ART—
Edition 2 | Winter 2024
The Design Database Magazine
INSPIHERD SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN IN THE ARTS
COVER MODEL
GEORGI ALICE ANNENBERG
Meet our newest members and discover WHY these are the Creatives YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW!
COVER ARTIST AUDREY TAPPAN Brand Photographer, Creative Director, & Founder of Hued Agency
www.huedhuedhued.com
www.thedesigndatabase.net
10 Furniture Design & Sculpting 12 Photography 20 Graphic Design 27 Mixed Media 28 Music 29 Special Sections: Tertulias Gallery 34 Painting 40 Interior Design
WINTER I S S U E
02 42 Social Media Strategy 44 Influencer Marketing 46 Modeling 48 Journalism (Reporting) 52 Writing 54 Textile Design & Embroidery 56 Illustration 60 Fashion Design
Created and designed by Courtlyn Jones | Founder & CEO of The Design Database
THE CHANGE FOR FEMALE CREATIVES Hello, wonderful community! I'm Courtlyn Jones, the proud founder of The Design Database, and I am thrilled to welcome you to the second issue of our digital magazine, now rebranded as 'Art-InspiHerd' Magazine. This issue is a celebration of the exceptional women artists and creatives within our vibrant community. Get ready to be inspired by their incredible talent, stories, and the unique perspectives they bring to the world of art and design. Together, let's amplify the voices of these phenomenal creators and continue to build a community that empowers and uplifts each other. Enjoy the journey through the diverse and inspiring world of 'Art-InspiHerd' Magazine!" —Courtlyn www.thedesigndatabase.net
THE DESIGN DATABASE Are you a company seeking to harness the unparalleled skills of TOP female talent? Your journey begins here, at The Design Database!
👩🎨 CONNECT & EMPOWER We're more than just a job platform; we're a vibrant online community that unites women in the arts from around the globe. Forge new friendships, gain more inspiration and collaborations, and supercharge your network at our virtual and in-person events. Here, you're not just part of a community – you're part of a movement!
💼 QUALITY MEETS TALENT Companies and clients, look no further. We're your go-to destination for sourcing the finest female talent in design, photography, writing, fine arts, illustration, and beyond.
🌎 A WORLD OF CREATIVITY Our platform brings together a diverse range of artistic voices, ensuring that innovation knows no bounds. Discover fresh perspectives and skills from every corner of the world. It's the melting pot of creativity you've been waiting for.
Whether you're an artist craving the spotlight, a business seeking unparalleled talent, or an enthusiast of the arts, The Design Database is your one-stop destination. Join us today and witness the magic of creativity in action. Elevate your career, make lifelong connections, and experience empowerment like never before. For those in search of topquality female talent in the arts, look no further – The Design Database is where talent meets opportunity.
When you choose The Design Database, you're choosing excellence!
🎙️ FEARLESS NARRATIVES PODCAST
At The Design Database, we celebrate the unique journeys of our Creatives. Tune in to our "Fearless Narratives" podcast and learn more about their experiences, creative thought processes, and success stories.
🚨 POST YOUR JOBS HERE www.thedesigndatabase.net
Don't miss out on the artistic revolution!
🎨💪
FEARLESS NARRATIVES PODCAST HOSTED BY Courtlyn Jones & Kia Minor
WANT TO LEARN MORE? TUNE IN TO HEAR THE FULL STORIES OF THESE CREATIVE WOMEN.
Fearless Narratives, hosted by Courtlyn Jones, founder of The Design Database (www.thedesigndatabase.net) and Kia Minor, the "Financial Fitness Coach," is the podcast spotlighting female entrepreneurs and Creatives from all over the world. These two incredible young women have created a show centered around the themes of: Feel the Fear, Women Supporting Women, Creative Collaborations, and Black Excellence! Join us every Wednesday for a new episode on Spotify, Anchor, and Apple Podcasts. Tune in at the link here.
SIA TANIA Ep. 9: Branding Strategies with The Design Boutique
CHRISTINA VANDIAN Ep. 22: A Shimmery Twist To Mixed Media Art
SAKEENAH ASHIRU Ep. 32: Fashion Design’s Emotional Impact On Our Lives
ASHIA AMAVÈ Ep. 3: The Commercial Model Guide
FEARLESS NARRATIVES (CONTINUED)
CATALINA ESCALLÓN Ep. 5: Extraordinary Embroidery with Catalina Escallón
GIANNA BALASCO Ep. 30: Mindful, Meditative Art With In Creative Co.
MADISON PALOSKI Ep. 34: The Ethereal Beauty of Fashion Photography
DEANNE SIMON-CAMPBELL Ep. 28: Exploring The Creative Mind of a Graphic Designer
BEXX FRANCOIS Ep. 15: Capturing Living Beauty in Black & White
TIARA WILLIS Ep. 36: Meet Your Creator BFF: The Influencer’s Influencer
LILY-ROSE BURGESS Ep. 16: Finding Nostalgia Through Oil Painting
ASA DUGGER Ep. 18: Have Faith & (Digitally) Create with Asa Dugger
MADELYNN RINGO Ep. 7: The Beauty of Architectural Design: Ringo Studio
CHELSEA AUSTIN Ep. 4: Being Inexplicably Her: Chelsea Austin, The Girl With Five Names
JUSTINE MANGUM KIRKMAN Ep. 26: Celebrating Black Excellence Through Illustration: Winnie Weston SARAH KELLEY Ep. 14: The Abstract Artist: SVRVH Designs AKISTA HORTON Ep. 11: Intuitive & Holistic Design with Ki in This Moment
TESS KOSSOW Ep. 24: It’s Time For A Heart To Heart: Protect Yours EMILIA GARTH Ep. 17: Using Music & Meditation To Find Inner Peace
SEASON 3 OF FEARLESS NARRATIVES — EARLY 2024 Follow us on IG: @thefearlessnarrativespod
mer wear your fearless
rch.
ness proudly!
www.fearlessnarratives.com/shop
FURNITURE DESIGN & MULTI-MEDIA ART
My art explores similarities between seemingly disparate cultures viewed through the lens of gender, history, rituals, implements and symbols.
CHERYL RILEY Cheryl is a multi-media artist, furniture designer, and art advisor to private collectors like actor Jesse Williams, a condo development in Harlem, and corporations such as BET. Her focus in this practice is artists of the Black African Diaspora. She creates wall art, installations, site-specific public artworks, and custom designs for corporate titans and celebrity clients. Her works are featured in the permanent collections of two Smithsonian Museums, SFMoMA, the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and the Mint Museum of Art & Design. www.cherylrriley.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “I have exhibited in over 60 group and solo shows throughout the U.S. My public art projects are installed in New York City, San Francisco, Sacramento and Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport.
Furniture designs are in private collections, as well as museums, including two Smithsonian's and SFMoMA and I am a National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist grant recipient. I’ve also authored articles about artists in national publications and curated corporate collections for entities, such as BET.”
Cheryl Riley IG: cherylrriley cherylrriley@gmail.com
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
It's really important to me to build a connection with the models while they're here. I always tell them, 'When you book with me, it's not just a photoshoot, it's an experience.'
MADISON PALOSKI With her editorial work being described as "ethereal and emotional," Madison Paloski has had an affinity towards fashion and conceptual work since a young age. Paloski studied fashion media and graphic design at Lasell University and the London College of Fashion. She is known for capturing the true essence of an individual through color, mood, and clothes. She is currently working in New York and available for travel. Clients: Vogue Italia PhotoVogue, Vulkan, Fenty Beauty, and Parade Underwear. www.madisonpaloski.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I just want everyone to look at my work and say, ‘Wow!’ I like creating. I’m in my home studio right now, but creating a studio space with the works of set design, I want you to feel like you're transported somewhere and I want it to be reminiscent of past memories. A lot of my work is inspired by my childhood: what I always loved, the very whimsical, ethereal elements.
And that's what I want you to see and what I want you to feel. It should feel nostalgic. I'm really into vintage, and I love the feeling that vintage gives me. That's the feeling I want everyone to have when they look at my photos."
Madison Paloski IG: madisonpaloski madisonpaloski@gmail.com
EDITORIAL, BRANDING, & COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to product photography, I always tell people: Less is more...when you start styling for a product shoot, you always start with the main thing you’re shooting and then build from there.
JOI CONTI Joi Conti is a Filipino-American professional editorial, creative branding, and commercial photographer. She graduated with a BFA from one of the best photography universities in the U.S., the Rochester Institute of Technology, and has worked for fashion, still life, and editorial photographers in New York. She is the go-to creative photographer in the Austin market. Clients: BOXT, Thrillist, Anthropologie, Cinful Sweets, Solid Soaps, Gojema, B.D.F.O., Sarah Klein Coaching, and featured in Elle Magazine’s Accessories Issue. www.joiconti.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “My professional photography work is guided by making people feel seen and heard. This is one of the reasons why none of my photo sessions are ever the same. I put the person's spark and personality first and then we collaborate and infuse as much creativity and fantastical ideas as we can. I tell my clients that I'm here to help build them that ladder to get to all their daydreams and ideas in the sky and I truly lean into
collaborating with each of my clients throughout my entire production process so they know what's happening prior to the photo session, during, and after. I have also photographed for well-known establishments like Austin Woman magazine and The Foundation for the Preservation of the Historic Millett Opera.”
Joi Conti IG: joi.conti joi@joiconti.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE DIRECTION
...When I’m walking down the aisles of a store, I’m attracted to color so it just makes sense that I use my own passion to create colorful brands for other people and companies.
AUDREY TAPPAN Audrey Tappan is an out-of-this-world photographer, graphic designer, and animator. Based out of NYC, Audrey specializes in fashion and product photography and is looking for clients with consumable products, dreaming of fresh visuals on their website and social media. Audrey constantly explores the latest trends in visual branding, ensuring her projects are scorching hot. She has also attended The Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in Photography. Clients: TÖST, Gorgie, TiCK MiTT, Wonderbelly™, Ghia, It’s Nola, and more. www.huedhuedhued.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF I'm an annual juror at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, I'm the Freelancer's Union NYC Spark leader, I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I'm one of the most colorful people you'll meet. Growing up in Duette, Florida on my family's farm taught me hard work, dedication, and practical skills that have saved me a lot of money over the years, but most importantly, the environment I grew up in let me be me.
While over the years my creative style has evolved, the stand out feature of all of my work is the color profiles and playfulness. Since graduating, I've focused primarily on my freelance career and assisting brands with their marketing visuals like product photography and packaging design.
Audrey Tappan IG: audreytappan.creates info.audreytappan@gmail.com
VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY
It really does make my heart stop to see something so beautifully captured... ...It's like 'Wow! That's a money shot!'
BEXX FRANCOIS Rebecca (Bexx) Francois is an LA-based photographer/director with a focus in portrait, editorial, commercial + stills photography. Her experience growing up in NYC informs the tones in her work. Bexx finds most of her inspiration through TV/Film and also the connection between herself and her subjects. Her first step on all of her shoots is to ask her subjects: "What would you like to see from our time together?" Clients: ADIDAS, Nike, GymShark, PUMA, Red Table Talk, Complex, DIOR, HBO, and more. www.bexxfrancois.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF
"I get a lot of inspiration from film and storytelling: how a single shot can sometimes really make my heart stop to see something so beautifully captured.
It's just like, 'Wow, that's a money shot!' It could come from a series, i.e. television, or from a film and it's a breathtaking take. Or even in motion, where maybe it's a onetake situation or it's the famous Spike Lee dolly shot.’ ‘There are signature ways of playing with the camera that are just beautiful. Like, feeling as if you're there as it's actually happening.”
Rebecca (Bexx) Francois IG: bexxfrancois info@bexxfrancois.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
This started from me wanting to connect with specifically Black women like me because no one can really tell our story as well as we can.
AKISTA HORTON Akista (Ki) Horton is a graphic designer and the founder of design studio, Ki in This Moment Designs, which focuses on intuitive and holistic designs. Ki guides Black women in wellness to clarity & confidence with branding designs. As an overall Creative & educator, she works to ensure our community-empowering branding projects pour into positive initiatives that give care to underserved children's wellbeing. www.kiinthismomentdesigns.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I want to connect with specifically Black women like me, because no one can really tell our story as well as we can. At the time, especially when I started, we did not have as many wellness-focused, Black women-focused branding studios. That became my main focus: How can I encourage you in your dreams to see that there IS a tomorrow, when the whole world at this point is telling us that there really might not be a tomorrow?
Mental wellness and overall well-being is super important to me. The biggest part of my brand is that if you're not well, your brand cannot be well. That is my overall core."
Akista (Ki) Horton IG: kiinthismomentdesigns hello@kiinthismoment.com
DIGITAL DESIGN
Collaboration is important, especially for those who don't have a mentor in the art world. If you can help in any way...it goes a long way. It really does.
SARAH KELLEY Brooklyn-based digital illustrator, Sarah Kelley, is the sole proprietor of SVRVH Designs. Her pursuit is to explore the intersection between digital design and augmented reality. Sarah’s art is a balance of rationality and the power of the unconscious. She finds importance in creating visual narrative for the transgressed and unconventional. Her areas of application include digital illustration, basic website design, and animation. Clients: Four City Brewing Company, Team Epiphany, Writers with Attitude, and many more. www.svrvhdesigns.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "Take two passions and put it together to make a lifestyle IF you need it. If you can take all your time and hone into your craft, I will advise you to do that. I decided to do that and it IS possible to make the life you want into your reality. I could write you a synopsis about the type of artist I am, and my preferred methodology, but with time that will change.
Collaboration is important, especially if someone doesn't have a mentor. If you know someone else who is already in the art field and they can help you, ask for help. It goes a long way. It really does."
Sarah Kelley IG: svrvhdesigns svrvhdesigns@gmail.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
As Creatives...what happens when you're not staring at the screen? I find the best ideas come to me when I'm using a piece of scrap paper and sharpening my pencil.
GIANNA BALASCO Gianna Balasco is a creative director and brand designer with 8 years of experience. She's the owner of brand design studio, In Creative Co., where she creates thoughtful visual identities to help business owners tell their stories visually. She currently lives in NYC and enjoys studying meditation, exploring all the boroughs, and browsing the local farmers’ markets so she can create something new in the kitchen. Clients: Converse, America's Test Kitchen, Tribe Hummus, The Coastal Yogi, Jack Daniel's, and so many more. www.incc.design
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "If you choose to be a designer, if you choose to go down an artistic route, you're not only choosing to express yourself, but you're also trying to put something out into the world that makes other people stop. Look. Maybe listen. Whatever it is, take that pause. Take that breath. I think it's natural that I incorporate that into my work. When I'm working with a new client, the first thing I'll do, after putting together some sort of strategy, is meditate on it and I'll see what pops up into my brain.
I'm super visual, and sometimes I get sketches and ideas that end up being the end product. Sometimes that happens after I try to write down 40 ideas or 40 concepts for a logo. Then I stop and I'm sitting there, kind of chilling, taking the pressure off, and I'm like, 'Oh, that seems like a super simple solution.'"
Gianna Balasco IG: increativeco gianna@incc.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Saying this as a Black woman, it’s been a lot harder to push back with a client and set boundaries. They tend to say things like, ‘You‘re being too aggressive.
DEANNE SIMONCAMPBELL DeAnne (Dee) is the founder of Dee Designs Inc., a Canadian-based branding and graphic design studio. She founded it while trying to find something with purpose. Dee Designs Inc. was started at the beginning of 2021. Since then, DeAnne has assisted brands with creating strong brand identities that has resulted in an increase of customers for her clients. With that, she has helped to increase sales, engagement and overall kept her clients exceptionally happy with her work. www.deedesigns.ca
MIXED MEDIA
With creativity, it just takes some experimenting... Don't be afraid. Go for it. There's no right or wrong way.
CHRISTINA VANDIAN Christina Vandian is an Armenian-American mixed media artist based in New York City. She began her studies in art by attending the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and received awards for her work in mixed media and sculpture. Her fascination with human behavior, thought, and emotion is what leads her to create work. Although all of her work is very personal, she is inspired by the way each person has the ability to interpret things differently and therefore likes to leave her artwork minimally defined in order to open a dialogue between the viewers and the art. www.instagram.com/christina.vandian
MUSIC
Because music is my offering to the world... I need to carve out hours of silence where it's just my instrument and me. Anything else is distracting.
EMILIA GARTH Through her crystalline voice, Emilia Garth creates healing journeys, weaving music and meditation. She is an international performing and recording artist of native Hawaiian descent and has songs available on all streaming platforms in Spanish, Gurmukhi, Portuguese, English, Hawaiian, and Yoruba. Her music and messages unite cultures taking you on a journey across space and time. Emilia is also the founder of Kanikapila Miami and the biannual festival Kanikapila Fest, a spiritual celebration with live, world music and creativity-activating workshops to bridge generational and cultural differences. www.emiliagarth.com
SPECIAL SECTION
TERTULIAS GALLERY: CALL FOR ARTISTS At Tertulias, we invite you to embark on a journey through the captivating world of contemporary art that defies conventions and pushes boundaries. Nestled in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, our gallery stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression and its ability to transform perceptions. Tertulias isn't just an art gallery; it's a platform for uncharted perspectives.
Our vision at Tertulias is to break free from the confines of traditional artistry and introduce our audience to fresh, innovative creations. We are driven by the desire to inspire conversations, spark curiosity, and provoke thought.
Our collection showcases the work of visionary artists who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and venture into unexplored artistic territories.
From immersive installations that challenge your senses to thought-provoking thematic showcases, each exhibition at Tertulias is curated to provide an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on your artistic soul.
👩🎨 ART IS NOT JUST A
REFLECTION OF THE WORLD It’s a medium through which we can reinterpret, reimagine, and recreate it.
IG: tertuliasboulder www.tertuliasgallery.com
FOUNDER OF SEGUNDA MANO & TERTULIAS BOULDER Andrea is a creative, entrepreneur, and former lawyer. She is the creative force behind several cutting edge companies to solve major cultural problems in society. She has curated major conferences and festivals on social entrepreneurship, technology, and diversity, drawing hundreds or thousands of individuals, with speakers and performers, ranging from Al Gore to Devendra Banhart. Andrea earned law degrees from Harvard Law School and the University of Chile. She is in the Executive MBA program at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
ANDREA GUENDELMAN
andrea@speak.careers IG: andreaguendelman IG: segundamano.boulder
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT MADELIFE —TERTULIAS BOULDER Megan is the Creative Director at Madelife and has a passion for where creativity and cause intersect. She’s an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated history working in multiple industries. She is skilled in Team Management, Organizational Development, Marketing, and Design. Megan is a strong creative professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. megan@madelife.com
MEGAN REZNICEK
FASHION DESIGN — SEGUNDA MANO
I believe that art and design are the greatest forms of self expression. I strive to design conceptual garments that push boundaries.
NELL TERCEK Nell is a knitwear apparel designer with a passion for creating conceptual, sustainable, and ethical fashion. She studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and at Politecnico di Milano in Italy where she specialized in knitwear design. In 2023, Nell and Andrea (Guendelman) started Segunda Mano, a high-end, upcycled clothing line. Nell’s goal as a designer is to challenge beauty ideals as well as challenge knitwear norms. She wants to create knitwear that no one has ever seen or thought of before. nellterch@gmail.com
IG: nelltercek
www.nelltercek.myportfolio.com/work
WEAVING — TERTULIAS BOULDER
I love pattern and color and the experience of watching it come together on the loom. It’s a meditative process for me.
DARCIE SHIVELY A decade ago, Darcie Shively traded her harried schedule in Los Angeles’ advertising industry for the quiet beauty of Boulder, and a life that stokes her artistic interests. She gave herself a challenge: Do 52 creative things, one each week for a year, and track them on a blog (aptly named “52 To Do”). Those endeavors included tempering chocolate, knitting, roasting coffee, and researching her family history. Darcie works on one of seven looms in her Boulder home. She weaves large-scale geometric tapestries with hand-dyed wool in bright hues and unpredictable sequences of color. darcie.shively@gmail.com
IG: awovenchannel
www.darcieshively.com
COLLAGES (PAINTINGS) — TERTULIAS BOULDER I studied painting and sculpture, then came to fashion later because it was always something in the back of my mind. I thought to myself, ‘I should be making fabrics. I should be doing something with the way I'm seeing things.’
CAROLANN WACHTER Carolann Wachter is a fine artist and fashion designer based in Boulder, Colorado. She studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has drawn from her painting and sculpture background to create her own line of women's clothing. With a focus on fine fabrics, craftsmanship, and classic forms, Carolann has built a reputation as both an accomplished painter and a designer of quality wearable, yet elegant silhouettes. Featured in: Lucky, Elle, Spur, 5280 Magazine (Denver), Boulder Lifestyle, and The Boulder Daily Camera. Her hats and clothing have been sold in Barney's New York and in select boutiques around the country. wachtercarolann@gmail.com
IG: carolann_wachter
www.carolannwachter.com
PAINTING
The feeling that I get is just my favorite feeling in the world... and that makes me be like 'I need to paint stuff.'
LILY-ROSE BURGESS Lily-Rose Burgess is an Australian oil painter whose main objective is to recreate the feelings she felt throughout her childhood because she is excited and inspired when creating nostalgia. She finds the challenge of creating the energy of a memory exhilarating and finds the best way to achieve this is by painting items that trigger memories for her. Her specialty is still life. She is currently painting full-time and has a little studio in the second bedroom of her house. www.lilyroseburgess.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I'm inspired by stuff that I like. Sometimes I'll just cook dinner and be like, 'I want to paint that.' I love food. I love everything. Someone commented on my Instagram the other day that 'dappled sunlight by itself can be inspiring.' And I completely agree with that. Sometimes the sun comes into my studio and I'm just looking at how it lights everything up, and I'm just like, 'I need to paint. Yeah. Going to paint something out of it.'
It's my favorite feeling in the world. That's kind of my best description of it. It's this powerful feeling that I get that just makes me feel so inspired and so, in order to continue to feel that, I like to paint things that bring me back to my childhood. "
Lily-Rose Burgess IG: lilyroseburgess admin@lilyroseburgess.com
PAINTING
My work becomes a powerful conduit for processing intergenerational trauma and rediscovering my roots.
ROCHELLE SHAHFAZLI Rochelle Shahfazli is a Sydney-based visual artist, capturing memories and moments through a cultural lens. Rochelle’s Indonesian and Iranian diaspora experience in Australia carves a unique perspective on culture, interpersonal relationships, and identity. She uses painting as a way to process her intergenerational trauma and as a way to reconnect with her history and culture. www.theshahcloset.com.au
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “My art transcends mere visuals: It's a vessel for storytelling, healing, and reconnection. Drawing from my own background and the diverse cultures that shape me, I paint what reflects not only my personal journey but also the interplay of identity, relationships, and history.
My work becomes a powerful conduit for processing intergenerational trauma and rediscovering my roots. I like to capture emotions, memories, and cultural narratives through the vibrant canvas of my work.”
Rochelle Shahfazli IG: theshahcloset theshahcloset@gmail.com
INSTALLATION ART & PAINTING
A traumatic brain injury set me on a path of self-discovery, one that ultimately led me to embrace my artistic talents.
KRISTINA LIBBY Kristina Libby is an artist based in New York City. Her work is an ongoing investigation into the profound experience of being human. Through sculpture, design, public art and fine art, she utilizes surprise, whimsy, and disconnections to cultivate a sense of curiosity and playfulness. Her work has been discussed and reviewed in the New York Times, Washington Post, NY Post, NY Magazine, NBC, ABC, FOX, and more. Notably, her public art series "The Floral Heart Project" was cited as the catalyst for the introduction of COVID-19 memorial legislation in both the US Congress and the US Congress of Mayors. www.lightvlight.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “A traumatic brain injury set me on a path of self-discovery, one that ultimately led me to embrace my artistic talents and the potential for change that creativity holds. My work reflects my unwavering belief in the power of art to make the world a better place. My pieces have been featured at the Arizona Historical Society Museum, One Community Museum, and the Milwaukee Art Museum.
I holds a B.A. from Dalhousie University and a M.A. from the University of Denver. I am currently residing in NYC where I am also a writer and technology executive.
Kristina Libby IG: lightvslight kristina@kristinalibby.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Thinking about design from the perspective of the customer: Everything that they touch, feel, smell, and see when they walk into the space... it becomes this 3-D world of the brand.
MADELYNN RINGO Madelynn Ringo is an architectural designer who scales brand identities to life with feel-good originality. Ringo creates storied environments expressed within a formidable architectural framework. She specializes in designing experiential spaces that resound with purposeful beauty. Her design process engages the entire customer journey, allowing the brand experience to live and breathe within every touchpoint. Clients: Modern Age, Our Place, Contact Sports, Funny Face Bakery, Bala, Glossier, and Studs. www.ringo-studio.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I took a lot of what I was learning, especially at Glossier, and really found my spot as a designer, working with other brands and thinking about design with them. But from the perspective of the customer and the customer experience, everything they touch, feel, smell, and see when they walk into this space becomes this 3-D world of the brand.
A couple of experiences that I had really influenced what Ringo Studio has become and the types of clients that we work with. Interior design is also thinking about creative direction and how these things translate both from digital to physical and back and forth again."
Madelynn Ringo IG: madelynnringo design@madelynnringo.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
I love when my work has the opportunity to come to life and translate from being online connections to an in-person community.
ALEXIA MONTGOMERY Alexia has worked as a freelance social media strategist for seven years now, operating as an independent agency under the name "A.M. Social." She specializes in working with non-profits, social impact platforms, small local businesses, and compassionate campaigns. She’s worked with global organizations, build empathetic communities, and inspired positive action through social media. www.facebook.com/amsocialmedia2
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “I have been a multi-disciplinary artist since I was a child, and studied psychology in college. I was led to social media strategy organically, through my creative network, seven years ago. What sets me apart from others is: I have an incredibly organic, authentic, and meaningful approach to social media.
I love the impactful missions I have been able to be a part of, how creatively free it has allowed me to be, and when my work has the opportunity to come to life and translate from being online connections to an in-person community: events, action, togetherness, etc.”
Alexia Montgomery IG: amsocial_ info.alexiataylor@gmail.com
INFLUENCER
Sometimes the circumstance is there to propel you and help to accelerate you into what God called you into...And that doesn't define you, it just makes you better.
ASA DUGGER Asa Dugger is a host and content-creator based in Los Angeles, CA. She works fulltime in Influencer Marketing and, outside of her 9-5, she’s reaching an audience of over 19K+ on social media where she intersects content and conversation around faith, influencer strategy, beauty, wellness, and becoming while in her 20somethings. She has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from Rutgers University New Brunswick and is a member of the American Influencer Council. Her brand portfolio includes: Neutrogena, L'Oreal, lululemon, Create & Cultivate, BET, and Black Love Inc. www.asadugger.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I noticed being in LA, as I grew and evolved, there were a lot of people who didn't know how to be happy for me or couldn't be happy for me because I guess they benefited from me not being at my fullest potential. And it sounds crazy. I can't even calculate or understand that because I don't think like that. I believe everyone has a great potential and can step into that without bothering anyone else. There's people who will applaud you and who will support you until they find out that you're capable of being just as great as them or more. I think that the people who are able to recognize that you’re going to be great, that there's a calling on your life, that you're going to do amazing things and aren't threatened by that, are people to really keep close because they're going to hold you accountable. They're going to love on you and they're going to nurture your gifts."
Asa Dugger IG: iamasadugger hello@asadugger.com
INFLUENCER
I'm very passionate about what I do. It's nice that things come out of it, but I tell people, 'Even if it wasn't a career, I'd probably keep doing it because I just like it.'
TIARA WILLIS Tiara Willis is a world-renowned influencer. Upon graduating high school early with high honors at the age of 16, Tiara had already built a social media empire providing tips, trends, insights, and information to her loyal followers. Starting her Influencer career at just 14, now in her early 20s and a Gen Z culture expert, Tiara leads a community of nearly half a million devoted supporters and followers. Her vibrant and well-respected brand empowers and motivates diverse women of color to be their best selves inside and out. www.thetiarawillis.com
MODELING
It takes thick skin... there are a lot of no's with no explanation before you get a yes.
ASHIA AMAVÈ Ashia Amavè is a Brooklyn native and Creative who works as a commercial model and digital designer. Her purpose is to live a life of authenticity, specifically using honesty and transparency about her experiences as an artist and millennial, with the goal of inspiring others to play big in their own lives. Her modeling resume includes: Apple, Google, Target, Covergirl, EBay, and Etsy, just to name a few. www.ashiaamave.com
JOURNALISM
In journalism, when you get to work with a team that you love, you’re very lucky, so I will say I was definitely lucky with that...The MTV News team was a family.
DANTEÉ RAMOS Danteé Ramos is a native New Yorker, by way of New Jersey, and a proud, Black & Salvadorian, multi-hyphenated journalist. She is experienced and versatile with a passion for capturing the essence of pop culture and uncovering stories that resonate with audiences. Danteé has worked with Nas, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, CoCo Jones, Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Fat Joe, KAYTRANADA, The Starry Power Cast, Tatyana Ali, Marsai Martin, and many more. www.danteesinferno.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “My journey in journalism began at Source Magazine, where I honed my skills as a writer by crafting daily reports that provided readers with the latest news and insights. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work on the VMA's, BET Hip Hop Awards, and BET HER Award's red carpets, conducting interviews with celebrities and delving into their experiences and perspectives.
My personal brand 'DanteesInferno' has collaborated with OGX, Sally Beauty, ApHogee, Touch Wearables, & The American Cancer Fund. My goal is to continuously shine a light on black and Latin culture by collaborating on a variety of projects and holding necessary conversations.”
Danteé Ramos IG: danteesinferno danteeramos@gmail.com
JOURNALISM
Be in the moment. We’re always running on auto-pilot and not realizing where we’re going, so for me, I’ve had a lot of talks with myself and I ask ‘Who am I? Who do I want to be? Do these things align?‘
BIANCA PEART Bianca Peart is a sports journalist, educational professional, and co-founder of Bold and Brilliant Life. As the force behind #FansSpeak, Bianca engages with fans from WNBA, NFL, and Tennis through Instagram Live, discussing their experiences amid the pandemic's challenges. She's not just reporting; she's creating a platform for authentic voices. She's had the privilege of hosting sports shows and covering renowned sporting events such as the NBA Finals, US Open, Super Bowl, and Showtime Championship Boxing. www.biancapeart.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF “Beyond sports, I am an intrapreneur at the College Board, playing a pivotal role in building and overseeing the Advanced Placement’s AP Capstone Diploma program, where high school students develop academic research, argumentation, and presentation skills through project-based learning. My commitment to education extends further as a board member at St. HOPE Leadership Academy in Harlem.
My purpose is to inform and empower the youth to surpass limiting beliefs through education and sports. My favorite quote is: ‘You should rather find purpose than a job or a career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history.’ — Chadwick Boseman”
Bianca Peart IG: biancapeart assistant@biancapeart.com
WRITING
I spent a lot of time trying to harness my self-worth and learning how to tap into it because it's like a muscle... We don't all just wake up and feel worthy.
CHELSEA AUSTIN Writer, speaker, podcaster and self-worth advocate, Chelsea Austin believes in spreading positivity and bringing love and joy to as many individuals as possible while encouraging her audiences to do the same. Whether through her book, "Inexplicably Me," her blog, "The Girl With Five Names," her podcast, "Worthiness Warriors," or on stages around the globe, her message of self-worth and self-acceptance resonates with audiences of all ages. www.chelseaaustin.com
WRITING
How do I go back to my life, my son, my family, my husband and go... 'Just so we're clear...My death and come back to life was... a fluke'?
TESS KOSSOW Tess' journey started when she left her job at CBS Chicago to start her own business, while simultaneously taking care of a brand new baby and writing a children’s book. "I’m Very Ferris" came out in 2020, and is the first in a series of books that focuses on In Vetro Fertilization (IVF) through the eyes of a child. Shortly thereafter, Tess survived sudden cardiac arrest and began speaking about heart disease awareness in women. She was named the Inaugural Woman of Impact with American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in Indianapolis. Tess is also a certified fertility coach with a focus on heart health. www.tesskossow.com
EMBROIDERY & GRAPHIC DESIGN
If you think of your brand as a cocktail.. at the end of the day it’s not about the response, but how the person gets there.
CATALINA ESCALLÓN Catalina Escallón is a Colombian graphic designer based in NYC. She is a visual communicator with a love affair with textiles. She comes from a multidisciplinary background that includes graphic design, product development, and business management. As a creative storyteller, Catalina helps organizations bring their stories to life and help them properly communicate with their audience. As a side hustle, Catalina creates art pieces in which she uses thread to tell stories and to bridge the digital and analog space. Her embroideries are an invitation to touch and an exploration of textile techniques. www.catalinaescallon.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "Think about your brand as a cocktail. At the end of the day, it's not about the response, but how the person gets there and by understanding how people get there, you get more information and better ideas. We, at Noodo Studio, do these workshops to explore people's ideas and help them get creative. The workshops are called 'How to Get Your Inner Creativity.' A lot of people say, 'Oh, I wish I could do what you do. Everyone can.'
My means of creativity is embroidery and textiles, but for every person, it's a very different thing. It's just about how you think of problems or solutions."
Catalina Escallón IG: catalinaescallon catalina@noodostudio.com
FASHION ILLUSTRATION
When I was growing up, I didn't really get to see many fashion illustrations that looked like me... that had brown skin or curly, frizzy hair.
JUSTINE MANGUM KIRKMAN Justine Mangum Kirkman is an illustrator and creative enthusiast located in the Alexandria, VA area. Her passion for art started when she was a little girl and was further solidified when she was an art student at a performing arts high school. Creating something special through simple lines and bold colors always excited her and opened up her world. Clients: Adobe, Complex Networks, Ulta Beauty, Henry Masks, LiveTinted, POPSUGAR, Sunchips, My Black Is Beautiful (Procter & Gamble), Zenni Optical, First Aid Beauty, Dark & Lovely (L'Oreal), and more. www.winnieweston.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "When I describe my art, I like to make sure people know I do fashion illustration. I do have a passion for fashion as well, so majoring in that made everything come full circle in a way. I always looked up to fashion illustrations that I would see, but when I was younger, I didn't really get to see a lot of fashion illustrations that looked like me.
There weren’t any fashion illustrations that had women who were brown skinned with that curly, frizzy, kinky hair. I really didn't see it back then, and I'm 30 now. I want my art today to be a beautiful representation of the Black community."
Justine Mangum Kirkman IG: winnie.weston hello@winnieweston.com
ILLUSTRATION
...a representation of Black Excellence. I started to attract those kinds of clients & it made me want to continue to work with women and uplift brands that were big and bold and had meaning behind it.
SIA TANIA Sia Tania is a Netherlands-based brand designer and coach, and founder of The Design Boutique, who leads her business with purpose. She combines her design and marketing skills to help small business owners grow meaningful brands that convert. Tania helps her clients in her Brand Accelerator program to go from not knowing where to start with their business and having a lot of doubts on what they should and shouldn't do, to feeling ready and prepared for this new adventure and having a rock-solid brand strategy that attracts their dream clients organically. www.etsy.com/shop/TheDesignBoutiqueNL
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "I started with only drawing female figures: from bookworm girls to high-end, classy ladies. It was just a representation of Black Excellence. That was my idea. With that, I also started to attract those types of clients and that made me want to continue to work with only women and uplift their brands to make brands that are big, bold, and had big meaning behind it and make sure they were able to present that as such.
I feel that the value that art brings, or Creatives bring, is SO much that they themselves don't understand, me included, how MUCH value it brings. It's not about the hours. It's about the years of experience that went into being able to create in that many hours."
Sia Tania IG: designboutiquenl info@designboutiquenl.com
FASHION DESIGN
Fashion design is such an important process and stage in our lives and has such an impact. It's the way we present ourselves to the world.
SAKEENAH ASHIRU Sakeenah Ashiru offers timeless and fashion-forward pieces, inspired by her travels around the world. "My diverse line is represented by different cultures, which have developed from ideas to realities throughout my career as a fashion designer." Her goal is to create exclusive, sophisticated, and elegant designs that represent our interconnected and global world.
www.sakeenahashiru.com
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF "Fashion design is such an important process and stage in our lives and also has a big impact. It's the way we carry ourselves and present ourselves to the world. As a fashion designer myself, before I do anything, my clothes play a huge part in what message I'm trying to send that day and how I'm feeling. That's also part of my process: trying to think of how I want this woman, who I'm trying to create the collection for, how I want her to feel.
That inspires the way I sketch and what I'm designing. Then the next part is looking at my budget: What do I have to spend? You can go crazy as a fashion designer or Creative just spending whatever. You have to make sure you have enough finances to spend."
Sakeenah Ashiru IG: sakeenahashiru_ny sakeenahashiru@gmail.com
MEET OUR SPONSOR
BETTERHELP.COM/FEARLESSNARRATIVES
GET 10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH! Is something interfering with your happiness or preventing you from achieving your goals? Regardless if you have a clinical mental health issue, like depression or anxiety, or if you're just a human who lives in this world and is going through a hard time, therapy can give you tools to approach your life in a very different way. BetterHelp’s mission is to make therapy more affordable and more accessible. This is an important mission because finding a therapist can be really hard, especially when you have limited options in your area.
BetterHelp is a platform that makes finding a therapist easier because it’s online, it’s remote, and by filling out a few questions, BetterHelp can match you to a professional therapist in as little as a few days. It's easy to sign up and get started now. Finding a therapist is like dating. If you don't really fit with that therapist, which is a common thing with therapy, you can easily switch to a new therapist at no additional cost without stressing about insurance, who's in your network, or anything like that.
START THERAPY IN 3 EASY STEPS ❶ FILL OUT A SIMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE.
SCHEDULING SESSIONS IS QUICK AND EASY! Meet your therapist and text anytime.
❷ GET A PERSONALIZED THERAPY MATCH.
Write in your therapy journal whenever needed Attend group therapy sessions
❸ SCHEDULE WEEKLY SESSIONS VIA:
BETTERHELP.COM/FEARLESSNARRATIVES
GOODBYE T H A N K
Y O U !
WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE?
CONTACT: Courtlyn Jones CEO & Founder, The Design Database EMAIL: cjones@thedesigndatabase.net WEBSITE: www.thedesigndatabase.net
FOLLOW US ON IG: @thedesigndatabase | @theartinspiherdmag