🌟 Black History Month Spotlight: Cree Payton 🌟
are excited to highlight Cree Payton, a multifaceted professional who brilliantly balances a career in technology with her passion for food content creation.
A proud 2013 graduate of Art and Design High School where she majored in AP illustration, Cree exemplifies how artistic skills can enhance multiple career paths. Her trained eye for composition and detail, developed during her illustration studies, now serves her well both in her technology role and in bringing food stories to life through her engaging content.
Cree’s journey from visual arts to technology and food media showcases the versatility of creative education. Her ability to thrive in the tech sector while building a vibrant presence as a food content creator demonstrates how artistic foundations can lead to unexpected and rewarding professional paths.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Cree’s story reminds us that creativity knows no bounds and can find expression in many forms. She continues to inspire others by bringing her unique artistic perspective to both the world of technology and food content creation.
Follow her Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eeNGHFei
#ArtAndDesignHS #AlumniSpotlight #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth #AlumniPride #APIllustration #Contentcreator #foodie #Illustration #Art #Design #ArtandDesignAlumniAssociation #ADAA #creezyeats
Black History Month Spotlight: Jessica Edwards 🌟
We’re proud to shine our Black History Month spotlight on Jessica Edwards, Class of 2013!
After graduating from Art & Design High School with a focus in illustration, Jessica’s creative journey took an inspiring turn into the world of interior design. She has worked for various design studios and architecture firms on projects from retail to hospitality. Her keen eye for detail and artistic foundation have been a great asset to her work.
Jessica’s unique approach combines her illustrative background with interior design expertise, allowing her to bring spaces to life in unexpected ways. She captures daily inspiration through photography, showcasing her belief that beauty and creativity can be found in the most ordinary places.
Her evolution from an illustration student to accomplished interior designer is a testament to the versatility of an Art & Design education, inspiring both our alumni network and current students to explore the boundless possibilities in their creative journeys.
She has worked on prestigious projects like the Ralph Lauren Australian Open, coffee shops, and department stores worldwide—from Mexico to Korea.
View her portfolio: https://lnkd.in/eHVEt7pj
#ArtAndDesignHS #AlumniSpotlight #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth #AlumniPride #InteriorDesign #RetailInteriorDesign #HospitalityInteriorDesign #Illustration #Art #Design #ArtandDesignAlumniAssociation #ADAA
Black History Month Spotlight: Leandro Cabrera 🌟
Continuing Our Celebration of Black Excellence: Art & Design High School Spotlight 💫
We are delighted to highlight distinguished Board Member Leandro Cabrera, from the Class of 1989, who majored in Media (Film and Video) at Art & Design High School.
Throughout his career in film and fashion, Mr. Cabrera helped launch Gap and Gap Outlet across Mainland China and Hong Kong. He has also shaped global supply chain operations for brands including Calvin Klein, Bobbi Brown, and Estée Lauder.
He supports the Alumni Association through donations and events like the Draw-a-thon and proudly represents the Board at school events.
#ArtAndDesignHS #AlumniSpotlight #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth #ArtistsInLeadership #NYCArts #AlumniPride
Meet Our New Alumni Association President: Titus V. Thomas
A graduate of 1985, Titus studied Cartooning & Illustration and went on to work at Nickelodeon Studios. He’s served as a Graphic Artist at the NYPD and illustrated the NAPPA award-winning book Everybody Eats Lunch.
Now president of the Art & Design Alumni Association, Titus aims to connect alumni and uplift A&D’s legacy.
Website: tituscandraw.com
#ArtAndDesignHS #AlumniSpotlight #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth #ArtistsInLeadership #NYCArts #AlumniPride #ADAA
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Carol Patten ✨
From Art and Design’s Class of ’85 to Acting Chief Support Officer at NYC Transit!
Carol’s journey:
- 26 years at Verizon
- 9 years at NYC Transit
- NYU graduate in Organizational Behavior & Communication
- Industrial Design major at A&D
Awards:
- 2023 EWT “Breaking the Glass Ceiling”
She’s also:
- Exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum
- Founder of The Bowman Family Foundation
- Creator of the S.O.A.R. Mentoring Program
- Author of Daniel’s Toes
#BlackHistoryMonth #WomenInTransportation #LeadershipGoals #ArtAndDesignAlumni #WomenInLeadership #BlackWomenInBusiness #ADAA
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: WALDO CABRERA, CLASS OF 1985 🌟
Waldo Cabrera, Emmy-winning journalist, was an advertising major at A&D and later attended Syracuse. He was Art Director at 4Kids Entertainment, bringing Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! to the U.S., and founded MyLITV.
Today, as President of the Islip Arts Council, he partners with institutions to share cultural stories.
Quote: “We must tell our own story, because if we don’t someone else will.”
#ArtAndDesignAlumni #BlackHistoryMonth #RepresentationMatters #ArtAndDesignAlumniAssociation #ADAA
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Jerome LaMaar, Class of 2003 🌟
Jerome designed for Baby Phat in high school, later influenced global brands like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Google, and Nike. He’s a trend forecaster and creative visionary.
Quote:
“I achieved so much on my own terms, and I hope it will inspire more people to go for their dreams and never give up on yourself.”
“I want everyone to remember that I was funny, creative and had killer style.”
#ArtAndDesignAlumni #FashionInnovator #BlackExcellence #CreativeVisionary #ArtAndDesignAlumniAssociation #BlackHistoryMonth