celebrating black history month
February is Black History Month, so we wanted to highlight some Black artists and designers and showcase their work! From interior design to illustration to jewelry design, there are so many art forms that are present all around us. It is important to hear the stories of these artists to gain a better appreciation of the art that they are putting out into the world!
jade orlando
Jade Orlando studied Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and is now an illustrator who creates designs for apparel and children’s books. Jade’s work is colorful and vibrant, and when she was a child she dreamed of the career that she now has. Introducing conversations of activism and racial reconciliation to young readers through her illustrations, Jade Orlando has made a large impacting on the publishing world.
“Each type of illustration might have a different technique or look, but I try to create work that is vibrant with color, texture, and pattern. I love incorporating traditional media like watercolor and gouache, because it brings a handmade quality I haven’t been able to recreate digitally.” -Jade Orlando
Leyden Lewis
Leyden Lewis is the founder and creative director of Brooklyn-based Leyden Lewis Design Studio, as well as a trained architect and a Parsons School of Design alum who has designed culturally sensitive spaces over the past 30 years. His inspiring design work has landed him a spot on the Elle Decor’s A-List and the AD100 List, as well as having his work featured in many other publications. Along with interior design services, Leyden Lewis Design Studio also assists clients in building private art collections, and Leyden himself has an impressive background as a fine artist!
“Through the process of creative alchemy, we bridge the worlds of art, architecture, design and performance, often seen as distinct practices, resulting in environments that are timeless, poetic and meaningful to our clients who unavoidably become our collaborators.” -Leyden Lewis: Design Philosophy
ayana nwaokolo
Ayana Nwaokolo is the Junior Designer here at Emily June Designs! Before working at Emily June Designs, Ayana graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2017 with a Bachelor of Interior Design from the College of Architecture and then proceeded to explore multiple sectors of design, including high-end residential and kitchen design as well as commercial interiors. Skilled at collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors, Ayana brings a multitude of talents to the Emily June Designs team where she calls on a balance of beauty and function to weave vibrant design into the lives of those who aren’t afraid to take risks!
Jeanetta Gonzales
Jeanetta Gonzales is a Los Angeles-based commercial artist, designer and business owner and has done work with many major companies including the New York Times and Facebook. She creates prints and designs that have been featured on products such as apparel, stationery and home decor that have been sold in stores like Nordstrom, Trader Joes and Home Goods. Jeanetta takes inspiration from nature around her, but she isn’t afraid of bold colors and making a statement! Along with being an artist, designer and business owner, Jeanetta Gonzales is also a business coach and helps artists to find their passion. Jeanetta has learned a lot over the years of her career, and she believes that her experience can help others who are on a similar path.
Ariana Bruner
Ariana Bruner is the creator and owner of The Independent Youth which is a company that sells handmade jewelry. Ariana prides herself on creating slow made fashion for the bohemian spirit, and creates jewelry that reflects her sense of self. The Independent Youth shop features so many fun, bold and colorful pieces and just by scrolling through her Instagram, you can tell how much of herself she pours into her work!
“Each creation is a piece of me. It's a reflection of my personality, and I hope that you can feel the free-spirited essence within each handmade product.” -Ariana Bruner