we made posters that would drive to a website where the entire collection lived and brought the project home by making an AR filter so people could see which god lived within them. [The title of this piece is “Rosa Parks.”]” BLACK & BLACK https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/art/velga-avah monthly 0.5 2021-03-21 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605756a81f8001702f2ee541/1616336556905/PAPER+MAKE+UP_1.jpg Art - VELGA AVAH - artist, ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR “PAPER ORNAMENT ( photographe: Christian Atanga, Modèle: Awa Mbodj, D.A: Velga Avah) In reaction to the filters of 3D artists on Instagram representing digital makeup, I take the opposite and propose my interpretation by adorning my paper models.” BLACK & RESILIENT, BLACK & BLAZING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography daily 0.75 2021-02-14 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/wandy-pascoal monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055fcd545562a231bdec470/1616248037038/Wandy+Pascoal%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - WANDY PASCOAL - PHOTOGRAPHER “A photo series from 2014 with myself and my siblings. This includes B&W images of my myself, my brother, and my youngest cousin, my sister. A story of free falling forms, moving beyond walls while contained within then. Of envisioning ourselves across dimensions. The connection between what is static and what is in motion. Finally, a story of self- and collective reflection, of who we are independently and the forms we take on as a collective.” BLACK & SOFT, GRATEFUL, SKEPTICAL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/sarah-moussa monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b005c2ccd3c4adb8f36ef/1613431082226/Sarah+Moussa%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - SARAH MOUSSA - ART DIRECTOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “This portrait of curator Rose Toure is an illustration of the struggles that we have to face as women, as black women, as immigrant black women. All the questioning around our identity in face of our families, our place in the American society, our role as creatives and our purpose as role models for future generations.” BLACK & THOUGHTFUL “I value and infuse authenticity, kindness and mindfulness in my work more than anything else.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/phylicia-scott monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b04c2c1889644fc35ee24/1613432198059/Phylicia+Scott%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - PHYLICIA SCOTT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER “Black femme sitting under a sky of cotton pink clouds. She exudes her strength and power while being offset by her soft and delicate nature.” BLACK & DELICATE “As far back as I could remember being "black" has been deemed as being harsh and rough around the edges. As a black woman, I have noticed how other races of women are allowed to be "soft" in the eyes of the world. I chose to give you a visual representation of black and delicate, and to prove it is not an oxymoron. Black people are as soft and delicate just like any other race. It is time we normalize our softness and demand that we are handled as such.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/osmond-curtis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055f94abdb6bd707ca52cf5/1616247120967/Osmond+Curtis%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - OSMOND CURTIS - PHOTOGRAPHER, art director, designer “My work focuses on seeing people as they are and who they want to be. When photography was first invented, artists did not see it as art but merely as a copy of a copy. In this world of misinformation and over fetishized beauty an accurate portrayal is necessary.” BLACK & IN THE FUTURE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/nehemiah-brent monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b0e82fcd7254f1bcae1d6/1613434645667/Nehemiah+Brent%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - NEHEMIAH BRENT - PHOTOGRAPHER “I would describe my work as diverse because I like to use people from all different backgrounds. Also, I like focus on the color in my photos. I try to make the colors pop to make my artwork more captivating.” BLACK & AMBITIOUS “This word best describes me because I have all these goals I want to achieve. I'm willing to put myself in any environment that helps me attain my goals, even if it's uncomfortable. I love creating art and finding opportunities to work with people to make something beautiful.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/leslie-frempong monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b0f729c6fb3465e3da7d0/1613434752532/Leslie+Frempong%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - LESLIE FREMPONG - PHOTOGRAPHER “I work with photography, mixed media and ethnography to showcase my investigation into social representations and its lack of. Several recurring subject matters can be recognized, such as the relation with dual-identity politics, social realism, and working with repetition.” BLACK & EXACT “Language and culture is an important part of who we are and who we become. Living in the States with a Nigerian mother and a father from Ghana, I was fortunate to be born into three cultures and attain what I hope to be a more cultivated perspective. Growing up in between their culture and contemporary Western culture was fundamental to understanding who I am, what I’d like to represent and how I would be viewed by others.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/jon-noel monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b10297a57d9350d8bed2f/1613434941583/Jon+Noel%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - JON NOEL - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “My design and illustration aesthetic is very much still in development, but typically bold and minimalesque. I often take visually complex elements and refine them down to their simplest form so they're quickly and easily perceptible. As for my approach to photography, it's a mixed bag depending on the subject or goal for the project. My architectural shots are all about utilizing light and composition to best showcase a structure or environment, whereas in my automotive and landscapes I attempt to evoke a feeling or mood from the viewer.” BLACK & DYNAMIC “Because I'm full of positive energy and strive for progression.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/jesse-rowell-jr monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b11062ccd3c4adb90fb2a/1613435155785/Jesse+Rowell+Jr%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - JESSE ROWELL JR - COPYWRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER “Creativity is the voice of the revolution. The Pressure Is Good For You 2020 PT 2.” BLACK & PROUD https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/jay-jay-revlon monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602b11a510a23e723d47967e/1613435313340/Jay+Jay+Revlon%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - JAY JAY REVLON - PHOTOGRAPHER “As the question is asked "are there black people in Spain?" I have used this to create 12 portraits (only at 8 RN) of black people who live or grow up in Spain Jay Cee was one of the people I shot for this, Cuban decent Non binary Jay Cee 21years old who I met through Ballroom others know it as vogue balls or voguing. through my travels to Spain to play or teach for ball promoters I met this amazing person and they told me there story. I hope to exhibit it all 12 portraits in Madrid the capital of Spain. for more I will start sharing stories this year via @therearepeoplein” BLACK & GRATEFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/tiffany-johnson monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c30c439706e758248513d/1614557400734/TIFFANY+JOHNSON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - TIFFANY JOHNSON - PHOTOGRAPHER “I would describe my artwork as innocent, sensual, and dreamlike.” BLACK & GIFTED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/phoebe-davenport monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c3834e6e7b15cb2065d9e/1614559299271/Phoebe+Davenport%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - PHOEBE DAVENPORT - ART DIRECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER, ILLUSTRATOR “This photograph captures the story of the eternal multidimensionality of Black Women. They are the original creators of our world and their continual nurturance and love is what sustains and rebirths our reality over and over again.” BLACK & MULTIDIMENSIONAL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/brothr monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c38f7dac1fa5637f60432/1616160374925/BROTHR%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Photography - BROTHR - CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PHOTOGRAPHER “In my artwork I try to capture the questions "why we exist?" and "Is God Real?" I think of myself having a conversation with a higher power while I'm shooting.” BLACK & GODLY “I think us black people are the [closest] thing to the creator of life.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/photography/sherod-smallman monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054a698d56f6923be2aec82/1616160430397/SHEROD_SMALLMAN_WORKINGNOTWORKING_WATBD Photography - SHEROD SMALLMAN - PHOTOGRAPHER “Striking soft fall black beauty.” BLACK & STUNNING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation daily 0.75 2021-02-11 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/moctar-diarra monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056069424ae2f0ecde420ad/1616250521902/Sticker+lasers+1+animate.png Animation - MOCTAR DIARRA - ANIMATOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “[A] project I'm working on called "Faso Dein" ties into the theme of immigration/"alien" hood/ Reclamation of culture abroad. The animation is an example of this reclamation, having the character grabbing an artifact back from a museum scene, while, the Green Poster is a critique of the perception of immigrants, depicting a Wanted poster/UFO Sighting type graphic. [Another] piece [of mine] is a mockup depiction of what future textbooks should look like, lean, and actually informing us on our history from all POVs and angles.” BLACK & LIGHTHEARTED . https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/martin-brownridge monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/lauren-sloan monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/denise-coke monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/chaz-outing monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/akinyi-otieno monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/animation/natasha-z-francis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056048399cfb127aec67d6f/1616250008243/NATZFA+BandW+GIF.gif Animation - NATASHA Z FRANCIS - ANIMATOR, ILLUSTRATOR, MOTION DESIGNER “The type being inspired by Afua Hirsch, this piece expresses my feeling of belonging and coming to terms with my heritage.” BLACK & BRITISH . https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design daily 0.75 2021-02-14 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/samuell-uekermann-laville monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055ff4a2998f4194fe879e7/1616248657067/Samuell+Uekermann-Laville%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - SAMUELL UEKERMANN-LAVILLE - DESIGNER, TEXTILE DESIGNER, CREATIVE DIRECTION “Besides doing music, modelling and graphic design, my main focus is my handmade knitwear brand SÜL. The name holds my initials and has two dots on the ‘U’, representing a smile. The main idea is “as some may try to take from you, they cannot take away your smile”. The knitted sweaters are designed by me and made by my mother.” BLACK & SUCCESSFUL https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/natasha-shangari monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055feec8d9fe90a81865839/1616248563454/2.+Identity+in+Diaspora+%281%29.jpg Textile Design - NATASHA SHANGARI - DESIGNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, TEXTILE DESIGNER “In my work, I explore the intersections of identity, rituals, and sanctuary through the lens of being a Kenyan-American femme. Throughout my life, I've moved between several states and have lived between America and Africa. My sense of home has always been elusive and my practice is something that moves with me and helps ground me. Design is my primary medium because I feel style and how we choose to fashion our bodies is an extension of identity. Fashion just gives us the tools to assemble how we visually represent our identities day-to-day.” BLACK & LIMITLESS “So often black people especially black artists are put into boxes based on their blackness. It's a aspect of myself that I love deeply, although I do not want to be limited by the what's expected of black people. The black experience is multi-dimensional and limitless.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/mia-wright-ross monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029cea11140e20c4040a226/1613352652865/Mia+Wright-Ross%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - MIA WRIGHT-ROSS - CREATIVE DIRECTOR “MWR Collection, LLC. is a full-service luxury crafting atelier, specializing in luxury lifestyle goods including handbags, accessories, home decor, and furniture. MWR Collection is bold, distinct, dexterous, and connected. Since 2016, the skillful hands of Creative Director Mia Wright-Ross and our experienced artisans have worked to massage a true collection of design, creation, and human kinship within each bespoke work. The MWR Collection Philosophy is grounded in the commitment to the practice of artisanal skills with the truth of the natural human hand. Artisan education and craftpersonship are herms of our ideology and are fulfilled through the leather crafted artifacts produced in our studio in New York City. From the hand woven leather cable detailing to the modern purposeful product engineering, MWR Collection reconnects its patrons to the humanity of the creative design process.” Photo by Matthew Pandolfe / Courtesy of MWR Collection, LLC. BLACK & LUXURIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/damien-ajavon monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6029d01dd87cf20888f8ce7e/1613353005136/DAMIEN+AJAVON%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - DAMIEN AJAVON - TEXTILE DESIGNER, designer “This Piece is called Seconde Armure it's a layer that protect you from this world even if we are able to see the layers under it's makes it more stronger to show your vulnerability and be able to feel safe and protected at the same time.” BLACK & CREATIVE “I feel that I am a Creative mind that use this ability to take the space and share.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/chanelle-edwards monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602adecb7808c5425d37b504/1613422359550/Chanelle+Edwards%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - CHANELLE EDWARDS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR, TEXTILE DESIGNER, artist “A hand painted rubber vest sculpture, from an ongoing series of paintings featuring statements inspired by current social, political and environmental issues. ‘Free doom’ was inspired by conversations and some thoughts I had about freedom of speech and freedom of movement.” BLACK & EXPRESSIVE “I like to share my thoughts and opinions in my work, which is why- despite coming from a fashion background, I make mainly text based artworks (typographic prints and sculptures); sharing commentary on every day life, or raising more awareness on current issues.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/ahmed-ali monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055fe03e1b515037a191214/1616248330127/Ahmed+Ali%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - AHMED ALI - VISUAL DESIGNER “Honest, raw and thought provoking.” BLACK & UNAPOLOGETIC “In my designs I speak truths. Some being cold realities of our world and others being truths of my experiences.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/textile-design/katana-sol monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6054f322d6febe2725a7cb5f/1616180021528/KATANA_SOL%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Textile Design - Katana Sol - TEXTILE DESIGNER, ARTIST “[This is from] a collective of pieces, the egg-related ones are from a textile series called “Gettin’ Eggy Wit’ It” inspired by 90s graphics and freshly squeezed egg magic. [I did] another piece for Western Washington University’s BSU as a sticker that has yet to be printed for our incoming students to let them know that we are powerful and we are beautiful, with pattern inspiration from Black is King.” BLACK & COLORFUL “In my life I try to find the light and positivity through the power of creativity. I want to make things that scream “I am here!” with a youthful energy full of vitality and potential.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/walter-mzengi monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/jason-moore monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/des-barzey monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/ayana-ivery monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/malaika-muindi monthly 0.5 2021-04-26 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/maya-campbell monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/film-and-moving-image/racquel-rowe monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/tarrea-tolbert monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602af99a1140e20c405953d0/1613429158706/Tarrea+Tolbert%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Product Design (UX/UI) - TARREA TOLBERT - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) / VISUAL DESIGNER “An app concept where users can create, exchange, and share recipes.” BLACK & PERSEVERING “Facing challenges and setbacks has motivated me to work hard and persevere so that I can achieve my goals.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/prince-onesimus monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602afb3972b868324380ce15/1613429636500/Prince+Onesimus%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Product Design (UX/UI) - PRINCE ONESIMUS - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) “It’s a mobile app exploration design for Daily Paper - A black owned high-end clothing brand. I thought It’d be a great idea If they had a mobile app For showcasing their products and have their users and customers place their order in-app for a better shopping experience for the customers.” BLACK & SUPER CREATIVE “I’m a product designer passionate about solving problems for users and businesses by crafting high quality design solutions that meet user needs and creates value for businesses. I’m a creative problem solver utilizing design-thinking to solve problems.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/james-michiemo monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602afcbbc1889644fc351180/1613430067575/James+Michiemo%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Product Design (UX/UI) - JAMES MICHIEMO - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI) “I designed a simple interactive web layout for a black-owned bounce house rental business in Fort Worth, TX. It includes an animated bouncing button to create a user experience that reflects the brand. The animation was made using HTML and CSS web browser technology.” BLACK & FUNKY “It's like riding a syncopated rhythm where you find your flavor outside the lines and borders that are supposed to box you in. It's embracing uniqueness.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/randy-ellis monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c2bcf056f4f65240bbb21/1614556181922/RANDY+ELLIS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Product Design (UX/UI) - RANDY ELLIS - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI), VISUAL DESIGNER “ChipIn: Cities Helping Its People In Need Discover a low barrier mobile donation platform where individuals can send gifts to those in need of food and medical attention. Disrupt Poverty We pass by panhandlers every day. Those who need shelter, food, medicine our basic human needs. Why do most choose to ignore rather than help? ChipIn is the first non-currency charity that gives those in need access to charitable donations through ChipIn's corporate partnerships. Simultaneously, this removes the regret or guilt a donor may often feel when ignoring or giving away money. End Reluctance The reason is we can't hold those who panhandle accountable for what they do with the currency they receive. Assuming most are victims of substance abuse, the average citizen is likely to think the money they give will go to exactly that. By ignoring one problem, we ignore the other hidden problem humans require — the desire to donate places those who want to be charitable in a tight spot. Create Harmony If the ChipIn citizen needs food and shelter, for example, the amount required is displayed on the ChipIn citizen page. Here, the donor has the opportunity to either pay the entire bill, contribute a small amount or establish recurring donations based weekly or monthly. When a citizen financial goal has been successfully funded by the charitable, the last donor will alert the ChipIn citizen to visit the participating store to receive a voucher or next steps to get their donation.” BLACK & PERSISTENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/aria-todd monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603c2eac056f4f65240bedc1/1616248793842/ARIA+TOOD%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Product Design (UX/UI) - ARIA TODD - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI),VISUAL DESIGNER “The Fashion Study Center, a resource database for fashion students to understand the fundamentals of their craft with the ultimate goal of a Student Network to foster community and mentorship. Features Responsive Web Design, Interaction Design, and categorized under edTech.” BLACK & EMPOWERED https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/breonwatersll monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056002b65de7848db955b7c/1616249126282/Breon_2020HOF_VideoStill.png Product Design (UX/UI) - BREON WATERS II - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI), GRAPHIC DESIGNER, VISUAL DESIGNER “The 9th edition of my Christmas card series, Holiday Free Of… wishes viewers, a holiday free of therapy sessions with world-renowned psychotherapist Dookie Williams. Using AR technology, viewers can watch 3 inspirational videos that offer “solutions” to some of life’s problems.” See video here. BLACK & ME “My Blackness is unique to me and my experiences. Just like every other Black person. To me there isn't one definition of Blackness, but there definitely is a shared understanding in being Black.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/deia-green monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056013ec26d96133b391db7/1616249158437/Deia_GiveRoses.jpg Product Design (UX/UI) - DEIA GREEN - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI), art “This filter symbolizes the act of giving myself, and those that I admire, the roses we deserve while we're able to appreciate them.” BLACK & HEAVEN-SENT “I want to start romanticizing my presence on this earth as a black woman and as a creative.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/product-design/massogb-serifou monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605621a5a79fe46cb98421d1/1616257462039/Travel+organizer+mobile+app+Instagram%402x.png Product Design (UX/UI) - MASSOGBÉ SERIFOU - PRODUCT DESIGNER (UX/UI),VISUAL DESIGNER “Here is a travel organizer mobile app that allows travelers to find the best place in the world to get the best pictures with advices and tips from other users.” BLACK & CONFIDENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/elyse-marks monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/wale-osunla monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/tiffany-cooper monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/tamisha-harris monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/sly-watts monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603acc7b3d06494e3ad20d19/1614466187228/SLY+WATTS%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Motion/3D - SLY WATTS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “For this illustration I was guided by the beauty of black women and pattern. Black and evolving to me can be internal or as bond such as family/ relationship, or even as a community.” BLACK & EVOLVING https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/lawrence-wyatt monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603acce473d375051e06c675/1614466303523/Lawrence+Wyatt%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Motion/3D - LAWRENCE WYATT - MOTION DESIGNER, ART DIRECTOR, INTERIOR DESIGNER “I was always a curious kid with a vivid imagination and a love for nature. So it makes since that translucent deep sea life would be the inspiration for this design frame and the creative treatment I made for an Audi A7 commercial campaign.” BLACK & CURIOUS https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/latoya-flowers monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/motion3d/joseph-agyemang monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603acfd85312d854ac084a0f/1614467043748/Joseph+Agyemang%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Motion/3D - JOSEPH AGYEMANG - MOTION DESIGNER, VISUAL DESIGNER “3D artwork made daily that is primal, graceful, and remarkable.” BLACK & EXCELLENT https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/lettering daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/lettering/savannah-watkins monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602ae16f1ac7f35995449d81/1613422973460/Savannah+Watkins%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Lettering - SAVANNAH WATKINS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ILLUSTRATOR “"You Are Allowed to Love Yourself" written in calligraphy in Procreate for iPad Pro with Apple Pencil. Drawn in a time when I struggled to learn self-acceptance and self-love, when I was mired in self-loathing and believed hating how I was would spur me to better myself.” BLACK & TENACIOUS “I've had a lot of difficulties and issues in my adult life, with mental illness, income instability and being far away from my family. I have a mantra that I will never give up and never surrender, no matter how hard things get, no matter how much it all hurts. I'll always find a way to go on.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/lettering/derikah-scott monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602ae200750e046ac9681552/1613423119488/Derikah+Scott%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Lettering - DERIKAH SCOTT - GRAPHIC DESIGNER “This is a digital lettering piece of the quote "enjoy the ride." A vibrant reminder to savor life's moments.” BLACK & PRESENT! “Present best describes me because I strive to make a conscious effort to show up and be receptive to whatever I encounter.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/lettering/alanna-flowers monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/605501cd8c8e6f7e04438de2/1616259118002/Alanna+Flowers_WNW_WATBD Lettering - ALANNA FLOWERS - GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR “I am a hand lettering artist so my work largely uses words to not just communicate through their literal meaning but by their composition, style, etc. I love to experiment with a range of styles and before I began making lettering work for clients, it has always served a therapeutic purpose in my life. Being able to meditate with the words that I would draw to serve as a reminder that they hold greater weight than just their meaning and that I and the viewer have the power to transform them through a deeper interpretation and understanding.” BLACK & BLOOMING “One of the definitions of “bloom” is “to mature into achievement of one's potential.” For many years I felt so afraid of stepping into my full potential with my hand lettering art that I would share on social media. This year I’ve aligned myself with my goals for my creative business and am happily freelancing full-time as a lettering artist and designer.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/lettering/kevin-adams monthly 0.5 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6056287ff331b75f9609ec56/1616259203150/meteor+FINAL.jpg Lettering - KEVIN ADAMS - letterER, ILLUSTRATOR “Through my art, I convey a message of Black pride and use new ways to articulate the Black experience through custom lettering of song lyrics. Blacks in America have always made valuable artistic contributions to this country’s culture – that legacy inspires and motivates me. I have been able to use my work as a vehicle to talk about subjects such as equal pay for women, mental wellbeing during a pandemic, and the importance of actionable allyship.” BLACK & OUTSPOKEN https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/industrial-design daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/industrial-design/simone-brewster monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602ae63c0a3ed7266df11d42/1613424234664/SIMONE+BREWSTER%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Industrial Design - SIMONE BREWSTER - INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER “I decided to make an object with function, specifically because it was an object which would be expected to serve silently instead of "speaking out". Tables, chairs, beds, stands, these objects live to support our lifestyle. They generate the atmosphere of our environments and serve us in our daily activities. They exist as part of the canvas of our homes, blending together to create the narrative of the self we wish to project to the outside worlds and to ourselves. The supporting elements of this seat and table are made up of deconstructed black female forms. This broken woman complied of her voluminous parts, comes together to uphold the surfaces which rest upon them, providing function. Quietly in service.” BLACK & VOCAL “My work speaks of the gap that exists within the design world. It proudly and boldly speaks of its ethnic roots and inspirations. It's unapologetically black.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/industrial-design/joel-abraham monthly 0.5 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/602ae6dd09d4e815e3577c7d/1613424361903/Joel+Abraham%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Industrial Design - JOEL ABRAHAM - INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER “The Lámha (Irish: "Hands") Lamp harnesses ambient light in a geometric, hand-like form. It's angular, semi-transparent design compliments the rays of light emitted from a warm, flame-shaped bulb.” BLACK & AMBITIOUS “I'm always looking to go one step further than what's required of me. To do my best and more and achieve what I thought I couldn't. To go above and beyond with my work.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/writing daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/architecture daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/architecture/zoe-osborne monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053d1ed46333f16efce13b8/1616106045793/Zoe_Osborne_VirtualExhibition_WorkingNotWorking_WATBD.jpg Architecture - ZOE OSBORNE - INTERIOR DESIGNER, VISUAL DESIGNER “This 3D virtual popup for Ethereal: Ether brand is a world imaged by Sydné Barnes the product designer and myself. The style of the space references 1980's mall interiors as well as Caribbean culture. The interior furniture features 1950s furniture such as Irving Harpers Marshmallow sofa. The 3D experience takes you in to an abandoned Chattel House inspired home and through rooms which feature the different products designed and created by Sydné Barnes.” BLACK & HAPPY “I am a proud black Caribbean woman who has a grounded in a community that has been supportive and geographically full of sun. Those two elements make me happy.” https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/architecture/nia-smith monthly 0.5 2021-03-18 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/603ae7c62d914d0b8c46f23a/1614473177006/NIA+SMITH%2C+WORKING+NOT+WORKING+X+WHERE+ARE+THE+BLACK+DESIGNERS Architecture - NIA SMITH - architect / designer “I'm an architecture student with a background in fashion, who struggles with finding a sense of community. My work aims to make people feel less lonely, more included. I still have a lot to learn with architecture and sometimes I fear my work is too basic. But I'm learning and I'm going to be brave enough to share what I've learned to find my community. Worst comes to worst, I'll just build one. :)” BLACK & BRAVE https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/preview daily 0.75 2021-03-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/preview/blog-post-title-four-d2btg monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/preview/blog-post-title-three-e5rh4 monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/preview/amber-fuller monthly 0.5 2021-03-15 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/preview/blog-post-title-two-exaec monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/about daily 0.75 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6052e1e132f1a37685753ce8/1616117758824/Square_Animation.gif About - about the exhibition Where Are The Black Designers and Working Not Working have partnered to bring you a virtual exhibition that champions and showcases some of the incredible Black talent available across the world. We're thrilled to have received almost 300 submissions to take part in the show. And, every single artist who submitted their work is included in today's exhibition. To help bring the exhibition to life, we invited two incredible designers from our community Laetitia Auguste and Okay Jak. The exhibition introduces the concept of Black &, a narrative we’ve developed to celebrate the expansive breadth and resilient nature in the Black creative experience. Black & can be anything and everything you want it to be, it’s for all of us. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053c3e7f7295f65433f3e74/1616102391376/Sun_1.gif About https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60538b2ace5f267ff3f969ac/1616087868881/question.gif About https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/60538b4a3ca5bd15d3245582/1616087895399/question.gif About https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/home daily 1.0 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/604f8a643ad0e7695c9dae40/1616251353579/Grace+Enemaku.png Home - WELCoME Where Are The Black Designers and Working Not Working have partnered to bring you a virtual exhibition that champions and showcases some of the incredible Black talent available across the world. We're thrilled to have received hundreds of submissions to take part in the show. And, every single artist who submitted their work is included in today's exhibition. The exhibition introduces the concept of Black &, a narrative we’ve developed to celebrate the expansive breadth and resilient nature in the Black creative experience. Black & can be anything and everything you want it to be, it’s for all of us. Make no mistake: this is a movement, not a moment. * Image Credits: Grace Enemaku https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/604fd3834f28e8714d2284b3/1615844244647/BE_peace.gif Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/604fd0a5d51a6305072af116/1616195705106/Amber+Fuller.png Home DESIGNER https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/604fd0ddecb0102dc60b591a/1616195725811/ADEBUKOLA+AJAO.png Home DESIGNER https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/604fd0be8c626e3db5f7a8eb/1616195715053/Camille+Nugent.png Home CREATIVE DIRECTOR https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/exhibition daily 0.75 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053c4fd66049027a97230a6/1616102676430/WNW_2.gif Exhibition https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053da57b04abe5618ea1413/1616108171569/question.gif Exhibition https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053da9f4bb7730f7bdda238/1616108222193/question.gif Exhibition https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-03-20 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6053c6154d35de35c5699cb6/1616102939828/Rainbow_Outline.png Contact https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/new-page daily 0.75 2021-03-19 https://wherearetheblackdesigners.workingnotworking.com/404 daily 0.75 2021-03-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/601323253bb52e36981202fb/t/6055326974303038bcb4ae80/1616196208338/Globe_Animation.gif 404