Jumpstart your creative career with $5,000 monthly grants

CreativelyMade is a weekly celebration of the best work on Creatively—and you choose the winning projects! Each week, our community posts their creative projects, elevates great work, and champions talent on Creatively. Winning work will be announced weekly, and each month, one CreativelyMade winner will receive a grant up to $5,000.

Here’s how it works:

Each time you upload a new creative work (each, a “Project Submission”) to the Creatively online platform (the “Platform”) during the Contest Period (as defined below), you will be entered into the Contest.

  1. Each week during the Contest Period, Platform users, including certain members of Creatively’s team will be able to vote for their favorite Project Submissions that were uploaded to the Platform during that week by “voting” for Project Submissions. Creatively may give specific user’s “votes” more influence than other user “votes” at Creatively’s sole discretion. The top three Project Submissions that receive the most votes each week (the “Weekly Finalist”) will be entered into a pool (each a “Pool”).
  2. Each month, Creatively will select one Prize Winner from the Pool of twelve (12) Weekly Finalists from the prior four weeks.

View the full CreativelyMade rules below, as well as the FAQ’s here.

View the Leaderboard

CreativelyMade Contest Rules

​​OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

Sponsored by Creatively

BY ENTERING INTO THE PROMOTION YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT: (I) YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS; (II) YOUR ENTRY AND THE PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PROMOTION WILL BE SHARED WITH CREATIVELY; (III) CREATIVELY’S USE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO THE CREATIVELY’S PRIVACY POLICY AT THE LINK PROVIDED IN SECTION 17 BELOW; AND (IV) YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THAT SECTION 14 BELOW CONTAINS A BINDING CLASS ACTION WAIVER AND SECTION 16 BELOW CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION CLAUSE, WHICH AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

1.Sponsor. 

The sponsor of the CreativelyMadeTM contest (the “Contest”) is Creatively, Inc., located at 450 W. 14th St., New York, NY 10014 (“Creatively”).

2. Acknowledgement.

As a condition of participating in the Contest, each entrant (“you”) agree: (i) to be fully and irrevocably bound by these Contest Official Rules (the “Rules”); (ii) that the Rules will be interpreted and applied by Creatively at its discretion; (iii) that all decisions made by Creatively are final and binding on you and all other participants; and (iv) that Creatively may change the Rules at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion without notice to you. Your eligibility to win a prize is conditioned on your full compliance with the Rules fulfilling all other requirements set forth in the Rules and by Creatively.

3. Eligibility.

No purchase is necessary. The Contest is open only to individual legal residents of United States and the District of Columbia, who are at least 18 years old at the time they submit an entry. The following parties are not eligible to enter: (i) Creatively and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and representatives (the “Creatively Entities”); (ii) Creatively Entities’ employees and members of their immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings, and children); (iii) individuals living in the same household as Creatively Entities’ employees and (iv) prior CreativelyMade prize winners. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

4. Contest Period.

The Contest begins on July 11, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and Winners will be chosen on a monthly basis until such time that Creatively concludes the Contest, in Creatively’s sole discretion (the “Contest Period”). Project Submissions that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will not be accepted or eligible for a Prize.

5. How to Enter. 

Each time you upload a new creative work (each, a “Project Submission”) to the Creatively online platform (the “Platform”) during the Contest Period, you will be entered into the Contest. Project Submissions can be from any creative discipline listed on the Platform, including but not limited to photography, film, animation, digital art, 3D art, illustration, and live productions. For more information about submission requirements, please visit https://creatively.life/terms. Please note that each entry must be wholly original. BY SUBMITTING PROJECT SUBMISSION, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT: (A) YOUR SUBMISSION IS WHOLLY ORIGINAL AND DOES NOT INFRINGE UPON OR MISAPPROPRIATE OR OTHERWISE VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY, AND (B) YOU MEET ALL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 3 HEREIN AND ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS IN THESE RULES. 

6. Number of Submissions. 

You may submit multiple different Project Submissions during the Contest Period. 

7. Selection of Winners. 

Each week during the Contest Period, Platform users and certain members of Creatively’s team will be invited to vote for their favorite Project Submissions that were uploaded to the Platform during that week by “voting” for such Project Submissions. Creatively may give specific user’s “votes” more influence than other user “votes” at Creatively’s sole discretion. Voting each week begins Monday 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time and ends the following Sunday 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The top three Project Submissions that receive the most votes each week (the “Weekly Finalist”) will be entered into a pool (each a “Pool”). Each month (the “Monthly Entry Period”) our Creatively will select one winning Project Submission (each, the “Winning Project Submission”) from a Pool of the twelve (12) Weekly Finalists from the prior four weeks. Creatively will evaluate the Project Submissions based on their artistic merit and originality.

The Winner will be the individual that is listed as the “Project Publisher” for the Winning Project Submission as of the date the Winning Project Submission was uploaded to the Platform. Creatively will not provide any Prize to and will not be liable to any other party that worked on any Winning Project Submission.

We expect the Winner will be selected promptly following the end of each Monthly Entry Period. The selection of the Winners will be conducted by Creatively, whose decisions on all matters relating to the Contest shall be final and binding.

8. Prizes and Odds.

The Winners of the Contest will win a prize of up to $5,000 (the “Prize”). Odds of winning during any month depend on the number of eligible entries received during that Monthly Entry Period. In no event shall Creatively be obligated to award more Prizes than the number of Prizes stated in these Rules. Each Prize is nontransferable and must be accepted as awarded. No substitutions or transfer of the Prize are permitted, except at the sole discretion of Creatively, which reserves the right to substitute the Prize (or a portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. All taxes on the Prize are the sole responsibility of each Winner. Once a Winner has been successfully determined pursuant to the procedures identified above, the Prize will be sent to the Winner via ACH payment.

9. Ownership of Submissions. 

You shall retain ownership of your Project Submissions. Creatively and its affiliates and service providers and each of their respective licensees, successors, and assigns shall have the royalty free, worldwide right in perpetuity to use, reproduce, modify, perform, distribute, and display your submission on its website, Platform and apps and in connection with the operation, marketing and other exploitation thereof and its business generally. 

10. Notification of Winners. 

Winners will be notified by email sent to the email address associated with their profile on Creatively.life from which their Project Submission was made. Each Winner is required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within 3 days of the date the e-mail notification is sent in order to claim their Prize. Each Winner must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth in the Rules or otherwise set forth by Creatively.

11. Disqualification and Forfeiture.

At the sole discretion of Creatively, disqualification, forfeiture and the selection of alternate Winners may result from any of the following: (a) a Winner’s failure to respond to email notification within three (3) days after its transmission; (b) the return of an email notification as undeliverable after three (3) attempts; (c) a Winner’s failure to provide Creatively with the Declaration of Compliance and satisfactory proof age, identity and residency; or (d) a Winner’s non-compliance with the Rules. In the event of a Prize forfeiture, Creatively may, in its sole discretion, award or not award the forfeited Prize to an alternative Winner.

12. Publicity. 

As a condition of entry into the Contest, except where prohibited by law, each Winner, by accepting a Prize, hereby grants to Creatively a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license and right, to publicize, broadcast, display and/or otherwise use each Winner’s name, city, state and biographical material (collectively, “Licensed Rights”) in any media now known or hereafter devised throughout the world in perpetuity for advertising and publicity purposes, without additional review, compensation, permission or approval of the Winner.

13. General Conditions.

Creatively Entities are not responsible for: (a) failed, returned or misdirected notifications based upon inaccurate information provided by Winner; (b) any electronic miscommunication or failure, technical hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit your ability to participate in the Contest or your ability to claim your Prize; or (c) any technical malfunctions of the telephone network, computer on-line system, computer equipment, software, program malfunctions or other failures, delayed computer transactions or network connections that are human, mechanical or technical in nature, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the Contest. Participation in the Contest is at your own risk. In its sole discretion, Creatively reserves its right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Contest for any reason. If the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, event of force majeure or other event or circumstance out of the control of Creatively, including, but not limited to, those caused by or related to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 (and all related strains and sequences) or other pandemic, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Creatively in its sole discretion, Creatively may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Rules, (b) terminate the Contest and award one or more Prizes in its sole discretion, or (c) terminate the Contest without awarding Prizes. Creatively reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the Creatively website or Platform or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Creatively reserves the right to seek damages (including attorneys’ fees) and any other remedies to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by Creatively to enforce any provision of these Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other rights of Creatively. Creatively Entities are not responsible for claims, injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the awarding, delivery, acceptance, use, misuse, possession, loss or misdirection of the Prize. Sponsor reserves the right to modify these Rules in any way or at any time.

14. Class Action Waiver.

Except where prohibited, YOU agree that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action.

15. Release; Limitations of Liability; Indemnification.

Your entry into this Contest constitutes your agreement to release and hold harmless the Creatively Entities and Creatively’s advertising and promotion agencies, and other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, partners, employees, equity holders, representatives, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest, the Prize, and/or the Winner’s use or enjoyment of the Prize, including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d) application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the processing of entries or in any Contest-related materials; (f) entries and responses to Winner notifications which are lost, late, incomplete, illegible, unintelligible, misdirected, damaged or otherwise not received by the intended recipient in whole or in part or for computer or technical error of any kind; (g) any Winner accepting, possessing, using, or misusing of any awarded Prize or any portion thereof; or (h) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from any entrant’s participation in the Contest. Under no circumstances shall the Released Parties, be responsible or liable for the Winner’s expenses, including, without limitation, tax obligations, or any other obligation of the Winner. 

Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR THE WINNER’S EXPENSES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, TAX OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OF THE WINNER.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR AS A RESULT OF THE PROMOTION EXCEED $100. YOU WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR INCREASED.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors, and assigns from and against all claims arising from: (a) your breach of these Rules; (b) your Project Submission infringing upon or misappropriating or violating the rights of any third-party, including the right of publicity of any party; and (c) the acts and omissions of any entrant and/or Winner.

16. Disputes

IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS CONTEST, EITHER PARTY SHALL FINALLY AND EXCLUSIVELY RESOLVE THE DISPUTE BY BINDING ARBITRATION GOVERNED BY THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (“FAA”).  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of Creatively in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than New York.

17. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

You understand and agree that information collected from you is subject to Creatively’s privacy policy located at https://creatively.life/privacy-policy, and your use of the Platform is subject to Creatively’s Terms of Use located at https://creatively.life/terms (the “Terms of Use”).

18. Winner’s List. 

To request any legally required winners’ list, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (unless otherwise prohibited by local law) to Creatively, Inc., 450 W. 14th St., New York, NY 10014, Attn: CreativelyMade™ Contest Winners’ List. All such requests must be received within three (3) months after the end of the Contest.

19. Questions. 

If you have any questions regarding the Contest, send an e-mail to feedback@creatively.life with the subject line “CreativelyMade™ Contest.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Which projects are eligible for CreativelyMade?

CreativelyMade is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old at the time they submit an entry (i.e. publish a project). Employees of Creatively, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. Previous CreativelyMade contest prize winners are also not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Can I opt out of being a part of the weekly leaderboard?

At present, all projects submitted each week are automatically eligible to be featured on the CreativelyMade weekly leaderboard. If you have a concern about one of your projects being featured, please reach out to us at feedback@creatively.life.

How are the weekly winning projects chosen?

Each week’s CreativelyMade contest closes on Sunday 11:59pm ET, at which point the top three projects on the CreativelyMade leaderboard are automatically the weekly winners, unless any project is disqualified from consideration based on Creatively’s community guidelines and terms. Every “vote” your project receives helps elevate it to the top of the weekly leaderboard!

How are the monthly grant winners chosen?

At the end of each month, all eligible weekly winning work from the previous month will be eligible for a cash grant up to $5,000, to be awarded at Creatively’s discretion. Project Submissions can be from any creative discipline listed on the Platform, including but not limited to photography, film, animation, digital art, 3D art, illustration, and live productions—provided they are wholly original. For more on submission requirements, see the Contest Rules.

Do I still own my CreativelyMade submissions?

Of course! We believe creatives should retain the rights to their own work, and you have sole ownership and copyright to any work you upload on Creatively.

How can I help my project rise up the CreativelyMade leaderboard?

Every “vote” helps your project rise in the rankings, so share a link to our project with others or give it a boost on social media to encourage your friends and colleagues to give your project more votes on Creatively.

What happens if I’m in a different time zone and I post a project on Sunday after the period ends?

Each week’s CreativelyMade contest closes on Sunday 11:59pm ET, so if you post a new project after that time, you will be automatically entered into the following (current) week’s contest.

How can I tell where my project ranks?

If you navigate to your project page, you’ll see a CreativelyMade banner at the top of the page if the project is in contention for this week. In the banner, you’ll see whether your project is currently ranked within the top projects, and if you tap the “Share” icon, you’ll also be able to see how many votes you’ll need to rise to the first position on the weekly leaderboard. If your project is currently ranked in the top projects, you’ll also be able to see it on the CreativelyMade leaderboard!

How many projects can I submit to CreativelyMade each week?

As many as you’d like! Just add a new project to your Creatively portfolio, and that project will be entered into contention for that week’s CreativelyMade.

Can I resubmit the same CreativelyMade project another week if I don’t win?

Only new projects published to Creatively each week are eligible for CreativelyMade, so you’re not able to re-submit an existing project for consideration. That said, if you’ve updated one of your projects to the extent that it’s now fundamentally different, we encourage you to publish a new project featuring that new work! 

What if I collaborated with another creative and/or brand on a project that’s currently in contention for CreativelyMade?

Collaboration and giving credit for creative work is at the heart of Creatively, and we encourage you to ensure all collaborators and brands are given proper credit for their work on any creative projects on our platform. In spotlighting and celebrating our weekly winners, we will strive to credit any collaborators where possible. Should you be selected as a CreativelyMade grant winner, any money awarded is yours to keep or share with collaborators as you choose. For more on CreativelyMade submissions and eligibility, please refer to the CreativelyMade Contest Rules.

How will I get paid if I’m selected to receive a grant?

CreativelyMade grants will be awarded via ACH payments. 

Watch Rachel Sklar Teach AI for Brands & Businesses

The AI revolution is here, and who better to give your business a primer on the current landscape and up-to-the-instant apps than Rachel Sklar, a writer, entrepreneur, and consultant who knows enough about Silicon Valley (the show) and Silicon Valley (the place) to approach the revolution with a healthy balance of pragmatism and skepticism. As a founding editor at The Huffington Post and Mediaite, as well as a co-founder of TheLi.st (a professional network for women, acquired in 2020), Sklar is a sought-after advisor on content strategy, comms, and growth by some of the industry’s top brands.

In this class, you’ll learn how to understand and leverage the proliferation of new AI apps and AI-powered tools—without sacrificing your business’ creative ingenuity or brand equity. In addition to offering a primer on the broad strokes of AI and where it’s already being adopted—along with the larger issues this adoption raises—Sklar discusses the most useful apps and how to use them.

Rachel Sklar’s Key Resources and AI Reading Material

In addition to the live class, Rachel has put together an exclusive compendium of resources and reading material for Creatively members. “I have collected some of the resources mentioned in my talk, plus a bunch of resources that I didn’t get the chance to get to in the hour,” says Sklar. “I hope you find something in here to be of use!”

You can connect with Rachel on Twitter, IG or Linkedin; and check out the podcast she produces, “Your New Life Blend.”

Helpful Links & Apps!

Midjourney – AI Text-To-Image (NB: uses Discord as platform).

Midjourney Quick Start: Demo – Session prompt result! “Beautiful waterfall, 4K resolution, hyper realism, use colors green, teal, purple, orange, jungle plants, white balance”

… and admittedly this was a terrible prompt, but please note that none of these images of the Family Von Trapp depict 7 children and 2 adults:

“Photorealistic image of the Von Trapp Family children from the Sound of Music, 7 children, 2 boys 5 girls, youngest girl is 5, oldest girl is 16, boys are 14 and 10, other two girls are 9 and 13. Captain Von Trapp and his wife Maria, a young former nanny, are with them. They are performing on the outdoor stage at The Today Show in the current year wearing cool hipster club gear and singing together. Maria plays the guitar.”

More AI Tips + Resources

The Next Big Thing Will Start Out Looking Like A Toy

Read:

Watch:

Sound-The-Alarm Stuff 🤷🏻‍♀️

Listen:
Elise Hu, author of “Flawless” on “Your New Life Blend”: “When it comes to filters, in the bigger scheme when we talk about our appearance, is that theoretically technology can just keep improving. Skin can only get smoother and smoother and more refined, or our noses can be more and more perfect according to some amalgam of digital standards or global standards, and bodies can be more and more perfected. And so if we are chasing the digital standards, there is no way the human meatspace body can ever reach an artificial digital standard… But one will always have an advantage over the other. And it’s not the mortal thing, it’s the synthetic. If we are favoring the synthetic, the synthetic can continually, improve, and then technologies of self-improvement have to continually improve to chase that synthetic blueprint.”

Read:

Copyright/Blueprints/Standards

Read:
Appeal for action on violations of the Berne Convention by the application to copying of creative works for AI development  of the TDM exception in Articles 3 and 4   of the 2019 EU Directive on Copyright — Society of Composers & Lyricists, July 2023

“…the copying of our works for generative AI, including “scraping” of Web pages and compilation of “datasets” for use in generative AI “text and data mining”…constitutes a significant violation of the obligations of EU member states as parties to the Berne Convention and the WIPO Copyright Treaty.”

Listen:

Hopeful!

Margit Detweiler, Twitter

In celebration of #Pride Month, we’re spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators who champion queer visibility through their creative work. Meet Brooklyn-based art director and illustrator, Shanée Benjamin.

Shanée is a seasoned designer with nearly a decade of experience, who made a graceful transition into the realm of digital illustration. She specializes in crafting content that resonates with the Gen-Z and millennial audience, amplifying the narratives of LGBTQIA+ Black and Brown individuals through her vibrant and powerful illustrations.

Her work transcends the boundaries of art, serving as a medium to foster community and connection. Each stroke is imbued with her passion for storytelling, as she seeks to affirm and celebrate the diverse experiences within the queer community.

You can check out more of Shanée’s work here on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

What is the first creative project you remember?

Interning with Afropunk in 2013!

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on? 

All of my collaborations are fulfilling because I’m given the opportunity to share my story as a Black queer artist! I’ve had the chance to work with brands that I loved growing up, such as Skittles, and it’s a great feeling for that full circle moment.

What are the primary challenges you’ve faced during your creative journey, and how did you overcome them? 

Finding my illo style was an emotional process, but I love where I’m at with my art. Social media also takes a toll on mental health because our art is measured by KPIs.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?

Having an illustration agent is a waste of time, and folks see artists as a 20%-30% commission fee rather than nurturing us.

How do you cultivate strong relationships with clients?

I like to be honest with my clients and, somehow, they like me back! I guess my candor keeps people coming back, and I am also damn good at what I do!

Are there any special processes or personal rituals that help aid your work?

I always smoke while I’m drawing. I love zoning out, with background tv noise. I prefer 90s tv shows, or The Walking Dead.

Tell us about any endeavors you’re part of that represent your creative passion and vision*.*

I host dinner parties where I get to intersect art and food! I enjoy setting up a space and creating a vibrant menu that encapsulates my love of Black joy.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That I did it for the Black queer femmes. For the shy girls who grew up listening to alt music. For the Black girls that don’t fit in.

Follow @shaneebenjamin on Creatively

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective.

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

In honor of Juneteenth, we connected with Marci Rodgers, an award-winning costume designer responsible for the styling for Spike Lee’s film, BlacKkKlansman (2018), for a special edition of our Artist Spotlight series.

Marci is known for her ability to bring stories to life from-script-to-screen through her meticulously detailed and authentic costume designs. Her remarkable work is evident in several high-profile films and television series, such as Spike Lee’s Academy Award-winning film BlacKkKlansman (2018), where her portrayal of the vibrant ‘70s wardrobe earned her a Costume Designers Guild Award nomination.

Marci’s exemplary work has adorned the sets of Chinonye Chukwu’s film, “Till” (2022), Amazon’s series “Paper Girls” (2022), Netflix’s “Passing” (2021), Steven Soderbergh’s films “No Sudden Move” (2021) and “High Flying Bird” (2019), Christopher Morris’s film “The Day Shall Come” (2019), Hulu’s series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” (2019-2023) and Spike Lee’s reboot of “She’s Gotta Have It” (2017-2019) which also received a Costume Designers Guild nomination.

From her educational roots at Howard University, she went on to receive an M.B.A. from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fashion Design and Marketing from London Fashion College—all before graduating with an M.F.A. in Costume Design from the University of Maryland. Marci’s latest project, Chris Robinson’s film “Shooting Stars” (2023) recently premiered on Peacock.

We spoke with Marci about her work, what Juneteenth means to her, and her advice on how artists should approach incorporating Black history into their body of work.

You can check out more of Marci’s work on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

Meet award-winning costume designer, Marci Rodgers.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I am a native of the Chicago area and attended Howard University for my bachelor’s in Business. Thereafter, I obtained an MBA and my MFA in Costume Design from University of Maryland: College Park. I’m a Costume Designer for TV/Film/Stage and live performances.

What does Juneteenth mean to you personally?

Juneteenth means to me, really as African Americans, our first day of independence. However it was not made a national holiday until recently, despite having fought for the country from the very beginning.

Ron (John David Washington) and Patrice (Laura Harrier) in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (2018)

Are there particular stories, figures, or elements from the history of Juneteenth that have influenced your art?

I would say yes, BlacKkKlansman (2018) is an extension of the history of Juneteenth, and what I mean by that is, in the movie Ron Stallworth was still fighting for FREEDOM. The idea of his story, and collaboration with the director of the film, was monumental for me in a sense that it helped me revisit the past and truly understand the purpose of change.

How do you like to celebrate and honor Juneteenth?

I like to celebrate with those that truly believe African Americans should be free. However, in the past I have celebrated at The Lay Out in Brooklyn at Fort Greene park with fellow celebrators.

Serena Williams for Michelob Ultra: New Members Day

What advice would you give other artists interested in exploring Juneteenth, social justice, and/or Black history in their work?

I would advise them to do research and, most importantly, do not shy away from what you discover. Of course, some of it may not be comfortable to discuss but that’s ok—change is a part of educating and forgiveness.

Are there any Black artists, past or present, who inspire your work or who you believe capture the spirit of Juneteenth in a unique way?

Of course, Bisa Butler, but from another end of the spectrum, my mentor Spike Lee, and my late mentor Reggie Ray all inspired me to capture the spirit of Juneteenth.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?

Self care is important, and it’s ok to take time for yourself to regroup.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That I was able to capture stories through my lens of costume design, but more importantly—the stories I was able to tell felt authentic, nostalgic and refreshing.

Emmet Till (Jalyn Hall) in Chinonye Chukwu’s “Till” (2022)

Follow @MarciRodgers on Creatively.

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective.

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

In celebration of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators who champion queer visibility through their creative work. Meet Brooklyn-based photographer and director, Kadar R. Small.

Kadar, born in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago and raised between Queens, NY, and Atlanta, GA, has always been captivated by the art of storytelling. His journey into photography began at a young age—sneaking off to document nightlife where he captured intimate, candid moments of people laughing, dancing, and sharing private moments. These early experiences shaped Kadar’s unique artistic vision, emphasizing the importance of spaces specifically made for Black and brown communities.

Since graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2018, Kadar’s work has centered around documenting Black and brown queer experiences, with an emphasis on relationships and intimacy. His poignant, tender portraits of Black men that challenge pervasive stereotypes of life in urban environments have garnered widespread recognition. His powerful imagery serves as a testament to the diversity and complexity of the Black and brown queer experience, providing a much-needed spotlight on underrepresented narratives.

You can check out more of Kadar’s work on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

Meet photographer and director Kadar Small.

What is the first creative project you remember?

In my [middle school] art class, we had to create a small sculpture that represented something we enjoyed. What I attempted to make isn’t important, but it was the first time I started connecting art to the things I loved, which opened my eyes to the industry I’m in today.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

The most fulfilling collaboration I’ve worked on are my personal series—getting to capture and collaborate with real people that authentically connect to the stories I’m telling. Having the privilege to capture and embrace my community members and changing negative connotations is fulfilling enough.

What are the primary challenges you’ve faced during your creative journey, and how did you overcome them?

Being afraid to reach out, and realizing my worth were two primary challenges I faced during my creative journey. I overcame this by putting aside my nerves and being direct with what I’m asking. The worst thing that will happen is no reply, and that’s okay—but the important part is that you reached out; circle back in a couple of weeks!

Knowing my worth as a Photographer is a little tricky depending on the types of things you’re capturing, editorial or commercial, because accepting a lower rate is not you NOT knowing your worth. Still, I think it stems from not being afraid to ask more for a budget. You might not always get the desired answer, but you can’t be scared to ask.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?

I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself at the start of my career. I was so worried about what to create in hopes that certain clients would see, but I soon learned that this 1) wasn’t making me happy and 2) wasn’t my original purpose. So I started dedicating my time, effort, and funds to creating stories that I could authentically relate to and that others in, and outside, my community could connect to and be inspired by.

How do you cultivate strong relationships with clients?

I think it’s important to always lead with kindness and go above and beyond for the client, while also expressing your needs. If you have an opportunity, get to know your client. Grab a cup of coffee or a quick Zoom call with the editor or creative director that expresses interest in your work. A 15-30 min conversation introducing yourself and your work can go a long way.

Are there any special processes or personal rituals that help aid your work?

At the beginning and end of every project or assignment, I always ask myself; how does this serve my community, or me? How does it make my sitters or community look and feel? Empowered, Loved, Seen? What is the purpose?

I ask myself those questions for every project, but you’re not going to feel the same level of interest or connection to every assignment. In those cases, I ask myself: does this still serve me in ways where I would like to build [a relationship] with this client in the future? Or does it financially serve to further my practice and purpose without disregarding my morals as a photographer?

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

One hundred years from now, I hope people write about and feel my dedication to my community. I want people to witness the joy and difficulties of being Black and Queer—and embracing everything about it.

Follow @kadarsmall on Creatively.

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective.

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

In celebration of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators who champion queer visibility through their creative work. Meet LA-based filmmaker, Mercedes Bryce Morgan.

Mercedes is an award-winning, mixed Latinx filmmaker who has directed numerous high-profile actors such as Tiffany Haddish, Idina Menzel, Jenifer Lewis, Miranda Cosgrove, Hayley Kiyoko, Billy Porter, and Todrick Hall among others. Her feature debut “Fixation” premiered at TIFF with stellar reviews, positioning her as a rising star of indie horror. Her second feature, another horror-thriller “Spoonful of Sugar” premiered at Fantastic Fest and was recently released on the streaming service Shudder as a Shudder Original.

In addition to making a name for herself in the global film scene, Mercedes has directed an array of short episodic series for major studios such as MGM, Facebook Watch/Indigenous Media, Snapchat, New Form/Eko, and Project Greenlight/Adaptive. Her renowned music video, “Happier” by Bastille and Marshmello, ranked #1 on Youtube the day of its release, notching a VMA nomination. Collectively, her work has over 1.5 billion views—and counting. She’s currently in post-production for her third feature with LD Entertainment.

You can check out more of Mercedes’ work on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

Meet award-winning filmmaker, Mercedes Bryce Morgan.

What is the first creative project you remember?

When I was in fourth grade, I’d film my Star Wars action figures with my neighbors who lived down the street. I haven’t stopped filming since.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Directing my debut “Fixation” was the greatest collaboration between both myself, my cast, and my crew because we got the ability to create something truly unique and really just run wild with it. Having it premiere at TIFF 2022 is everything we could have hoped for.

What are the primary challenges you’ve faced during your creative journey, and how did you overcome them?

There’s so many more women on set now than when I first started out. I think this comes with an awareness of the film industry but also because I’m now in a position that’s able to ensure that we hire many women. On every project I talk with my producers to make sure that we have all types of people from all types of backgrounds in front of and behind the camera.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?

How insanely fast, and yet slow, our industry can move. It’s both at the same time continuously.

How do you cultivate strong relationships with clients?

I treat every single person with trust and respect. I really listen to everyone’s notes so that I’m able to deliver them a product that best represents their brand.

Are there any special processes or personal rituals that help aid your work?

I’m very prep-oriented and so I make sure that even before my prep begins with my HODs that I have my own creative time and space to really dive in. This way when I begin my prep with them we’re able to run with it and explore so much more since the groundwork of the vision has already been laid out.

Tell us about any endeavors you’re part of that represent your creative passion and vision. Maybe you’ve started an organization, hosted workshop(s), or are part of a creative collective. How and when did you start, what’s the endeavor’s mission, and why are you passionate about it?

I have a close group of filmmakers that I always send cuts of my most recent work to in order to get notes and feedback. Feedback from people who are trusted has made my work so much better and taught me so much. I know that I will continue this process with all my work for the rest of my career.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

Obviously I hope to touch and inspire people with my work in a way, but if anything, I just hope they were entertained through and through.

Follow @MercedesBryceMorgan on Creatively.

Creatively is more than a platform—we’re a creative collective.

Questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@creatively.life

Watch Building a Brand with KidSuper.

Master the art of marketing your creative business from Colm Dillane, the creative mastermind behind the wildly popular clothing label and creative collective, KidSuper. Dillane has translated his unique creative approach—and his knack for social marketing—to a bonafide streetwear business, earning fans like A$AP TyY, Jessie Reyes, and Deandre Ayton; and collaborations with Puma and Nike. In this class, Dillane will break down the tactics that worked to generate brand buzz and excitement, as well as how various creative products can ladder up to a singular brand like KidSuper.

“To be creative, you just need to be confident in your ideas”.

KidSuper

Watch Creative Mindset Coaching with Jessica Dance.

Learn how to feel more creatively abundant—and start taking action—in a post-pandemic landscape from Jessica Dance, an artist, designer, and mindset coach. As the world opens back up, we are all navigating new ways of working, which requires thinking differently. In this workshop, Dance—who became a mindset coach after already building a successful design business—will show how aligning your thoughts with your actions is where the creative magic happens.

“Discomfort is the currency to fullfil your dreams, so be uncomfortable on purpose”.

Jessica Dance, Artist, Designer and Mindset Coach

Watch Understanding NFTs with Michael Kriak.

Are you confused about where to even begin with NFTs? Get all your questions answered by Michael Kriak, a member of the Bored Ape Yacht Club. Kriak, managing operating partner at ConsenSys Mesh, is a successful digital media and blockchain technology executive as well as a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer.

“None of us are too late to NFTs. We still have a lot to learn”.

Michael Kriak, Managing Operating Partner, SonsenSys Mesh

Watch NFTs & Women with Randi Zuckerberg.

Learn the basics of NFTs, as well as tips on how women can break into the industry, from Randi Zuckerberg, one of the leading voices and entrepreneurs of Web3. As an early employee at Facebook and the creator of Facebook Live, Randi was on the front lines shaping Web 2.0. Now, she is focused on the cutting edge of Web3 as one of the most prominent voices for women in crypto and NFTs. Randi launched HUG (thehug.xyz), a platform for elevating Web3 creative entrepreneurs, including groupHUG, a creator accelerator aimed at growing the next billion-dollar, women-led crypto businesses. In this class, Randi will give a primer on the world of NFTs, as well offer guidance on resources and organizations that can help women advance in the evolving world of Web3. Randi currently advises and works with more than a dozen different crypto, NFT & metaverse related companies, including Boss Beauties, BFF, Women Rise, OKCoin and Republic. Her fun, educational crypto videos on YouTube and Twitter have been viewed more than a million times, and her LinkedIn newsletter about Web3 is in the top ten most popular newsletters on the entire site.

“This is the first time a technological revolution is being led by artists and designers”.

Randi Zuckerberg, Investor and Entrepreneur, founder of HUG

Randi also hosts a weekly business talk radio show, Randi Zuckerberg Means Business, on SiriusXM and is the author of two best-selling business books, Dot Complicated and Pick Three, as well as children’s book, Dot.

“Women are only 15-20% of NFT buyers right now. We need to change that”.

Randi Zuckerberg, Investor and Entrepreneur, founder of HUG

Watch NFTs Pros and Cons with Debbie Soon.

Get advice on how to approach the world of NFTs from Debbie Soon, a Singaporean Chinese who is passionate about increasing diversity and representation in Web3 and NFTs. Alongside Randi Zuckerberg, Soon is the co-founder of HUG, an inclusive Web3 platform that supports creators and collectors through its community and growth initiatives. Prior to Web3, Debbie was an equity investor who went on to build three businesses for one of the most successful unicorns in Southeast Asia: Sequoia Capital-backed ONE Championship. In this class, Debbie will bring her incredible experience across consumer tech, ecommerce, and gaming to a discussion on the pros and cons of NFTs.

“Be curious, keep an open mind, and meet like-minded individuals who want to celebrate and share your success”.

Debbie Soon, co-founder of HUG