Why Black Girls Illustrate

The Black Girls Illustrate® (BGI) website has been created to be a space where Artists and Illustrators can learn and grow as Artist, while feeling safe, supported and seen.

BGI started as a passion project.  I have been creative all of my life but never saw anyone like me as an Artist or Illustrator, it was always instilled in me to do something more “practical" with my life. Even with the support of my parents putting me in art classes, they didn’t really know how to direct me or cultivate my creative side.  

So when I began to get serious about my creative journey I became connected in online courses and FB groups but there were only maybe 2 other people in the surface pattern industry that looked like me.  So when creating BGI I wanted to create something that my younger self needed to see. 

I started searching for Black Illustrator communities on Instagram and was surprised when nothing came up for Black Girls Illustrate®.

I was coming across amazingly talented black women Artist and Illustrators that weren’t getting the recognition that their work deserved and I just had to share. I started an Instagram account and the BGI hashtag and the account grew faster than I could have ever imagined.

I’m so happy to help girls connect with each other grow their following and come across opportunities that they may not have had access too if their work wasn’t showcased on a larger platform.  I am so protective of all the Illustrators and sometimes even refer to them as my girls lol. I am just so happy that they have allowed me to show up authentically and that they can see my heart in Black Girls Illustrate®. 

I have always been passionate about art, creativity and individuality. My purpose is to bring color and happiness into people’s lives and to help them find and embrace their unique voice.

Find me on Instagram @sarekaunique