On Monday, March 9th, AIGA Baltimore will host the first in a series exploring the need for more diverse representation in the design industry and our city’s creative spaces. Join us at Flatform Studios for a night of inspiring presentations followed by a panel discussion on representation—as it pertains to the unique perspectives of the creative entrepreneur—featuring Jermaine T. Bell, Kaya Gordon-Levi, and Caprece Ann Jackson, and moderated by Charlotte James.
We all know Baltimore has a rich cultural heritage of innovation in the arts, music and fashion, largely shaped by the immense contributions of the African American community. Unfortunately, this same community has been disproportionately underrepresented in the professional world of design and many other creative professions.
In our commitment to better serve the diverse designers and creators that call Baltimore home, we are honored to shine the spotlight on a few inspiring and insightful African American creatives, giving them an opportunity to present their work, share their thoughts and experiences and spark a dialogue on how we can all influence representation in the design industry.
Meet the Speakers
Caprece Ann Jackson | @capreceannjackson
Caprece Ann Jackson, owner of Bonneau Caprece LLC, is a fashion curator, event producer, creative consultant, and commentator with over 35 years of experience in the fashion design industry. She is the resident curator and visionary behind the Fashion Comes To Light (FCTL) Collective, established in 2015, where she produces live installations and staged performances featuring sustainable wear created in collaboration with select zero-waste designers, wearable artists, and upcycling embellishers.
The Fashion Institute of Technology alumna’s career highlights include: covering the Paris and Milan Collections as a Paris-based journalist, staffing the launch team of ELLE Magazine’s U.S. Edition, serving a four-year stint as press secretary for the Baltimore City Council, and establishing the events department for the Living Classrooms’ Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park.
Kaya Gordon-Levi | @flatformstudios
Kaya Gordon-Levi is a graphic designer and mompreneur living and creating in the DMV area. She balances her time between designing for Monumental Sports and running Flatform Studios; a design collective, concept studio, and creative venue that she owns in Charles Village, Baltimore. Check out what she’s up to @flatformstudios on social.
Jermaine Táron Bell | @jtbeezwax
Jermaine Táron Bell is a Visual Designer, and alumni of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Jermaine previously served as the Programming Chair of AIGA Baltimore and as the Marketing & Programming Director for Impact Hub Baltimore. In May 2018, Jermaine wrapped an Open Society Institute Fellowship where he engaged with black makers and artist communities in Baltimore. Bell is also a budding entrepreneur who sells his handcrafted prints, stationery, and lapel pins under the moniker jtbeezwax, a fun play on the designer’s name.
Charlotte James | @charlottedjames
Charlotte James is the Director of Marketing for Common Curriculum, a collaborative digital lesson planning platform built by former teachers. In her role at Cc, she serves as a full-stack marketer, tackling everything from marketing and event strategy to daily social media management. Charlotte is also the co-founder of Power Nail Decals, a creative startup offering vibrant waterslide nail decals that celebrate the beauty of Black and Brown global culture. Most recently, she and her partner launched Nekkid, an inclusive brand for a new generation of nudists.
She is the former Director of Communications for Code in the Schools, a BCAN Founder Fellowship and Baltimore Corps alumna, Meg Walsh Award Recipient, and 2014 graduate of Johns Hopkins University.
Ticket Pricing:
$10 for members of AIGA, the professional association for design
$15 for non-members
$5 for students (must show student ID upon entrance)
Join AIGA and get discounted tickets and other benefits.
Tentative Schedule:
7:00-7:15 pm - light snacks/drinks and networking
7:15-7:30 pm - announcements + intros
7:30-8:00 pm - presentations of work by panelists
8:00-9:00 pm - moderated panel + audience Q&A
Accessibility
If you need any accommodations to fully access the event, please get in touch with us by March 2nd at info@baltimore.aiga.org.
Code of Conduct
AIGA Baltimore expects that all attendees treat each other with respect, openness, and in adherence to the guidelines specified in AIGA’s Code of Conduct, which can be found here: aiga.org/code-of-conduct
Refund Policy
Credit/debit cards only — no cash or checks will be accepted.
Please note that in order to continue to provide quality programming, our policy is not to issue refunds unless an event has been cancelled.
About The AIGA Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
AIGA encourages diversity in design education, discourse, and practice to strengthen and expand the relevance of design in all areas of society.
Despite progress made over the course of AIGA’s 100-year history, especially since its landmark 1991 symposium (“Why is graphic design 93% white?”), there are vast opportunities to support a more diverse audience of design students, practitioners, managers, thinkers, enthusiasts, clients, consumers, and policy makers.
Recent passionate conversations among AIGA members have catalyzed the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative to augment ongoing AIGA programs with new ideas and resources that take a comprehensive approach, considering race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, age, and other factors that shape creative perspective and professional experience.
Learn more at: https://www.aiga.org/diversity-and-inclusion-initiative
