The State of Black Creativity Blog
Perhaps you've read the headlines.
"How the Internet was transformed into a playground to Embrace Black Creators" Vice reports.
"TikTok was created by Black Creators. What's the reason they can't get credit?" Elle asks.
"Marketers Pay less to Black Influencers While Pushing Black Lives Matter," Bloomberg writes.
It's possible you've seen it on your own feeds. Companies are using anti-racist art and perspectives to build clout, but not paying their artists what they deserve. Perhaps you're an organization in the creator economy, and have observed that Black influencers have been underpaid compared to payouts to other influencers and platforms. You might be contemplating the gap in organizations and individuals that posted black squares on social media on June 20, 2020. Or our world now.
Beneath the headlines is an era of cultural appropriation that has a long history. Black culture. Today thanks to the convenience of downloading and copying work on the internet, digital creators confront theft of cultural assets on a mass scale. Every theft is more than intellectual property. It also results in creative theft can also deprive creators of opportunity.
"I think one of the biggest risks associated with taking and appropriating Black creative work is the loss of potential, " says teacher Hallease Narveaz. "So much about being a creative and getting opportunities is all about being at the right place in the right place at the right time, equipped with the proper skills and knowing the right people. So every incident of fraud, it hampers the chance to stand out in a different light. We're already struggling with this."
Being part of the creative economy We believe that it is our duty to ensure the conditions for creators across backgrounds and different disciplines. This month, we requested Black creatives to talk about their stories of payment and credit with us as well as with the rest of you. With our fellow community members We hope to stop to the rabid appropriation of ideas of creative work and push for fair and equal compensation from brands via thoughtful sharing and sourcing of Black creativity.
All month long all month long, we'll feature Black Creatives on all of our platforms. We'll be answering questions like:
- What's the different between appreciation and cultural appropriation?
- What can non-Black and Black creators correctly give credit and honor Black creativity?
- What is the risk of appropriation/theft and how does it negatively affect Black creatives both financially and mentally?
Be sure to follow our posts through TikTok and Instagram as we answer these questions and more with teachers you know and love.
Credit Black Creativity: A Class Schedule
In this month's issue we asked our members of the community to tell us their top courses from Black creators. What they had to say:
Steff Reed and Nedra Tawwab
I first was introduced to Nedra on Instagram through her health and mental wellness posts and memes. They are always so so intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring. The thing I liked most about her course is that it's empowering and helps give you the tools to regain your strength. I am grateful for Nedra as well as her work and the work that she has been called to carry out.
Pro Tip Did you know that teachers are compensated for each minute that is watched in their class? Explore the list, take classes you love and contribute to the earnings of your favourite artists.
Eva Woolridge on Karen Jordan
I am a huge lover of animation and would love to explore this creative world more intentionally. It seems to me that TikTok is a perfect, hands-on platform to experiment in new animations. It's always fascinating to witness Black animators weave blackness into their creations. It's all about representation and I'm looking for a teacher who will include my life experience when teaching methods of creating animation.
What is the best way to support black Creatives
If you're interested in expanding the scope of your involvement, broaden your knowledge and appreciation, or even support Black creatives, we encourage you to explore the following organizations. If it's giving cash, time, or simply sharing their mission and contributions with your neighborhood, we invite that you follow and help: