I was featured on Adobe Live using Photoshop to embellish a self-portrait with visual storytelling elements. Over two days she created a collage that questions unrealistic expectations women of color face in the corporate industry. Embracing and emphasizing natural hair, the end result will be an empowering representation of what it means to be a black woman in corporate America.
I had the opportunity to create on Adobe Live. Yes, me! It was an amazing experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. I got to share a little about me, drop some business gems, and the journey of my freelance life. Most importantly, I got to create some magic with one of my self-portraits layer by layer.
This piece I decided to create was inspired by an article and recent conversations I've had about the Black woman's hair in a corporate workplace.
"Eighty percent of Black women were more likely than white women to agree with this statement: “I have to change my hair from its natural state to fit in at the office.” Source: 2019 Dove CROWN research study
"Many Black women in America are fighting for the right... to wear their hair in its natural state within the workplace."
So I decided to make my hair, (the magical braids), my superpower.
I believe our hair is a part of our culture and who we are. There's nothing that should be considered unprofessional about our hair. No matter how we choose to wear, it does not effect how well we can do whatever job.
If you missed it or if it's your 10th time watching it (no judgement from me), the YouTube videos for both days are provided below to watch the magic on replay. It was 2 days of showing up and showing out! Totally worth a watch, if you ask me. You'll see below, the inspiration, my behind-the-scenes, the 'before" image and the final composite.
Thank you again to the team at Adobe Live for having me!
Enjoy!
Inspiration
Behind The Scenes
DAY 1
DAY 2
Before
Final
