Black Creatives: RVA

BC:RVA Community Beta Testing

Andre Johnson — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:37:29 GMT

We're close. The directory's almost ready — I'm just working through a few bugs on the back end. Before we open this up to the public, it needs to feel lived-in. That's the beta.

Here's what I need from everyone:

Visit on both desktop and mobile. Note where it feels different (or broken).
Create your profile. Treat it like it's live — because soon it will be.
Post 2-3 projects you want people to see. This is what gives the space substance.
Engage with each other. Like, comment, message — whatever feels natural. We're testing the experience, not just the content.
Drop your notes in this thread as you go — bugs, friction, anything that pulled you out of the experience.

This post is home base. Keep the feedback coming here so we can track it all in one place — and so we can all see what everyone else is running into.

Let's build this out together.

From My Archives: Pink-O-Polooza

Andre Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:31:35 GMT

This fun little identity was created in my early design years while working in Hobby Lobby's Art Department. It was for a product/packaging for a set of ceramic Christmas ornaments. I learned a lot during my time working with Hobby Lobby. Everything from product and packaging design to paper crafting.

TheShift + Return

Andre Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:30:44 GMT

The conversation continues

Once a quarter, we put the mic down and pull up a chair.

No speaker. No keynote. Just the community, the concepts, and the conversation.

This month we return to the topics that have moved us — Evolution, Duality, and Community. Not to recap, but to go deeper. To sit with what's still unresolved, share what's stayed with us, and talk honestly about what these conversations mean for us as Black creatives navigating this world and this industry.

theShift + Return is our quarterly space to reflect, discuss, and decide together where we go from here.

Every voice belongs here. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or you're walking through the door for the first time, there's a seat at the table and a place in the conversation.

Doors open at 6:30pm.
The Shift begins at 7:00pm.
Seats are limited.

From My Archives: Urban Views Weekly Identity

Andre Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:33:53 GMT

When I first moved to Richmond from Oklahoma City, I didn't have any prospects lined up. I was fortunate to land an Art Director role at Urban Views Weekly, a small publication where I handled print layout, digital and print ad design, and helped move the paper — which was still primarily print at the time — into the digital space. I'll always be grateful to UVW for giving me my first shot in Richmond. Shout out to the OG, Ervin Clark!

From My Archives: 2012 DNC Poster Design

Andre Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:00:37 GMT

Throwing it back to 2012, when my poster design was selected as a finalist for the Democratic National Convention, held that year in North Carolina. I didn't take home the prize, but making it to the final round was a huge milestone for me at the time — proof that the work was good enough to compete on that kind of stage. Still pretty dope to look back on.

From My Archives: SEHS Logo Identity

Andre Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:53:06 GMT

In 2008, my high school alma mater approached me to design a logo for the wrestling team. Now, I didn't wrestle — football guy here — but this one was still close to my heart. It was a great way to give back to the youngin's coming up behind me. I created a custom typeface from scratch and designed multiple color versions for variety, so the team had options depending on where the mark was being used.

theShift + Community

Andre Johnson — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:18:42 GMT

Finding Your People Changes The Way You Find Yourself.

This month’s speakers are Alana Robinson (ah-lay-nah), Creative + Art Director at Arts & Letters Creative Co., and SAAGE, Film Director, Editor, and Founder of GRITS.

Our May conversation centers on community. Not as a buzzword, but as something many of us are actively searching for.

As Black creatives, we often spend years trying to find answers on our own. Trying to navigate industries, relationships, opportunities, and creative growth in spaces where we don’t always feel fully seen, understood, or supported. But community has always been a part of how we survive, grow, create, and find our way back to ourselves.

This conversation explores what it looks like to build and find community in ways that feel real, affirming, and necessary to your creative journey.

Event Details

Doors open at 6:30 PM for a casual happy hour. Guests are welcome to arrive early, settle in, and connect with others in the room. Light bites will be available, and drinks can be purchased at the bar.

The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM.

What to Expect

• An intimate and intentional space for listening and conversation
• Honest reflection on the creative journey
• Opportunities to connect with other creatives in the room
• A chance to explore the shifts shaping your own path

Who Should Attend

The Shift is open to anyone who considers themselves a creative and is looking for meaningful connections. We center those working in creative industries and those who work alongside us, but this space is open to all who value creativity, growth, and community.

theShift + Duality

Andre Johnson — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:18:13 GMT

Balancing the work that feeds you and the work that sustains you.

This month’s speakers are Shanta Bunmi Jasper and Hezekiah Baylor, two multidisciplinary creatives who have spent years shaping their work across different spaces.

Many of us feel the pressure to define what kind of creative we are. But in reality, we’re often navigating both sides of the work.

This conversation explores that tension and what it looks like to move between creating for yourself and creating for others in a way that works for you.

Event Details

The program will begin promptly at 7:00 PM.

What to Expect

Who Should Attend

What Would You Like to See Here?

Andre Johnson — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:17:21 GMT

We're still shaping this space, and we want to build it around what you actually need. If you could add one feature to the Collective, what would it be? Could be something practical, something fun, something you've seen work well elsewhere. Drop it in the comments — we're listening.

theShift + Evolution

Andre Johnson — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:17:21 GMT

From Directory to Direction

For this opening conversation, Shannon Bass and André Johnson will reflect on the evolution of Black Creatives RVA and the personal shifts that shaped its direction.

What began as an online directory created to showcase Black creatives has grown into something deeper. Over time, it became clear that visibility alone was not enough. The work began to shift toward something more intentional. Community.

This first event will introduce the vision behind The Shift and offer insight into the conversations, themes, and format you can expect from future gatherings throughout the year.