Often times I don’t choose to act on the things that inspire me but when I saw the photo that my friend took of herself something in me couldn’t stop looking at it. It made me feel excited so I acted on that feeling of happiness & inspiration and made a image. I hardly ever take the time to just create with no one telling me how it should look or giving me a design brief, but I realize to allow my thoughts and ideas to come faster it’s important to design without thinking. This style of design is almost intuitive or subconscious it allows everything from my past to come to a head and burst on whatever pallet I’m working on. I believe these exercises are important because it allows for originality and personal exploration as a designer, it allows for creativity to be loose and flow.
Jourdan Dunn covers the June/July issue of Russh Magazine photographed by Benny Horne. Styled by Gillian Wilkins
Just as people can say I love you in many languages, a photo can say beauty in multiple languages too.
The Armory Show
Recap images I took from the Armory Show. Aperture, the place where I intern had a spot where we exhibited our magazine and some of our limited photography prints. The magazine publisher needed some volunteers and I jumped on the opportunity. It was an overwhelming experience mixed with multiple galleries and publishers that exhibited their art. Also people and galleries from all over the world came to exhibit their best art work. It was interesting, but I must say way too many people, not the best place for viewing artwork.
Trip to Mexico
Often I forget the amazing reality of discovery outside of NYC, but lately when I took my cruise to Mexico I rediscovered it. Awhile ago I did some design work for the Curly Cruise and when the curator asked me if I planned on going I told her I couldn’t afford to and she ended up paying for half. Of course I had to pay plane ticket and a night at a hotel to port out of Miami, but I took it anyways. I’ve noticed lately that life is more enjoyable when you take risks, no matter how hard your heart may beat from nervousness.
I invited my friend from 13 years to come with and we had a great 4 day break from reality. All you can eat, room service, dine in, dance parties, natural hair care events, it was a trip that I needed. I was reminded some things about life while I was at sea. I realized that I dwell on not being talented enough as a designer and by taking more risks life can be rough and frightening but in the end it’s rewarding, especially with God on your side.
My friend pushed me and I pushed her. She doesn’t swim but she insisted that we go snorkeling. Although I was terrified at the thought I said YOLO and I agreed to do it. I realized that often black people live in fear and don’t venture out. We also went kayaking in the Florida Keys and during our excursions we were the only blacks, except there was one other family when we went snorkeling. Kayaking was rough, it was a full moon the night before and the ocean current was high. Paddling was a nightmare and when our group left us yards ahead and we were paddling in circles I became really terrified. We were only 5 minutes into a 2 hour trip!! The guid verbally led us through and with teamwork and love we conquered the current.
It was beautiful! The water was clear and we kayaked through the mangroves.
In the end I’m thankful for the experience and thankful for the skill of Graphic Design because it opens so many opportunities. To my amazing professors at Anderson University, God bless.
