Challenge
For more than seven decades, Jet Magazine documented Black life in America, becoming one of the most influential publications in Black culture. As print media declined, however, a younger generation became increasingly disconnected from the publication and its cultural significance.
The challenge wasn’t simply to redesign Jet—it was to reintroduce its legacy to an audience that had little relationship with the brand.
Approach
As Creative Director, I looked to the publication’s visual history, drawing inspiration from the bold mid-century cover designs of Herbert Temple. Rather than replicate the past, I reimagined it.
By pairing Jet’s iconic design language with contemporary cultural figures such as Solange, Lauryn Hill, and other influential artists—many of whom never appeared on the magazine during its original print era—I created a series that felt both familiar and new.
The artwork served as a bridge between generations. It sparked curiosity among younger audiences while honoring the publication’s role as a trusted storyteller of Black life.
Outcome
What began as a personal design exploration evolved into an official collaboration with Jet and Ebony, ultimately leading to my appointment as Creative Director. The project demonstrated how thoughtful design and cultural storytelling can revive legacy brands without compromising their authenticity.
More importantly, the series reframed Jet not as a relic of the past, but as an enduring cultural archive whose visual language continues to resonate with new generations.
