Today we’d like to introduce you to Benni Black

Hi Benni, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Back in high school, I spent most of my time between art class and playing music in the school band. I thought I’d be an artist or a musician, but a required communications class changed everything. One day, I watched a classmate turn lines of code into a thought-provoking website. That moment opened my eyes to a whole new side of creativity.

I decided to dive into graphic design, teaching myself on an old Toshiba laptop with barely enough storage to handle basic programs. Most of my early clients didn’t have a large budget, so I had to get creative with whatever was provided, which sometimes was just the name of the project lol. These limitations pushed me to think outside the box and find unique solutions, helping me develop my style. Looking back, I realize that having almost no resources gave me the freedom to experiment and grow.

I started with small gigs, charging $0 – $75 and taking long train and bus rides to Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey, sometimes earning just enough to get home. But these early projects connected me with local artists and small business owners, who helped me build a network. Eventually, these small jobs led to bigger opportunities. I began connecting with others in the industry, and before long, I was working with well-known artists, record labels, and major brands.

Now, as a graphic designer and photographer, I can see how those tough days shaped the person you see in front of you today. Those early experiences taught me how to make the most of what I had and to keep going, even when things got tough. The struggle, the creativity born from scarcity, and the passion that kept me moving forward—they all made me who I am.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

In my opinion, no road is ever completely smooth. When you look back at your journey, you might see a complete path, but if you zoom in, you’ll notice cracks, potholes, uneven pavement, and bumps in the asphalt. Every step forward had its own challenges, but with each imperfection, I found strength. I believe that every crack and pothole along the way builds character.

One of the toughest challenges I faced was working in a world where my talent was valued, but my voice often wasn’t. I’d put in countless hours, pouring myself into projects, only to feel like my contributions weren’t truly seen. There were days when it felt like no matter how much I did, I’d always have to prove that what I was creating made a difference. I wanted those around me to see what I saw—a vision that went beyond the obvious, something meaningful and lasting. But often, they didn’t share my perspective.

In those moments, the frustration was real. You work hundreds of hours, and sometimes, you have nothing to show for it. I think every creative faces this struggle—the urge to make something that matters, that moves people, that changes things. But when you feel like you’re the only one who sees the value in what you do, it can be isolating. Those struggles became the bumps and cracks on my road. They made the journey harder, but they also made me more determined. They forced me to dig deeper and hold onto my vision, even when it felt like I was the only one who could see it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a graphic designer and photographer focused on solving visual challenges with creativity and strategy. I transform clients’ needs into designs that not only look great but also deliver results. Clients come to me for fresh perspectives and practical solutions, knowing I’ll create visuals that truly make a difference.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

One of my favorite childhood memories might seem a little strange, but it’s those trips my grandmother, who raised me, would take me on to Toys “R” Us. I knew she couldn’t usually afford to buy me anything, but as a young child, I didn’t care. Walking into that store was like stepping into a museum of wonders—aisles full of X-Men toys, awesome Lego sets, and video games I wasn’t allowed to have at home lmao. I’d wander around, looking at everything, sometimes even getting a chance to play the demo games, and for that hour, it felt like I was in another world. It’s funny now to think back on it, it was simply magical, and I’d leave each time feeling like I’d had the best day ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bniblk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbenniblack

Image Credits

Amiya. N