Community — Neta Jean

RepME was created as a digital platform to empower, engage, and educate the black community about design. Being a byproduct of a predominantly black community and the public school system, the opportunity of becoming a footwear designer is unknown. In fact, a census was conducted in 2019 by AIGA where only 3% of the design community identifies as black. Within the list of occupations that made up this census, footwear design, architecture, game design, car design etc. was not included.

Being aware of this fact, combined with my own experiences of facing microaggressions, alienation and cultural misunderstanding as a black female footwear designer within the sports performance industry I decided to do more. I can and must do more. RepME is the epitome of representing people that look like me within the design community, hence the name: RepME! Below you will find images of collaborations conducted between various designers within metro Atlanta and myself. From illustrations, animations, videos and workshops every message was intended to showcase how one’s artistic abilities can be monetized to obtain a creative profession.

Below are illustrations done by a young emerging artist named Jasmine (instagram name: JiNDA) under my direction. I was inspired by Casper’s and Red Antler’s NYC campaign there they limited themselves to 3 panels to tell a story about how Casper’s beds are meant for everyone and everything. Based off of that philosophy, my idea was to create a 3 panel story that debunks the major myths that plaque the design and art community (ex. don’t become a starving artist).

Introducing Allice…

Allice is 14 years old, all-natural sassy, coily afro puff character that brings encouraging messages throughout the day to help the audience on their creative journey.

Allice was created to tackle difficult topics present within the black design/creative community that I myself have a challenging time expressing. Based off of research, subconsciously with animated series people begin to let down their barriers when watching cartoons which enables them to relax and become more acceptable to hidden messages within the show.

I strongly believe Allice is the perfect character to empower and help black kids feel more supported in both themselves and pursuing their dreams in a creative profession because they see themselves within these stories.

Collaborations between writers, animators and voice actresses.

Overcome Fears

Fear often gets in the way of us trying to follow our dreams. Instead of allowing your fear to take over believe in yourself and take a chance! I never would had become a footwear designer if I let my fear get in the way and didn't try. Believe on yourself.
EVERYONE STARTS SOMEWHERE

The biggest challenge in following one’s creative dreams is acknowledging and accepting the fact that everyone starts somewhere. This animation/video elaborates on how consistency and practice can help us become better in our craft.
Providing Support

After speaking with numerous of teenagers with artistic abilities and parents with artistic kids, the common denominator is the lack of support and understanding of their passion. In this video for Father’s Day I gave 3 simple tips for fathers with artistic kids.

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Community Outreach

Not being aware of opportunities within our community contributes to the lack of inclusivity and diversity within design companies. My goal thru RepME is to shorten those gaps and extend connections to resources, people and information in hopes to bring more representation to the creative industry.