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Featured Stories
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
11 November 2011 4:59 PM | No Commentsby NPR STAFF
If you pay attention to the Emmys and Academy Awards, then you’ve probably seen those glamorous, haute couture gowns made by Kevan Hall. He’s known for dressing A-listers like Vanessa Williams, Salma Hayek, Celine Dion — even first lady Michelle Obama.
His work has earned him multiple awards. After studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he won a scholarship sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design. In 1989, the NAACP named him the Great American Designer, and in 2005, Life & Style Magazine named him Stylemaker of the Year.
Among the handful of top African-American designers in the country, Hall centers his work in Los Angeles. He’ll be showing off his 2012 bridal and ready-to-wear collections Friday at the Washington Club in the nation’s capital.
More here.
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African designers steal the show
11 November 2011 4:50 PM | No CommentsBy WANGUI MAINAWalking tall at 1.78 metres, Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana,, walked to the front to be crowned Model of the Year at this year’s Africa Fashion Week held in Johannesburg, South Africa two weeks ago.
An international model, Ajuma was one of the models who took to the catwalk to showcase some of the continents leading talent. In its eighth year, Africa Fashion week brought together 30 designers, based on the continent and beyond, to showcase their designs at the Sandton Convention Centre for three days last month.
More here.
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Assistant Professor, Graphic Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 8:03 PM | No CommentsASSISTANT PROFESSOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, TENURE-TRACK, EXEMPT, JOB # 2069
October 2011
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Graphic Design Program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. The program is dedicated to conceptual and skill-based problem-solving grounded in practical knowledge, critical awareness, and social and cultural engagement. Guided by an active and accomplished faculty, students are exposed to diverse design perspectives and practices and encouraged to develop a culturally competent and personally committed point of view. CCA’s Interaction Design Program takes a studio-based, collaborative, and playful approach to training future interaction designers, equipping them with a unique mix of skills to shape their field. The Graduate Program in Design prepares its graduates for careers in innovative design practice, including design direction, strategy, and leadership. Situated at the heart of the Bay’s Area’s vibrant design culture, these programs benefit from a rich community of practitioners and a compelling context for projects.
POSITION SUMMARY:
CCA seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track position of assistant professor of graphic design, beginning fall 2012. This position has been created to support the development of the program’s 4D curriculum. The successful candidate will demonstrate an active interest in the evolving relationship between graphic design and screen-based media and a capacity to steer curricular and pedagogical change in this area.
In keeping with the college’s commitment to diversity, community engagement, and social justice, we seek candidates who will cultivate an equitable studio environment and a diverse curriculum. In addition to teaching (a full-time load is five lines per year) and participating in the undergraduate Graphic Design program, the position requires a readiness to teach in the Interaction Design, Graduate Design, and First Year Programs, mentor students in the major, and serve on college-wide committees. It also entails a commitment to continued professional work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A BFA degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent professional degree and/or experience) with a minimum of one year of teaching experience at the college level or two years of professional experience in the field. Applicants should present evidence of leadership ability and the potential to make significant contributions in their field of practice. They should have a strong commitment to design education and a keen interest in design-related technologies. Specifically, CCA seeks candidates who demonstrate conceptual agility and practical aptitude with respect to the dynamics linking graphic design and screen-based media. Please submit at least five projects that provide evidence of front- and/or back-end skills and practice in one or more of the following areas: interface, interaction, video, motion graphics, or mobile/other platforms. Professional and/or educational experience in collaborative interdisciplinary contexts, project-based community engagement, and design writing and research are also desirable.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Postmark deadline for applications is January 20, 2012.
NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
application instructions:
Interested candidates should submit the following in .pdf format:
- A formal letter of application
- A brief statement of teaching philosophy highlighting areas of pedagogic concentration
- A curriculum vitae
- A portfolio of professional work
- Course syllabi and student work
- Student evaluations of recent courses taught at the college level.
- Three names of reference, including contact information
Note: A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required for return of submission materials.
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 2069)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
employment@cca.edu
We recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
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Position: Chair, Industrial Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 7:47 PM | No CommentsCHAIR, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, JOB # 1968
October 2011
The CCA Industrial Design program
The Industrial Design program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. Industrial Design is among the fastest growing programs at CCA and reflects the dynamic nature of the field. Specific areas of interest include sustainability, urban mobility, design research, community engagement, and cultural analysis. For more information about the program mission, visithttp://www.cca.edu/academics/industrial-designCalifornia College of the Arts (CCA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Industrial Design Program.
The profession of industrial design is expanding to more areas of influence than ever before. Designers have the opportunity to impact social, environmental and political outcomes. Consequently, the way we educate designers matters now more than ever. Merging visionary leadership, curriculum development, and professional and community connections, the Industrial Design Chair plays an essential role in shaping the next generation of industrial designers, who will tackle some of the most pressing concerns of our time.
The Chair of Industrial Design is a key player in the CCA and surrounding communities with access to the Bay Area’s most notable practitioners. The successful candidate will approach the development of a practical and critical design curriculum as a creative and intellectual opportunity and demonstrate a capacity to incorporate diverse cultural and practical perspectives in shaping curriculum, directing pedagogy, and building community.
The chair position is a full-time position throughout the 9.5-month academic year. A program manager provides administrative and organizational support, and faculty coordinators assist with specific aspects of the program, including internships, student reviews, technology support, sustainability and semantics. The director and assistant director of Design provide guidance and oversight for curriculum development, faculty selection, scheduling and accreditation reviews.
Specific Responsibilities of the Chair of Industrial Design
- Lead the program in attracting and retaining the most promising Industrial Design students.
- Design a curriculum that combines skills acquisition, design research, conceptual thinking, and professional preparation.
- Encourage collaboration between Industrial Design and other CCA programs.
- Establish external relationships with the professional design community, including sponsored studio partnerships.
- Promote the visibility of the Industrial Design program locally, nationally and globally.
- Hire and mentor faculty to reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
- Organize subject-specific student workshops throughout the academic year.
- Teach at least one class per semester.
- Direct the academic and administrative operations of the program.
- Oversee ongoing program assessment and prepare for accreditation reviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in the field of industrial design and its related practices: research, prototyping, manufacturing, materials, sustainability, human factors, interaction, design history and criticism, etc. Experience in design education, including teaching and a demonstrated capacity for curricular and extracurricular program development. Proven management experience in an academic or professional setting.
The ideal candidate will articulate a vision for the future of the program and the field that merges creativity, curiosity and craft. He/she will demonstrate the ability to lead faculty, students and staff, and address diverse design practices that combine professional development, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
SALARY: Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin January 17th, 2012. Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest that addresses their vision for the future of Industrial Design, in both education and the profession, as well as their philosophy of leadership and pedagogy. Applicants should also submit the names and contact information of three professional and academic references. Submit materials to:
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 1968)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
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Job Postings on this site with BDNN
12 October 2011 7:36 PM | No CommentsBeginning November 1, BDNN will charge for all job postings on website.
- Please inquire by email at atim@blackdesignnews.com
Until September 30, 2011, all postings at BDNN are free. We have a right to select what we post.
Read More
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
Graphic/Media Design Archive
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A tribute to Sylvia Harris
Posted on August 1, 2011 | No CommentsPhoto credit: George Larkins
By Michele Y. Washington designer and friend
The process of paying tribute to the passing of my dear friend Sylvia Harris is an honor, but at the same time it’s perplexing.
It is with profound sadness that the design community mourns the lost of Sylvia Harris who passed away on July 24th at the age of 57. On Thursday, July 21, she collapsed during a meeting in Washington DC, was rushed to George Washington University Hospital where the doctors put her on life support. Surrounded by a host of family members and heartfelt friends who rallied by her side, she later passed due to heart complications.
Sylvia was a beckon, one of those luminous stars whose brilliance encapsulated the design profession at a time when black women designers were few in numbers. I stumbled upon an article in either Print Magazine or Communication Arts featuring Sylvia and her partners of Two Twelve Associates, a firm she helped cofound with several classmates from Yale Graduate School of Design. It was her smiling face beaming from the photo, a fluke phone call that lead to us meeting, and thus our friendship blossomed.
Her vibrant career spans more than 25 years. Sylvia functioned in the design community more like a cultural ambassador, serving on the AIGA national board, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, and was the recipient of a Design Trust Fellowship for Taxi 07. (http://bit.ly/dQ9lj). Much like that fluke phone of us meeting, the same scenario was replayed when Sylvia joined forces with a group of designers that ignited the charge for the first OBD conference, “Dogon to Digital,” held in Chicago. Known as a kind-spirited person, Sylvia could always be called upon to mentor and inspire numerous designers, whom she counseled to keep forging ahead and they too could make inroads in the design profession.
Recently, Sylvia rebranded her firm from Sylvia Harris LLC to “Citizen Research & Design” a name befitting of her commitment in communicating the needs of public programming and design policy for government, educational and non-profit institutions. Last summer 2010, Sylvia participated in Design Journey: You Are Here, exhibit held at the AIGA national Headquarters in NYC, click this link: http://www.aiga.org/design-journeys-sylvia-harris/
Yes, I can boost of the mountainous accolades and awards as an acclaimed information designer, however, her biggest rewards were being a loving wife to Gary, an attentive mother to a teenage daughter Thai, and fabulous sister to Juliette Harris, and a gracious friend to many. We will all miss Sylvia’s fortitude for life, her spirited walk, sparkling smile, inquisitive chats, and her brilliant mind.
Please share your blessings as Sylvia’s spirit walks through the starry night skies along her journey.
Details for a memorial service will be posted during the fall on http://citizenrd.com/
Michele Washington is a design strategist, she can be found at http://culturalboundaries.com/wordpress/ and at http://officeofmichelewashington.com.
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March 8: Amanda George for creating the innovative blog, The Audacity of Color
Posted on March 6, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN selects Amanda George for creating the innovative blog, The Audacity of Color – a simple BIG Idea: Color
Amanda George has a love of all things colorful. This love of color paired with a passion for design, fashion, art and nature inspired her to create this blog as a visual catalog of this beauty. Amanda works in the field of advertising and studies Communication Design at FIT. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Website:
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March 1, 2011: Lulu Kitololo, Graphic Designer using Africa and provocative images
Posted on March 1, 2011 | No CommentsBy Atim Annette Oton
BDNN loves Lulu Kitololo, Graphic Designer using Africa and provocative images
Lulu Kitololo is a storyteller and ideamonger, using any medium necessary. That usually involves design and art direction but also illustration, writing, facilitating workshops, giving talks, and taking full advantage of that beautiful playground called the internet, any chance she gets! Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Lulu studied Communications Design in New York and worked as an advertising art director before moving to the UK to pursue an African Studies degree. She now lives in Manchester and collaborates with clients around the world, promoting positive social and/or environmental change. (Source: http://www.africandigitalart.com/?p=5043)
Her sites:
http://www.weareasilia.com/team/lulu-kitololo
Visit her work at http://www.africandigitalart.com/?p=5043)
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Design Objects by Black Women Designers Across the Diaspora
Posted on February 28, 2011 | 1 Commentby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN’s Design Objects by Women Designers Across the Diaspora celebrates individual design objects, projects and styles of black women designers across the world. March is women’s month and across the month women are celebrated, but imagine a month long celebration of black women. Priceless, only Black Design News Network celebrates 31 days like this in 2011. Designers selected reshape the notion of design in the black diaspora. They are established, in mid-career and emerging. Each has a distinctive voice and style. This is the time to cross boundaries and establish a cultural database of unique design voices.
This month, we feature:
- March 1, 2011: Lulu Kitololo, Graphic Designer using Africa and provocative images
- March 2, 2011: Patti Carpenter, Fashion and Product Designer, bring the best of global design to the American market
- March 3: Michi, Knit Wear Fashion Design – unique style.
- March 4: Natasha Morgan for Over-the-top-Design in Glasses and Eyewear
- March 5: Camisha Jackson of Luna Versoul for Unusual and Creative Jewelry
- March 6: Doreen Mashika for Unique Fair Trade Clutches
- March 7: Candra Palmer of Artyce Footwear, Shoe Designer for custom, special occasion footwear
- March 8: Amanda George for creating the innovative blog, The Audacity of Color
- March 9: Korto Momolu for being a Triple threat – fashion, jewelry and bags
- March 10: Tennille McMillan of Nakimuli, for Funky Fashion Dresses
- March 11: Towana Phillip, designer of To’Sha Knits as Emerging Handbag designer
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February 27: Clutch Magazine for reporting on Urban “It” Women
Posted on February 27, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Clutch is the only online magazine for Black women that is updated numerous times daily and releases a full issue every Monday.Clutch Magazine is the new face of the urban “it” girl; offering a delicious mix of the best in fashion, beauty, life, culture, and more.
BDNN selects Clutch Magazine for reporting on Urban “It” Women
Website:
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February 20: Reginald Christian for creating Black Creatives to promote diversity
Posted on February 20, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Reginald Christian is a creative director and marketing strategy consultant with over 20 years experience in visual communications, advertising and technology. Reginald is responsible for the planning, growth and reach of this network through the development of strategic partnerships and various online and offline initiatives.
BDNN selects Reginald Christian for creating Black Creatives to promote greater diversity in advertising and marketing management.
Website:
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February 15: Charlene Potts, Versatile Illustrator
Posted on February 15, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Charlene Potts is an illustrator who works in the digital medium. Her unique, creative style incorporates organic shapes, fluid lines, texture, and a rich color palette. In layering these elements, her aim is to create depth and a collage effect with a painterly feel. Themes often involve visual storytelling, the human experience, and daily life, to music, culture, conceptual interpretation and more. Charlene Potts is a native of Syracuse, New York, and a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City with an Illustration degree. Her interest in art was sparked at an early age, as she found sanctuary in drawing and her sketchbooks.
BDNN selects Charlene Potts as a Versatile Illustrator.
Website:
http://www.charlenepotts.com/
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February 10: Daniel Tisdale, Designer and Publisher
Posted on February 10, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
As the publisher and founder of HARLEM WORLD Magazine, Daniel Tisdale is instrumental in the strategic positioning and growth of the company, as well as overseeing all departments. Prior to Founding HW Tisdale worked for Interview, Paper and Details magazines as Advertising Production Director, and Advertising Sales Trainer with the youth produced publication Harlem Overheard. He was involved in the development of advertising campaigns and retail advertising strategies for brands such as NBC, Fox, War.
BDNN selects Daniel Tisdale as a Design Educator, Community Activist and Publisher for Harlem
Website:
http://harlemworldblog.wordpress.com/
Web Trails:
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February 4: Saki Mafundikwa, Advocate for African Design Fonts
Posted on February 3, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Saki Mafundiwa is a graphic designer, type designer, typographer, teacher, and advertising “supremo” from Zimbabwe. BDNN selected him to be the fouth designer and advocate for African Design Fonts, Zimbabwean design and African design aesthetic.
Saki Mafundikwa is a maverick visionary who left a successful design career in New York to return to his native Zimbabwe and open that country’s first school of graphic design and new media. Mafundikwa is the author of Afrikan Alphabets, a comprehensive review of African writing systems. He has participated in exhibitions and workshops around the world, contributed to a variety of publications and lectured about the globalization of design and the African aesthetic. He is the Founder/Director of ZIVA, the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts Zimbabwe’s first Graphic Design and New Media school in Harare.
Website:
- http://www.ziva.org (website is offline)
Web Trails:
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Black History Month: 28 Black Design Leaders, Thinkers and Advocates
Posted on February 1, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
This year, Black Design News Network (BDNN) will feature 28 Design Leaders, Thinkers and Advocates with a focus on innovation, race, culture and community. Each selected designer will come from the six industries we cover: Architecture, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design and Urban/Landscape Design.
- February 1: Victor Body Lawson, Architect, Designer and Save Harlem Advocate
- February 2: Cheryl Durst, Interior Designers Best Advocate and Visionary
- February 3: Monique Péan, Socially Responsible Fashion Jewelry Designer
- February 4: Saki Mafundikwa, Advocate for African Design Fonts
- February 5: Crystal Windham, GM Director of Design – Design Leader and Innovator
- February 6: Diane Jones, Landscape Designer, Design Educator Engaging Students in Haiti
- February 7: Abimbola Asojo, Architect – Leading an Innovative Interior Design Program
- February 8: Dabanga Dos Santos – Fashion Design Leader in Jewelry and Innovative Use of Materials
- February 9: Leyden Lewis, Interior Design Innovator
- February 10: Daniel Tisdale, Designer and Publisher
- February 11: Tina Shoulders, Creative Product Designer and Strategist
- February 12: Sanford Garner, Innovative Designer and Architect
- February 13: Walter Hood: Innovative Landscape Designer and Green Advocate
- February 14: Algernon Miller, Innovative Artist, Sculptor and Urban Designer
- February 15: Charlene Potts, Versatile Illustrator
- February 16: Mamayashi, Fashion Designer expanding Jamaican Fashion Design and Style
- February 17: Malene B: Innovative Carpet Designer and Product Designer
- February 18: Robin Wilson, Innovative Interior Design Leader and Advocate for eco-friendly and healthy space interior design
- February 19: Washington Roberts, Up-and-Coming Fashion Designer
- February 20: Reginald Christian for creating Black Creatives to promote diversity
- February 21: Architecture Caribbean as a Space that Inspires, Educates and Promotes Caribbean Architecture.
- February 22: Tanya Griffin as Interior Designer Staging Homes
- February 23: Eric Anderson, Industrial Designer focused on Universal Design
- February 24: Kahindo Mateene Fashion Designer for using African Fabric Creatively
- February 25: Mervyn Awon, Barbados Architect on Modernism and Cultural Ethos
- February 26: Wahala Temi – Intersecting Architecture, Furniture and Art
- February 27: Clutch Magazine for reporting on Urban “It” Women
- February 28: ArchiAfrika – Most Valuable Resource on African Architecture and Architects
Please spread the word about these designers and see you next year for another 28 more.



















