Part of our mission on THE BLOCK is to maintain a community where creatives of color feel heard, connected, empowered and celebrated. We see itstheblock.com as an asset for our people—a place they can turn to for both insight and inspiration. We’re proud of the work we do, but it’s also encouraging to know we’re not the only dope space out here making room for Black and brown people. If you’re a Black creative, here are 10 additional resources to keep an eye on for connections and opportunities:
HUE HOUSE
A Black-owned creative agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and led by creative visionaries David Butler, Davita Galloway and David “Dae-Lee” Arrington.
HUE HOUSE prides itself on “opening new doors” and “changing how brands connect.” The agency makes it clear to clients they are not a multi-cultural agency only to be hired to speak to minorities or work on specific projects for Black and brown communities. HUE HOUSE is a well-connected company actively employing talented creatives of color in an effort to decolonize the marketing and advertising industries. The agency also works to connect Black and brown creatives with career development and funding resources, most recently through its How2 Skill Sessions.
Diverse Representation
Recent stats show less than 10 percent of executives in the music industry are Black. Diverse Representation wants to change that. Their mission is to increase the exposure and number of African-American agents, attorneys, managers and publicists who work in the sports and entertainment industry. The group is currently accepting applications for its Black Music Executives Pipeline Program, a paid opportunity that will give 12 participants tools and skills they need to succeed as executives in the music industry.
Where are the Black Designers?
Where Are the Black Designers? is a volunteer-run, nonprofit design advocacy organization that exists to “heal, support, amplify and make space for the entire spectrum of Black creativity.” This community by and for Black designers is filled with education and wellness resources, as well as event, partnership and collaboration opportunities. You can join their Slack group to get connected.
ONE School
Part of the historical lack of diversity in advertising can be credited to systemic bias in a hiring process that’s often heavily-weighted toward portfolios from expensive, well-known schools. ONE School gives Black creatives free access to some of the industry’s best talent to help them develop world class portfolios for greater opportunity. Students are connected with mentors and join a network of supporters focused on helping a new generation of Black creatives excel in the industry. Learn more about the application process and curriculum.
Illustrator Hub
Illustrator Hub connects employers with Black illustrators offering unique talent and perspective for creating visual content. Black artists can join this free network to see job opportunities, and companies can browse designers for individuals who fit their needs. Illustrator Hub is a project of Black Illustrations, a Black-owned business created to ensure our likeness is represented in design packs and stock illustrations.
Google Sheet of BIPOC Studios
There are a growing number of Black-owned agencies looking to hire new talent. This public Google Sheet featuring Black, Indigenous and POC-led design studios is a must-save (and share)! To date, it has more than 400 studios listed from around the world, complete with contact info, areas of expertise and roles they’re hiring for now or in the near future. If you’re a company hoping to get on the list, you can apply here.
Hire Black Female Creatives
Nowadays, if someone has the excuse of “not being able to find Black talent,” they clearly aren’t invested in finding Black talent. Hire Black Female Creatives features a regularly-updated list of women and women-owned businesses ranging from photographers and graphic designers to hair stylists and makeup artists. Get on the list or search for women to hire or collaborate with.
Black UX Collective
“It’s not like we don’t exist; it’s just that the few of us who are in the field face an incredible amount of erasure. Many of us often feel silenced, underestimated, and siloed.” This is what Black UX (user experience) designers are up against, and why the Black UX Collective was created. The community includes a talent network and is connected to Medium.com, a writing platform sharing stories from an array of individuals and backgrounds. Those in UI/UX roles are encouraged to share their perspectives and connect with other Black designers and developers in the industry.
Black Design Twitter
Though not as popular as Black Twitter (but it should be), #BlackDesignTwitter shares news, updates and resources for and about Black and brown creatives in a variety of industries. BDT also partners with like-minded individuals and companies, as well as provides branding services.
See In Black
See In Black is a collective of Black photographers who invest in, uplift and build community around Black visibility. They support Black talent in three ways: investing, uplifting and building community. Featured photos are available for purchase. Submit your work or browse the site for inspiration and get to know other Black photographers like yourself.
