Filtering by Tag: Black

2024 ARTS QUARTER PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

January 18, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Here we are looking to develop new products that cater to the African American identity and spirit. That identity that existed not too long ago but which was so very impactful to culture and life. We’re now introducing—within the ARTS Quarter—wall art that encourages and inspires a resurgence of what was lost.

“Vintage Black. Not So Vintage!”

As a part of our “The Dichotomy of…” theme for 2024, we’re revealing how music and those associated environments helped to fuel the creative passion of William B. Philpot to eventually change and transition into the creative professional now known as Liam Ian Black.

Jazz helped to lay the ground work and foundations of those ideas that would inform what it is to be an Artist, Designer and Photographer. The aesthetic of being a product of Jazz before Hip Hop and Rap, the world seemed to exist within sepia tones reminiscent of being Black and a product of the Earth. Thru music came and comes the truth of being tied to much more than we might ever know. We are guardians and stewards of Nature and Life and Peace.

Intellectualism and Analysis. We are much more than they would have us be.

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categories / LIAM IAN DESIGN
tags / Jazz, Sepia, Mid Century Modern Art Style, Black, Music, Wall Art

DEDICATED BUT ADVERSE

October 21, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

As dedicated as I am to as much about being “Black” and African American, here are some of the primary reasons why I restrict who I serve, work and collaborate with.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to recognize the diverse needs and interests of different communities. However, it is also necessary to acknowledge the complexities and challenges that can arise when serving a specific target market, such as urban African Americans. While it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for the experiences and perspectives of individuals, I can provide a thoughtful exploration of some potential reasons that an African American entrepreneur might choose to avoid serving urban African Americans.

Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that African American entrepreneurs, like any other entrepreneurs, are driven by a variety of factors when deciding which market segments to target. Factors such as market demand, profitability, and personal interests play a significant role in shaping business decisions. While it may seem counterintuitive for an African American entrepreneur to avoid serving urban African Americans, let's explore some reasons why this might occur.

1. Market saturation and competition: Urban areas with predominantly African American populations often have a high density of businesses catering specifically to their needs. Competition can be fierce, making it challenging for a new entrepreneur to establish a unique value proposition and gain a competitive advantage. In such cases, an entrepreneur might choose to explore other market segments where there is less competition and potentially greater potential for growth.

2. Overcoming negative stereotypes: Unfortunately, stereotypes and biases persist in our society, and they can influence consumer behavior. Some African American entrepreneurs might choose to avoid serving urban African Americans due to concerns that negative stereotypes could hinder their business prospects. They may worry about being associated with preconceived notions or facing unjust scrutiny, which could potentially impact their ability to attract customers and secure business opportunities.

3. Economic disparities: Urban areas with predominantly African American populations often face economic challenges, including higher poverty rates and limited disposable income. These factors can impact the purchasing power of consumers within these communities. For some entrepreneurs, focusing on market segments with higher disposable income levels might be a strategic decision to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of their businesses.

4. Diversifying customer base: Entrepreneurs, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, often seek to diversify their customer base to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations and changes in consumer behavior. By targeting multiple market segments, entrepreneurs can create a more stable and resilient business model. This approach allows them to tap into different customer preferences, needs, and purchasing power, reducing their dependence on any single market segment.

It is important to note that these reasons are not intended to justify or promote exclusion or discrimination. They merely shed light on potential considerations that an African American entrepreneur might take into account when making business decisions. Ultimately, entrepreneurs should strive to create inclusive and equitable business practices that serve diverse communities while recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise within each market segment.

I was recently asked why I keep a private and confidential client list. It’s implied that I should spread the news on who I serve and what kind of work I put out there. My reply was that being private and confidential about my clients and my work empowers and emboldens my work, resources and talents. I am not and do not want to be accessible—not to everyone or just any old Joe. Exclusivity has its merits and if wielded properly, it can work wonders…especially for a small business. I’d rather have a few clients with powerful relationships because of long term work contract instead of many clients with short term ones.

Additionally, I know my surroundings—my environments and those within them. Knowledge is power and the more others know, the more others will feel empowered to do or act in certain ways that may not certainly help my business grow.

I say if you are an Artist and an Entrepreneur, keep to yourself until you run into the right ones. Research your clients and prospects and strive for long term relationships thru long term projects. Do quality work instead of a lot of quick or short-term work and price yourself, your work, your resources and your business more on the high end of the industry standards. Friends and family are not or will not always be your greatest supporters therefore strive to get out of your social comfort zone to expand your portfolio for expanded opportunities.

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categories / JusTHOUGHTS, LIAM IAN - BUSINESS, OPINION
tags / Black, Black Business, Doing Black Business

BLACK IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL!

October 15, 2023 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Always encouraging and inspiring. The POWER of the Black Woman is always easily recognizable. Residing within a profound identity of what others have aspired to become, the Black Woman—especially that of the African-American Woman who became something great out of the many levels of cultural dysfunction and systematic racism (that could only be specific and that of America)—nor her power never resigns from that place of prominence…and that is as it should be. Contrary—yet not in competition—with that POWER of the Black Man, she exists as to balance Life itself.

Just one man’s perspective and position on the Black Woman—the Woman of Color, Ethnicity and Culture. She exists beyond the “colonial” terms and definitions of beauty or even womanhood.

Despite the dysfunction I’ve survived and have come out of, I stand in awe of the strength, resilience, and grace embodies by Black Women. They are—YOU are—the pillars of our communities., the nurturers of our dreams, and the architects of change. Their power—YOUR POWER—is boundless, their voices are mighty, and their presence is transformative. To all the Black Women who continue to rise, your are the essence of excellence, and the world is better because of you.

—Liam Ian Black

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categories / IMPACT, INFLUENCES, INTERESTS, PHOTOGRAPHY
tags / Black Women, Black Woman, Black, Black Femininity, Black Lady