Introduction

As part of this series, I’ll be talking to other creatives—especially Black, POC, and LGBTQ+ designers and makers—about their work, identity, community, and dreams. I want these conversations to feel real and personal, not polished and rehearsed. The kind of honest creative talk we rarely see but always need.

To start the series, I’m answering a set of five questions pulled from the categories I’ll be using in the series. These are my thoughts, experiences, and hopes—meant to open up space for others to share theirs in their own way. Future guests will be able to choose from a list in each category and respond to what resonates with them most.

🔑 Identity & Influence

What helps you stay authentic in industries driven by trends or corporate expectations?

I’ve been in corporate design for six years now, and I constantly remind myself: corporate isn’t the only space where my skills matter. As an introvert, I naturally stay outside the crowd. In meetings, I try to bring a vibe of “let’s not take this too seriously,” while still getting work done. I show up how I am, a Black gay man in non-monogamous, non-normal, relationships who isn’t trying to edit himself to fit some professional mold. I talk about my connection-ships the same way others talk about theirs. I hum, bop, maybe even dance a bit to my music, that’s me! I still get the subtle pressure to “act more professional” as I move up—but to me, professionalism means being respectful and clear, not erasing your personality. I still use slang, get new tattoos, or just continue being unashamedly me—however that evolves.

[side though] yeah, I’m lucky to work somewhere diverse—but even then, corporate culture can still feel disconnected, demanding office returns for no reason and ignoring individual needs. It’s not always easy, but I stay grounded by remembering I don’t have to shrink myself just to fit.

🧠 Creativity & Craft

What’s a recent project you’re really proud of, and why?

Honestly, this site. Not just for how it looks—but for what it represents in my creative journey.

What started as a simple PDF years ago has grown through multiple forms and sites like Adobe Portfolio, Square Space, (for half a moment) Webflow, to now Framer what feels I can more full make feel like mine's. It holds not just my design work, but my thoughts, sketches, experiments, and voice. I’m proud because I’ve let it evolve with me. Instead of chasing “perfect,” I’ve focused on expression and growth. It’s become a space where I can try things, talk about what I’m learning, and show how I see the world as both a designer and a human. It reflects who I am and who I’m becoming.

That shift—from portfolio to creative home—is what makes me proud.

🏙 Industry & Worklife

What real changes would you like to see in the creative industry?

There’s a lot I’d love to see shift. First: the pace. Creative work often gets treated like a machine—churn this out, meet this deadline, next, next, next. But creativity doesn’t always move that way. I want to see more space for care, curiosity, and process. Let designers think. Let us explore. Give us time to actually design, not just produce.

I’d also love to see more diversity—not just in who’s hired, but in who’s supported, promoted, and listened to. I don’t see enough Black creatives in leadership, especially in corporate. And part of that is geographical—so many HQs are in places where we don’t feel seen or safe. Representation isn’t just about hiring. It’s about building environments where people don’t feel like outsiders the second they walk in.

And finally, I want us to talk more about mental health in the creative world. Burnout is real. Comparison culture is real. We need better systems to support each other beyond the work.

🤲 Community & Career Growth

Have you found creative communities or mentors who helped shape your path?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t be here without them.

One was a past roommate—someone I watched up close. He’d pick up new skills, test them immediately, and make something work even with outdated tools or limited resources. His work ethic and focus taught me how to be more intentional, more curious, and more driven about my own process. He to this day motivates me even when he may not know the impact he has had and continue to have on me.

Another unexpected mentor came through gaming. I met someone through playing Smash Bros online and social media. I eventually noticed he was a designer too, little did I know he was the Art Director as CDC! At the time, I was early in my creative path still figuring out what a “career” in design could even looked like. He took the time to review my portfolio and explain not just what wasn’t working, but why (the why was key) . That feedback cracked something open for me. I started to see things differently—grids, spacing, invisible lines that hold a design together. It was like flipping a switch. That one conversation helped me level up in a real way, and I still carry those lessons today.

🔭 Future & Possibility

What does success look like to you in the long term—and how does that influence what you’re making today?

For me, success is freedom. Not just money. Not just titles. But being able to support myself while doing creative work that feels good, honest, and interesting. Having the ability to travel, to choose my projects, to explore ideas—even if they don’t lead to something polished or profitable right away.

Right now, I’m working in a corporate setting, but I’m using it. I’m using the money and resources to invest in myself—tools, learning, time. I’ve got a list of things I’m building outside of work, and each one is a step toward creative independence. That means I’m designing and learning at the same time. I don’t need to wait until I’m “ready”—because the work is the preparation.

Also, part of that success vision includes play. Experimenting. Messing around with ideas that don’t need to be perfect. I think creativity and life both need more of that.

✨ Optional: Share & Connect

Are there any creators you’d love to shout out or recommend?

So many! That’s part of why I’m starting this series—I want to spotlight the folks who inspire me!

My first mention (and possible person to have answer next) is one of my best friends who's creatively is known by "Zomi the Homie" she is a force! She’s produced songs, directed music videos, made entertaining (and wild) social posts, designed a whole tarot deck, and honestly just stays doing something. I love seeing creatives who do. Who try, build, explore, and keep going.

And real talk: I didn’t like her when we met many years ago. But now? Life would be so empty without her. 🫶🏼

We’re currently working together on her tarot deck updates, im designer her box and booklet (and hopefully more soon). I’ll be sharing more on that on my freelance and personal portfolio page as we work through the things for it up coming launch!