The State of Black Creativity | Blog
You might have seen the headlines.
"How the Internet was transformed into a playground to Embrace Black Creators" Vice reports.
"TikTok Was Built on the Backs of Black creators. How come they aren't able to get credit?" Elle asks.
"Marketers Pay less to Black Influencers, While Pressuring Black Lives Matter," Bloomberg notes.
It's likely you've observed it in your own feeds. Brands are making use of anti-racist artwork and views to increase their credibility, yet not giving their artists what they deserve. Maybe you work at an organization in the creator economy and you've noticed that Black influencers are underpaid relative to the amount paid to other influencers and platforms. You might be contemplating the difference between the people and organizations who shared black squares back on June 20, 2020. Or the world we live in now.
Below the headlines lies a history of appropriation of Black culture - and today thanks to the easy copying and downloading of work on the internet, digital creators confront theft of cultural assets in a massive way. Each theft takes more than intellectual property. It also results in creative theft can also deprive creators of opportunity.
"I believe that one of the biggest risks associated with the appropriation and theft of Black art and creativity is the potential loss, " says teacher Hallease Narveaz. "So much of being artist and securing opportunities dependent on being in the right place when you need to be there having the appropriate abilities and knowing the right people. Every time there is a theft, it takes away this chance to shine in a different light. We're already struggling with this."
Being part of the economy of creators and as such, we feel it's our obligation to provide a level playing field for creators across backgrounds and fields. We asked Black creatives to talk about their experience with credit and compensation with us as well as with the rest of you. Along with the rest of our community we hope to end to rampant appropriation in the industry and advocate for equal and fair payments for brands by sharing their experiences in a thoughtful manner and sourcing of Black creatives.
For the entire month, we'll be spotlighting Black Creatives on all of our platforms. We'll answer questions such as:
- What's the difference between appreciation and cultural appropriation?
- What can non-Black and Black creators correctly give the credit and respect to Black creativity?
- What are the risks of appropriation/theft and how does it negatively affect Black artists financially as well as mentally?
Follow our posts on TikTok as well as Instagram for updates on the questions below and many more teachers you know and love.
Credit Black Creativity The Class List
This month, we asked the members of the community to tell us their top classes taught by Black creators. What they said:
Steff Reed on Nedra Tawwab
I first came across Nedra through Instagram through her health and mental wellness memes and articles. They are always so so intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring. What I loved the most about her class was that it empowers and can equip you with the skills to take your power back. I am grateful for Nedra Her mission, her dedication to her students and the mission she has been called to carry out.
Pro Tip Did you know teachers are compensated for each minute that is watched on their classes? Explore the list, take classes you like to help increase the income of your favorite artists.
Eva Woolridge on Karen Jordan
I am a huge lover of animation and would love to explore this creative world more deeply. I think TikTok is an ideal, hands-on platform to experiment in new animations. And it's always amazing to see Black animators weave blackness into their creations. The representation is important and I'm looking for a teacher who can incorporate my personal experiences when teaching techniques for making animation.
How do you support Black Creatives
If you're interested in expanding the scope of your involvement, broaden your knowledge and appreciation, or even support Black artists, we invite your interest in the following groups. It doesn't matter if it's to donate funds, time or simply communicating their goals and achievements with your neighborhood, we invite you to follow and support: