7 Native American Designers You Should Know About
Support Indigenous designers in the creative industry.
For those following along, welcome back to the series of designers you should know about. For those who just came across this blog, hello!
A few months ago, I was asked to name 7 influential designers. After listing off 7 white designers I learned about in a 2017 history book I read in college, I had a harsh reality-check of how narrow-minded my view was with the design industry. This series started as a commitment to myself to learn about designers from varying backgrounds and provide a resource to others who are looking to find inspiration outside the Eurocentric textbook’s definition on influential designers.
So get inspired and support these incredible Indigenous designers making waves in the creative industry.
Neebinnaukzhik Southall (she/they/he) is a graphic designer, writer, photographer and artist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and prioritizes representing Indigenous communities through art in positive and empowering ways. In addition to owning Neebin Studios, Southall also runs The Native Graphic Design Project to uplift the voices of other indigenous designers.
From the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Jeffrey Veregge is an award-winning graphic designer and writer. Veregge specializes in comic book covers and has work and writings featured in notable magazines including The Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly and Fast Company Magazine. If that’s not impressive enough, Veregge’s work is part of the Smithsonian's permanent collection. Jeffrey states on his website that “For me I am carrying on a tradition (storytelling through art) that started with my ancestors by simply using the means of today and all its modern conveniences to share the tales that I love.“
Born in 1971 into the Winnebago tribe(also referred to as Ho-Chunk), De Cora became known for her paintings, illustrations and designs. Her artwork portrayed Native American lifestyle through her unique, feminine experience. In addition to creating art, De Cora was influential in teaching students and showcasing the importance of her work in conferences across the nation. Her legacy carries through to this day and can read more about Angel De Cora through Neebinnaukzhik’s The Native Graphic Design Project.
As a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer and UX designer, Vanessa Bowen brings social equity to the surface with her work. Bowen is a Diné (Navajo) and runs her own studio, Bowen Creative, in Albuquerque. Bowen grabbed the attention of the country in 2016 after releasing “Make America Native Again” hats to address the problematic presidential campaign slogan. Her designs continue to spark conversations and solve user problems.
Votan Henriquez is an activist and street artist that uses his work to educate children and communities about Indigenous peoples. Based out of Los Angelas and Albuquerque, he combines Mayan symbology with contemporary art techniques to tell stories about his Mayan and Nahua ancestry. Henriquez is also the founder of the apparel brand and collective, NSRGNT.
Born in South Dakota, Sadie Red Wing is a Cheyenne River Lakȟóta and Spirit Lake Dakȟóta. She is a researcher, advocate, teacher and designer that focuses in multicultural and Indigenous studies. Her portfolio includes comprehensive research behind her designs along with videos from presentations she has given. Red Wing currently works at the University of Redlands in California where she challenges current curriculum to include an Indigenous perspective in design and provides resources to indigenous students.
Lauren Good Day is an award winning Plains Cree, Blackfeet and Arikara, Hidatsa artist and fashion designer. Her designs are featured across the world in both public and private collections and are at The National Museum of American Indian Washington DC and The Heard Museum to name a few. Good Day’s mission is to continue on the arts of her people for the generations to come. You can see more of work and purchase her pieces here.