Arts Thread

Nickela Winfield has a Bachelor's in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design with a Business of Art and Design minor. She is also a North Carolina native, born and raised. Design is something Nickela has always been passionate about but she did not have the opportunity to take classes. Living in a small town meant that art and design were not considered viable career options. Nickela’s options were teaching, nursing, and dental assistant. Nickela’s parents were listing positions that felt stable with a steady paycheck. But art is relentless; it will find you. By overcoming obstacles like financial instability, lack of exposure to the visual arts, feelings of anxiety, and a lack of family support, Nickela was able to pursue her dreams, follow her heart, and become as relentless in reaching her goal. Graphic Design became her true passion, but what was she walking into? Was this a great idea or a stupid one? As a Black student, would she have to struggle to achieve academic success? Who are the other Black designers? Have they made an impact? Why hadn't Nickela heard about them? Within her Senior Thesis, Where Are The Black Designers?  The question directly challenges the lack of Black Designers. How could one of the largest minority groups in America create an insignificant amount of designers in the field? The pursuit of art and design can offer Black students the opportunity to build community, make bold statements, and challenge the status quo. This is great, but what’s missing? To be a great designer, you must first understand what it means to be Black. Being Black is not about the experiences you have had, it's about the experiences you can’t avoid—the trials and tribulations of being Black in America; what a blessing.