Back in the day, diversity in the field of graphic design was far from visible. While studying in the early '90s we learnt of famous designers like Saul Bass, Milton Glaser, Paul Rand and more. Although these designers changed the way graphic design is seen, we did not see graphic designers from the African diaspora proudly presented and applauded. With that in mind, let’s now celebrate *African American graphic designers who have left an indelible mark on the field. Let’s check out those who flourished in the face of racial adversity, expressing and fighting to have their artistic voice heard; who created their own companies and excelled as Black entrepreneurs at a time when this was unheard of, and those who continue to do so to this day.
*My criteria for choosing these pioneers of graphic design is simple.
1: I must love their work.
2: They must be older than I (born 1966 or before)
It is not my intention to leave out other well-deserved and talented younglings. But this presentation will be a call back to my younger self, to recognize that the path before was designed black and beautiful.