Amplifying BIPOC Voices in the Design Industry: The Story Behind The 4% Amplified Podcast

Photo of Shari Fairclough, Innovator of the The 4% Amplified on Medium, 2025

The design industry has long been shaped by a narrow perspective, often leaving many talented BIPOC creatives overlooked. The 4% Amplified was born out of the need to change this narrative. As a designer, storyteller, and advocate for inclusivity, I launched this podcast to celebrate and empower BIPOC voices in design ensuring they are heard, recognized, and valued.

My Journey: From Creative Exploration to Advocacy

My blog, The Creative Kaleidoscope, delves into my experiences as a Black creative and highlights the legendary designers who have paved the way for future generations. The challenges I faced in the industry fueled my passion to create The 4% Amplified, a podcast platform designed to inspire change, encourage learning, and foster community for creative minorities.

Creativity has always been an integral part of my life. As children, my siblings and I would create imaginary radio shows, surrealist stories, and music, immersing ourselves in a world of artistic exploration. This early love for storytelling laid the foundation for my career. Design, for me, has always been about more than aesthetics; it’s about crafting experiences, shaping narratives, and making art accessible to all.

Growing up in a household that emphasized education, history, music, and the arts, I was encouraged to explore my creative talents. My parents, originally from the Caribbean, moved to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream and worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for our family. Their journey instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, inspiring me to use creativity as a tool for empowerment and change.

Bridging Design and Storytelling

My passion for visual storytelling led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts, where I explored the intersections of design, communication, and cultural influence. My experience working in film and television, assisting art directors, production designers, graphic designers, set designers, set dressers, propmasters, and production departments— allowed me to witness firsthand how every visual element contributes to storytelling. This understanding later influenced my transition into production assistance to graphic design and UX research.

From film production to user-centered design, my creative journey evolved into founding Sunni Aesthetics, my freelancing design agency. My philosophy, “ Design for the Soul: Turning Visions into Vibes,” reflects my commitment to crafting emotionally resonant experiences that leave a lasting impact. My work continuously seeks to merge design with purpose, creating spaces where creativity and culture thrive.

Why The 4% Amplified?

The name, “ The 4% Amplified” stems from a stark reality: only 4% of designers in the U.S. are Black. This underrepresentation is part of a broader issue involving systemic barriers, lack of mentorship, and limited access to opportunities. To put this into perspective, here are the current statistics, & demographics of U.S. designers:

• 4% Black/African American

• 9% Hispanic/Latino

• 11% Asian

• 76% White

These statistics highlight the challenges that BIPOC creatives continue to face. Through this podcast, I aim to amplify the voices within this 4% (and beyond), guest speakers sharing their stories, struggles, and successes with a wider audience, and creating spaces where underrepresented voices are centered.

The Mission of The 4% Amplified

At its core, The 4% Amplified is about community, representation, and meaningful impact. The podcast serves as a platform to:

• Highlight BIPOC Designers — Showcasing their journeys, challenges, and contributions to the design world.

• Discuss Industry Barriers — Addressing the systemic issues that hinder underrepresented creatives from advancing in their careers.

• Provide Resources & Insights — Offering mentorship, guidance, and actionable strategies for navigating the design industry.

• Foster an Inclusive Creative Network — Encouraging collaboration and empowerment within the design community.

Creating Space for Growth & Representation

The 4% Amplified isn’t just for designers — it’s for anyone open to listening, learning, and growing. By tuning in, listeners gain insight into the experiences of BIPOC creatives and learn ways to support a more inclusive industry. Whether you’re an aspiring designer, an industry leader/educator, or simply passionate about representation in creative fields, this platform provides valuable discussions and resources to inspire change and critical thinking.

Beyond the podcast, my blog, “The Creative Kaleidoscope,” serves as an additional space for exploring industry trends, design insights, and personal stories from BIPOC creatives. Through blog posts, interviews, and shared resources, it aims to be a hub for learning, inspiration, and advocacy within the design community.

Join the Movement & Stay Connected

We are excited to announce that a subscriber base for The 4% Amplified will be launching soon. This community will allow listeners to engage more directly, share their thoughts, and stay connected to ongoing discussions about diversity in design.

I invite you to be part of this journey. Listen to The 4% Amplified, share it with your network, and engage in conversations that push for greater diversity in design. Whether you’re a designer, advocate, or someone who believes in the power of representation, your support helps amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

Stay tuned for updates on my website and join us in reshaping the diversity and future of design one story at a time.

🔗 Read More About Me, & My Creative Journey on Medium.