"14 Influential Black Creatives Shaping Design, Art, and Culture in 2025"
Photo Source: The Circle & Square
The Webflow Blog article, "14 Black Creatives to Know," showcases the incredible work of 14 influential Black designers, artists, and creatives who are shaping the future of design and pushing boundaries in various creative fields. These individuals are not only making their mark in design but also leading cultural and social movements by integrating their unique perspectives and stories into their work. From typography to interior design, their contributions highlight the importance of diversity, representation, and cultural advocacy in the creative industries. By shining a light on these trailblazers, this blog celebrates their accomplishments and encourages others to draw inspiration from their work to foster more inclusive, innovative, and impactful design in the years to come.
Tré Seals
Founder of Vocal Type, Tré Seals is a celebrated typographer whose custom fonts honor underrepresented historical movements and groups. Through his work, Seals is advocating for the inclusion of diverse voices in design and is revolutionizing typography by telling powerful cultural stories through his fonts. His work not only reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation but also serves as a tool for social advocacy.
Justina Blakeney
As the founder of Jungalow, Justina Blakeney has established herself as an icon in interior design, known for her vibrant, eclectic designs that draw inspiration from her diverse cultural heritage. Her work emphasizes cultural representation and sustainability, transforming living spaces into vibrant, personalized environments that tell a story. Justina’s design philosophy encourages the celebration of heritage through both aesthetics and sustainability, creating designs that are rich in personality and culture.
Leyden Lewis
Leyden Lewis is an AD100 designer known for his Caribbean-inspired work, which showcases rich colors and cultural symbolism. His designs celebrate the beauty of Caribbean culture while incorporating contemporary design elements. His projects evoke a sense of identity, warmth, and connection, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Black culture within the design world.
Malene Barnett
Malene Barnett is the founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), a community dedicated to elevating Black creatives in the design world. Her work highlights the importance of including Black diasporic culture in design, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable design industry. Through her designs, Malene fosters a sense of community and empowers underrepresented artists to share their unique perspectives.
Dequan Russ
DeQuan Russ, the creative force behind The Circle & The Square, is a designer whose work seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with cultural influences from film and music. Known for his vibrant colors, bold patterns, and deep ties to heritage, Russ incorporates elements of visual storytelling that reflect his passion for both design and the arts. His designs challenge traditional norms, focusing on cultural representation, authenticity, and the powerful connections between design, film, and music. Russ’s unique approach is making a significant impact in the design world, offering fresh perspectives and creative narratives.
Sophia Yeshi
Yeshi Designs, created by the talented illustrator Yeshi, combines vibrant artistry with rich cultural storytelling. Drawing inspiration from art, film, and music, Yeshi’s illustrations are known for their intricate details and bold expressions. Her work beautifully reflects themes of identity and creativity, merging visual art with cultural narratives. Through Yeshi Designs, she shares a unique perspective that resonates with a wide audience, offering dynamic and expressive designs that leave a lasting impact.
These creatives are not only transforming their respective fields but also pushing for greater representation and inclusion in the design world. Their work is inspiring the next generation of designers, typographers, and artists to embrace cultural heritage, amplify diverse voices, and challenge conventional design norms. Through their contributions, these Black creatives are reshaping the future of design, encouraging others to explore new perspectives, tell their own stories, and make an impact in the creative industry.
The work of these designers, typographers, and digital artists highlights the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in the design world. As they continue to challenge industry standards, they inspire both established and emerging creatives to prioritize diversity, authenticity, and cultural representation in their own work. By amplifying these voices and celebrating their contributions, the design industry can evolve into a more inclusive and dynamic space for all creators.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that these Black creatives will continue to lead the charge for change. Their influence will be felt across multiple industries, pushing the boundaries of design, art, and technology, while simultaneously creating more opportunities for future generations of Black talent to thrive. Their work serves as a reminder that true innovation stems from diversity of thought, experience, and identity, which will only continue to enrich the creative world.
To read more about the rest of the top 14 talented Black designers and the work they are doing, click here.
Source: Webflow Blog
