Letter to A Young Black Creative
Hey you
I see you.
I see the fire in your ideas, the energy in your expression, the hunger in your spirit. You have stepped onto a path that is as unpredictable as thrilling. There will be moments of triumph, where your work takes flight and finds its audience. There will also be moments of frustration, where doors seem closed and the world appears indifferent. But let me tell you something you fabulous human, every great creative before you has faced these same crossroads. What matters is how you navigate them.
Your story is your strength. You may be tempted to fit into moulds, to dilute your voice so that it aligns with what is popular or palatable. Resist that urge.
The world does not need another imitation, it needs your truth, your perspective, your unfiltered brilliance. When you create from a place of authenticity, your work has the power to shift conversations, to challenge norms, to inspire those who see themselves in your journey.
Mastery is not optional, it is your foundation.
Whatever your craft, whether it be writing, painting, filmmaking, music, or design, commit to refining it. Learn from those who came before you, not to mimic them but to build on what they have left behind. The hours you spend honing your skill, and the discipline you develop will sustain you far longer than fleeting moments of recognition.
And remember, you are not alone. Find those who understand the language of your dreams, and who push you to be better while offering a hand when you falter. Community is not just about support; it is about exchange, about growth, about lifting each other up in a world that too often tries to keep you down. Seek mentors, collaborators, and friends who challenge you, and in turn, be that person for someone else.
Know your worth.
Exposure does not put food on the table, and your talent should never be exploited.
This doesn’t mean you can’t do some things for free, but make that your choice rather than people expecting you to trade your gift, talent and experience that they benefit from without you getting moolah.
Stand firm in demanding fair compensation for your work.
It is not arrogance; it is a necessity. Your time and creativity are valuable, and those who respect your craft will understand that. Sometimes, you have to walk away from opportunities that do not honour your values, do so without hesitation.
Doubt will creep in, rejections will sting and the road will test you, but trust me when I say, stay the course. Every setback is a lesson, every failure an invitation to grow. If you believe in the work you are doing, keep pushing. The world takes time to catch up to visionaries.
And as you rise, do not forget to reach back.
Open doors where you can. Share what you have learned. Create opportunities for others. Your success should never be just your own, it should be a foundation for those who come after you. The true measure of your legacy will be in how many others you empower to succeed.
Finally, create with purpose.
Let your work reflect who you are and what you stand for. Success is not in numbers or accolades it is in the impact you make, in the stories you tell, in the lives you touch.
You stand in the lineage of Black creatives who have shaped culture, redefined industries, and changed the world. You are part of something greater than yourself. Keep creating, keep pushing, and never let anyone dim your light.
