Five Black Designers Whose Work Reshaped the Creative Landscape

During Black History Month, Dot Think proudly celebrates the groundbreaking Black visionaries who have indelibly shaped the worlds of fashion, art, architecture and design, enriching these creative realms with perspectives rooted in the Black experience. Delve into the lives and legacies of five icons whose extraordinary artistry is infused with the richness of their cultural heritage – challenging norms and igniting important conversations about identity, race, and representation.

Willi Smith: Fashioning a Revolution

Willi Smith wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural architect. Dressing icons like Diana Ross and Muhammad Ali in vibrant, bold pieces that reflected the spirit of the 1970s, he blurred the lines between sportswear and evening wear. Smith’s legacy is a testament to the power of fashion to express identity and challenge convention.

Willi Smith for Digits, Fall/Winter 1972 Collection, 1972 Image source: https://willismitharchive.cargo.site/WilliWear-to-Streetwear

 

 

Ronald Jackson: Painting the Landscape of Belonging

Ronald Jackson‘s canvases are more than just portraits; they’re portals to lived experiences. His brushstrokes capture the complexities of Black identity, celebrating both the joy and the struggles of finding your place in the world. Jackson’s art invites us to see ourselves reflected, reminding us of the beauty and strength within our communities.

She Sang a Song No One Would Hear: Songs of Stories Untold Series (painting by Ronald Jackson)

 

 

Lorna Simpson: Speaking Volumes through Visual Poetry

Lorna Simpson‘s art is a conversation starter. Using text, photography, and installation, she tackles complex themes of race, gender, and memory. Simpson’s work is not just visually stunning, it’s intellectually stimulating, prompting us to question our assumptions and engage in critical dialogue.

Players, 2013 (photographs by Lorna Simpson)

 

 

Tosin Oshinowo: Building Bridges with Brick and Mortar

Tosin Oshinowo‘s architectural vision reimagines the built environment. Her designs blend traditional African motifs with modern forms, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically captivating. Oshinowo’s work is a testament to the power of architecture to bridge cultures and inspire positive change.

Adidas flagship store in Lagos, Nigeria, by Oshinowo Studio

 

 

Eddie Opara: Designing with a Purposeful Punch

Eddie Opara‘s graphic design is anything but ordinary. His bold, impactful visuals have graced campaigns for major brands like Nike and Coca-Cola. Opara’s work is a testament to the power of design to communicate powerful messages and spark meaningful conversations.

bensbest.com Brand Design by Eddie Opara

 

Shedding light on the incredible contributions of these Black designers is an invitation: to explore the diverse tapestry of design history, and to celebrate the richness that different perspectives bring to the creative process. In embracing and learning from these visionaries, together we can be part of creating a more inclusive and vibrant future for the world of design.

Streamlining Simplicity: a B2B Portal that Empowers Promopoint Marketing and Publix Suppliers

In the grocery aisle of fierce competition, every shelf-inch and shopper’s gaze is a prize. Publix, the beloved Southern supermarket chain, knows this well. To keep their weekly ad circulars laser-focused on shopper needs and brimming with irresistible offers, they rely on Promopoint Marketing – a savvy partner navigating the ever-evolving landscape of retail promotions.

But with mountains of orders and a symphony of digital elements, managing everything through emails and spreadsheets was starting to feel like juggling melons in a high-heeled sprint. Enter Dot Think Design, ready to step in and orchestrate a seamless solution.

From Chaos to Clarity: The B2B Portal Takes Flight

Our mission? To craft a B2B cloud-based platform that would streamline the ordering process, empower Promopoint, and keep Publix happy. Think of it as a digital marketplace, a streamlined haven where grocery suppliers could log in, browse themed pages and ad slots, and effortlessly order the perfect promotional placements. But it wasn’t just about ease-of-use. We knew this portal needed to be a bridge of collaboration, fostering transparency and ensuring every ad aligned with Publix’s high standards.

So, we built in a robust review system powered by Laravel, a secure and expressive PHP framework. This allowed Promopoint to vet offers, suggest edits, and work hand-in-hand with suppliers to craft winning campaigns. The platform was hosted on a custom AWS solution, ensuring scalability and reliability to handle the influx of orders and data. And for seamless communication, we integrated SendGrid, a powerful email client, keeping everyone informed and on the same page.
The platform’s beauty isn’t limited to its technology. We involved all stakeholders, from Promopoint and Publix to suppliers, in a rigorous testing process. Their feedback fueled Dot Think’s meticulous quality assurance, ensuring every button click and ad upload was smooth and bug-free.

The platform launched as a BETA, not a grand finale. We embraced a user-centered design-thinking approach, continuously gathering feedback, iterating on features, and testing new functionalities. This agile approach allows us to streamline the process even further, one step and one click at a time.

The Symphony of Simplicity Begins to Play

The result? A platform that sings. Suppliers can now browse opportunities, tailor their offerings, and submit proposals with a few clicks. Gone are the days of lost emails and tangled threads. Promopoint has a clear view of everything, streamlining their review process and keeping their finger on the pulse of every campaign.

But the harmony extends beyond efficiency. The portal fosters collaboration, allowing brands and Publix to work together to create ads that resonate with shoppers. It’s a win-win-win: suppliers get their products noticed, Publix delivers irresistible value, and shoppers walk away with baskets full of satisfaction.

Beyond Efficiency, a Story of Trust and Growth

At Dot Think, we believe in design that not only solves problems but also builds relationships. This B2B portal isn’t just about streamlining orders; it’s about solidifying the trust and collaboration that fuel Promopoint’s success. By making the process transparent and efficient, we’ve empowered all parties to focus on what truly matters: building compelling campaigns that bring value to everyone in the Publix ecosystem.

So, the next time you grab that perfectly timed coupon for your favorite cereal or marvel at a themed Publix ad page, remember: behind the scenes, a symphony of simplicity is playing, orchestrated by a B2B portal designed to empower, connect, and ultimately, bring a little more joy to every grocery aisle.

And that, at Dot Think, is a recipe for success we’re always happy to whip up.

From Hidden Gem to Berkshires Beacon: Unleashing the Magic of The Porches Inn

Deep in the Berkshires, where whispers of wind rustle through ancient trees and art pulses in the very air, lies a treasure waiting to be unveiled. The Porches Inn, steeped in history and nestled alongside the acclaimed MASS MoCA, has been a haven for souls seeking solace and creativity for more than two decades. But just like any diamond in the rough, it can take a little expert polishing to make a gem truly shine.

That’s where Dot Think Design came in.

Following guideposts mapped in our signature Brand Discovery 2.0, we embarked on a journey to capture the essence of The Porches Inn and weave it into a digital tapestry that meshed seamlessly with its breathtaking backdrop.

Step one was crafting a user experience that evoked the Inn’s own welcoming ambience. With every click and scroll, viewers can lose themselves in a curated collection of distinctive moments – from sun-drenched breakfasts on a private porch to the captivation of a tour of the MASS MoCA’s modern masterpieces.

Then came the words: not just copy, but storytelling that brought to life the crackling fireplaces, cozy corners, and gentle hum of artistic energy that defines a stay at Porches. From the pleasure of feeling the heated slate beneath your feet at Porches’ all-season pool to the reverence evoked by following age-old footsteps through primeval forest paths, the Northern Berkshires was brought to life through vibrant and evocative language.

But because a beautiful website is just the canvas, we didn’t stop there. Business goals were woven into the very fabric of the site, ensuring that users were strategically engaged from first click to return visit. Booking tools were seamlessly integrated across the site, transforming browsing into effortless reservation-making. Exclusive packages – once hidden gems themselves – were elevated to center stage, showcasing curated experiences that invite users to not just stay, but connect and savor.

The result? A website that transcends mere digital brochure, and becomes a portal to a world of artistic immersion and Berkshire bliss. It’s a love letter to The Porches Inn that beckons travelers to step through its door and paint their own masterpiece.

Our work for Porches is a testament to our core belief that design isn’t just pixels on a screen. It’s a story told, an invitation extended, a promise made and kept. We didn’t just build a website; we built a bridge that connects hearts to the soul of the Berkshires, one click at a time.

Discover one-of-a-kind adventure at The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA.

A Day For Women and Girls

For the past six years, Dot Think has had the pleasure of supporting The Fund For Women & Girls Annual Luncheon, hosted by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. This year it was a sold out event featuring speaker, educator, and activist Professor Anita Faye Hill.

Through Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls, individuals and organizations are coming together to invest in sustainable solutions that support the safety, health, and economic security of women and girls across Fairfield County. Over three decades, philanthropy has fueled more than $8 million in grants through our Fund for Women & Girls, improving futures for tens of thousands of women and girls in Fairfield County.

Dot Think supports this event by developing stunning visuals and innovative branding:

  • Theme
  • Printed invitation package
  • Event graphics including staging
  • Programs
  • Website support
  • Streaming support
  • Social media
  • Email marketing

Conveying the passion, poise, power, and pride of these women and girls, Dot Think’s creative team built a seamless and visually stunning experience across virtual and physical graphics. Our design focused on building an inviting, engaging, and classic atmosphere that spoke to the energy and ethos of the luncheon and its elite attendees.

The result of Dot Think’s hard work was a superlative event that was demonstrative of the invaluable purpose behind the event. That purpose being the girls of our community. And that community being our future.

Thanks to the phenomenal photographer Olivier J-P Kpognon for capturing the event.

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Together We Thrive
As a nonprofit partner and thought leader since 1992, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation brings together passionate people and trusted resources to solve the region’s challenges through innovative, collaborative solutions. The goal is to close the opportunity gap in Fairfield County by eliminating disparities in income, education, employment, housing and health.

Learn more about Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Dot Think Design
As a woman-owned & operated agency based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dot Think Design serves businesses and nonprofit organizations across the US with branding and marketing strategy, print and web design, social media and email campaigns. Clients include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Harvard Business School Precision Medicine Accelerator, Lululemon and more.

International Women’s Day Designer Spotlight

This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting three amazing women designers. And, in a world that silences the voices of so many, we are highlighting women from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented. Stay tuned to learn how they are using their voices to bring to light inequalities in design and are devoting their talents and their lives to making change.

Jennifer White-Johnson

Jennifer White-Johnson is a Baltimore-based designer, photographer and activist. As a disabled Afro-Latina designer living with Graves Disease and ADHD, White-Johnson’s art creates conversation around the intersection of disability rights and anti-racism.

White-Johnson’s son Knox was diagnosed with Autism and inspired her advocacy Zine, Knox Roxs, and pictures his joy while being a commentary on the underrepresentation of children of color in neurodiverse communities. 

“My definition of Mothering as an act of Resistance means to redesign ableist visual culture. The sole intention is to empower and activate change encouraging communities to engage in conversations about acceptance, rooted in how Black Neurodivergent children are valued and seen.”

The Zine has received international recognition and is permanently archived in the Libraries at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Firestone Library at Princeton University. White-Johnson is a guest lecturer around the country and is a professor at Bowie State University. 

“My work explores the erasure of black disabled children in digital and literary media.

The visuals I make using photo and design are my own reflections that amplify conversations with the Disability community. It ignites the continued need to develop anti-racist, anti-ableist media.”

Read more about White-Johnson and see her work at jenwhitejohnson.com

Breast Cancer Research Study Receives A Digital Upgrade

Dot Think collaborated with Aurora US in building a trusted website with an informative presence. Investing careful attention to the design, image strategy, tone and voice, we were happy to provide a serious brand upgrade.

Aurora US is a clinical study, not a treatment trial, that will collect biospecimens from patient volunteers who have received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer after having been treated for early stage breast cancer.

Our team produced a series of videos featuring patient advocates, researchers and industry leaders to tell the story of Aurora and get the message out why it is so important. In addition, the team wrote copy, developed a new logo, and designed, developed and launched their new site with easy-to-navigate features, setting them apart as a leading research study backed by top scientists and institutions.

Design, development and Infographics with a global impact

Dot Think Design brings campaigns for change to life

For its annual “Planet Over Plastic” challenge, Elephant Journal sought ways to reinvigorate and inspire readers toward mindful change. Dot Think Design worked closely with the editorial team at EJ to make the directives clear and accessible, delivered one day at a time. The collaboration resulted in user-friendly formats available in daily increments as both a slideshow and outlined as an infographic (below). We crafted inviting, simple and clean design to efficiently and effectively communicate 31 habits that can make a difference. 

What’s more, we changed too. Emily, our Director of Content Marketing, strategically stashes reusable bags in every nook and cranny for convenient access and a no-excuse approach for the family. Leslie, Media Manager, took it a step further, purchasing a retractable reusable stainless steel pocket straw, complete with brush and case. Corti, our Principal and Creative Director, still shamefully lured by single-use plastic bottles has developed all sorts of fun projects with them for her boys. Every step counts.

YOUR TURN!

 


 

Connecting users to the inspired spaces and programs of Mill River Park

We have been partnering with Mill River Park Collaborative to audit their experience and brand, elevate their online presence and deliver a diverse set of content to their varied users. As part of the discovery process, Dot Think conducted an in-depth data analysis of their previous site’s traffic, behavior, geo-locations, usage statistics and more. The research resulted in a newly built site with a mobile-first approach. The site drives users to easy to use calendar and program pages so that local residents could find their events and activities and get to the park!

As a resource for the community to connect to nature, the mobile homepage is designed to be dynamic and easily changed by the staff so that seasonal offerings can be highlighted. Users are focused on three paths: visiting the park, understanding its mission as a collaborative, and contributing to its future.

The website also features a robust party and event planning section designed to inform customers of packages and options available as well as facilitate conversion through custom-designed conditional forms.

The result of our collaboration with the dedicated Mill River Park team? The seamless integration of technology and inspired action that betters the community.

VISIT THE SITE

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Mill River Park

Mill River Park Collaborative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining a world-class park in the heart of Downtown Stamford. Through the support of private donors, members and the City of Stamford, the Collaborative guides the long-term development of Mill River Park as a vibrant, evolving greenspace where the community can gather to relax, play, learn and connect with nature.

Dot Think Design

As a woman-owned & operated agency based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dot Think Design serves businesses and nonprofit organizations across the US with branding and marketing strategy, print and web design, social media and email campaigns. Clients include Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Town of Groton, Vita Design and more.

User experience design & development to bring folks together for a brighter tomorrow.

Dot Think Design has partnered with Fairfield County Community Foundation to redesign its website page-by-page. With WordPress at the helm, Dot Think interwove the best of technology, design and strategically-managed content to deliver a homepage that seamlessly highlights the organization.

With the mission of bringing people and resources together to solve our region’s challenges through innovative and collaborative solutions, the homepage prioritizes content in a way that invites passionate people to contribute.

From top-to-bottom, the design features FCCF’s mission, scopes the depth of the organization’s work, spotlights what’s new and summons individuals, families, corporations and companies in the area to make a difference.  The page closes with the blog, offering viewers the opportunity to explore FCCF’s impact and directly donate.

True to industry standards, the new page design is user-responsive and adapts to FCCF’s audience, comprised of 65% desktop, 30% mobile, and 5% tablet interfaces.

The result? An upgraded homepage with accessible function and composition, driven by the goal to inspire action and help people thrive.

Together, we can close the opportunity gap in Fairfield County by eliminating disparities in income, education, employment, housing and health.

Visit the site.

Fairfield County’s Giving Day Opens Opportunity to Give

 

Fairfield County’s 5th annual Giving Day is here! This dynamic 24-hour online fundraising event began at midnight on March 1st!

Over the past 4 years, Giving Day has raised over $4.5 million through 55,000+ donations for more than 650 nonprofits Serving Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stamford, Greenwich and towns across Fairfield County. As the biggest philanthropic day of the year, Giving Day is an amazing opportunity for regional nonprofits to boost funding, connect with donors, and build more awareness for their incredible work throughout the region.

Designing with Impact for a day of Significance

Responsible for Giving Day branding, Dot Think defined the general look and feel for all visual assets, notably the classic circle logo and all print ads. Working with long term client Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the team delivered extra life into the graphics by utilizing animation for the official video, and even super-sized the Giving Day message onto a billboard. Bold text, crisp graphics and vibrant color blocks assembled beautifully to engage the community.

The clock is ticking!

You can be a philanthropist and support the causes nearest to your heart. On March 1, go to FCGIVES.org and search for the nonprofits you want to support with a donation. As little as $10 can make a difference to any one of the 437 participating nonprofits – and help your favorite organization win a cash prize so they can serve more people in Fairfield County.


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ABOUT FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards and has awarded over $220 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. As a trusted nonprofit partner and thought leader, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation brings together community organizers, business experts and philanthropists to solve our region’s challenges. Our goal is to create a vital and inclusive community, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. fccfoundation.org

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ABOUT DOT THINK DESIGN

As a woman-owned & operated agency based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dot Think Design serves businesses and nonprofit organizations across the US with branding and marketing strategy, print and web design, social media and email campaigns. Clients include the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Cedar Roof Company, Town of Groton Parks & Recreation, Mill River Park, Cacace, Tusch & Santagata, Give Back Yoga Foundation, Vita Design and more.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US