5 Black Designers You Should Know Part 2

5 Black Graphic Designers You Should Know Part 2

5 groundbreaking graphic designers who reshaped visual culture through activism, innovation, and bold experimentation. Part 2 of our series explores pioneers who defined design history.

7. Gail Anderson

Gail Anderson has been a leading voice in editorial design, typography, and branding for decades. Known for her time at Rolling Stone and SpotCo, Anderson has pushed graphic design beyond aesthetics into cultural commentary. Her typography work is especially celebrated for its wit, playfulness, and ability to make words feel alive. Today, Anderson continues to mentor new generations of designers while championing diversity in the industry.

8. Emory Douglas

Emory Douglas was the revolutionary artist and designer for the Black Panther Party, where he shaped the visual identity of a movement. His bold illustrations and striking layouts not only communicated political urgency but also connected communities through visual storytelling. Douglas’ work remains a testament to the power of design as activism and is frequently exhibited in museums around the world.

9. Sylvia Harris

Sylvia Harris pioneered the field of public information design. Her career blended design with civic responsibility, leading to projects in healthcare, transportation, and government services. Harris believed design could make institutions more transparent and accessible. She co-founded Two Twelve Associates and worked on groundbreaking wayfinding systems for public spaces. Even after her passing, Harris’ influence continues to shape socially responsible design practices.

10. Archie Boston

Archie Boston was one of the first designers to openly challenge racial stereotypes through commercial work. Boston co-founded Boston & Boston Design with his brother and became known for creating bold, witty ads that spoke directly to underrepresented communities. His legacy lies not only in his designs but also in his role as an educator, pushing students to see design as a tool for cultural empowerment.

11. Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller’s career spanned more than 40 years, most notably as a designer for Morton Salt and 7UP. Miller was part of the groundbreaking Chicago-based design firm Morton Goldsholl Associates. His work pushed corporate branding forward during an era when designers of color rarely had access to such opportunities. Miller’s clean, modernist approach continues to inspire younger designers seeking to bridge art and commerce.

12. LeRoy Winbush

LeRoy Winbush was the first Black member of the Art Directors Club of Chicago and became widely recognized for his window displays and innovative advertising work. Winbush designed visual experiences that elevated everyday consumer culture into art. He later became a mentor and educator, ensuring that the next generation of designers had opportunities that were once denied to him.

13. Luba Lukova

Luba Lukova is celebrated internationally for her thought-provoking posters and social commentary through graphic design. Her bold use of symbolism and striking color palettes address themes of justice, equality, and human rights. Lukova demonstrates how design transcends commercial practice, functioning as a universal language for pressing global issues.