What Being a Black Man in a Creative Field has Taught Me About the Industry.
For many of us, June is a month that naturally brings reflection. It’s the halfway point of the year, which makes it a great time to reevaluate goals, check in on milestones, and reflect on personal and professional growth.
It is also a time that carries a deeper meaning for me as a Black man. With Juneteenth serving as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality, June inspires me to reflect on the struggles of those who came before me and the sacrifices they made that helped pave the way for the opportunities I have today.
Even growing up in the 21st century, I have experienced both direct and subtle challenges connected to how people perceive me because of the color of my skin. Those experiences have shaped the way I move through the world, but they have also helped me recognize the value of my perspective.
As a creative, I’ve learned that the things that make us different are often the same ones that shape how we create. Being Black in an industry where there are still not many people who share my lived experience has shown me that difference is not something to hide; it is something to embrace.
Many creatives from underrepresented backgrounds face an unspoken choice: Either blend in or recognize the power of what makes you unique. I have chosen to use my uniqueness as a source of strength. With diversity comes an opportunity to teach others what it is like to view the world through a new lens, one that may be far different from their own. Creatively speaking, these different viewpoints can lead to work that truly informs and excites audiences.
Culturally, I am half African American and half Trinidadian. Growing up, I was fortunate to spend several years living in Trinidad, where I learned more about my heritage. A significant part of Trinidadian culture is Carnival, a celebration known for its extravagant costumes, set designs, and diverse cultural inspiration. Exposure to these creative outlets led me to pursue an artistic career, specializing in illustration and bold designs. To this day, I draw inspiration from both sides of my identity.
My story as a Black man in America informs every artistic decision I make in my career, whether I am always aware of it or not. It’s something that holds tremendous power. That perspective is part of my creative voice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring it into my work.
Creativity cannot exist without diversity. They are opposite sides of the same coin, each one making the other stronger.