We recently connected with Benni Black and have shared our conversation below.
Benni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did I learn to do what I do? Well, it all started with pure trial and error. I ventured into the world of graphic design and photography by diving headfirst into project after project, learning and growing with each step. My journey began online as a graphic designer, building my name in Philadelphia by creating mixtape covers and flyers for promoters and music artists, primarily rappers.
As I worked on these projects, my skills and reputation began to grow. I met client after client, each one presenting new challenges and opportunities. This hustle helped me build a name for myself in the local scene and eventually in multiple states surrounding the tri-state area. My growing portfolio caught the attention of more artists and even music labels, leading to freelance work that expanded my horizons.
The turning point came when I realized the quality of the images I received for graphic work was often subpar—blurry cell phone pictures that just didn’t cut it. I saw an opportunity to improve the overall quality of my projects by stepping into photography. I began taking the photos myself, ensuring they matched the creative vision for the graphics. This dual role of photographer and graphic designer opened new doors for me, including concert photography.
Looking back, I realize that my journey was unique to its time. Growing up with dial-up internet and limited resources meant there was no quick way to learn. I started right out of high school, excessively working for free to build my portfolio. Despite my talent, I faced rejection after rejection from firms and internships because I lacked formal experience or a degree.
Patience and consistency were my most valuable skills. I kept pushing forward, even when my work wasn’t recognized as legitimate or valuable. In those early days, graphic design and photography weren’t widely seen as viable career paths, especially for someone like me from Delaware.
My biggest obstacle was a large majority of people’s lack of understanding and appreciation for creativity, specifically in my environment. Today, content creation is everywhere, and many people are recognized as graphic designers, photographers, and artists. But back then, the question I often faced was, “Why would you want to do that?” People doubted my path, saying there was no money in it and it wasn’t something for someone like me.
Despite these challenges, I stayed true to my vision. Now, we live in a world where social media influencers and content creators are hired by multimillion-dollar companies to engage audiences. The very work I was told wasn’t for me is now a respected and lucrative field. My journey from mixtape covers to concert photography to fashion shoots has shown me that persistence and passion can break down barriers and create new opportunities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Benni Black is a visual storyteller whose artistic eye and imaginative mind give birth to work that commands attention. As a photographer and graphic designer, he possesses a deep understanding of both the art and science of creating compelling visual works. His creative spirit has allowed him the opportunity to share his art with a diverse audience over the course of more than two decades of photography and design experience. Benni’s work has been published on Hulu, GQ Sports, Netflix, Bloomberg, CBS and other major media outlets. He is proud to have worked with clients that range from brands like Sony Entertainment, Eastside Golf, Nike, ESPN, and Adidas to musical artists like Linkin Park, Cee Lo Green, and Lil Uzi Vert. His work captures the unique essence of his client’s brand and vision, turning it into a gripping narrative that speaks directly to their audience. Benni is highly skilled in brand building, but his true passion is expressed through art. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring these concepts together and to continue creating exceptional works for exceptional people.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Seeing my work reach global audiences has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve had the privilege of seeing my creations displayed on billboards in Nottingham, England, and the largest vertical screens in Times Square, New York. My logo designs have made their way onto the shirts of aspiring young people in Africa. My photography and graphic designs have been featured on syndicated network stations and video streaming platforms, reaching over 180 million homes worldwide.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
In today’s world, we are overwhelmed with pre-built template apps on our phones that have presets and allow users to modify designs with the click of a button.
I believe one thing that non-creatives struggle to understand, and I would love for them to appreciate, is the time, thought, and effort that goes into the creative process—not just for myself but for all Creatives. When a Creative can come up with amazing ideas and bring them to life, it’s essential to appreciate that this all starts from a blank canvas. Whether it’s a commissioned painting to a digital design. It begins with a thought that transitions from the brain to the hand and then exists to be consumed by the eyes of many.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BNIBLK.com
- Instagram: itsbenniblack
Image Credits
Main Image of me under the bridge – Photo Credit: Amiya Needam