COLORISM, A SKIN DEEP CONVERSATION
Art Direction & Publication Design
for Stephens Life Magazine
Art direction and design by Bri Mays
Photography by Hannah M. Dorey
Written by Bri Mays
Colorism, a Skin Deep Conversation is an illuminating project that delves into the intricate realm of colorism – a form of prejudice deeply rooted in skin tone bias. Although colorism permeates numerous communities of color, it is a topic that remains largely unexplored. With the aim of initiating vital conversations, this thought-provoking article has been carefully crafted to shed light on the experiences faced by countless women of color. Proudly featured within the esteemed pages of Stephens Life magazine's Kindred Issue, this article endeavors to unravel the complex layers of colorism and ignite a meaningful dialogue.
For this article, my role encompassed various responsibilities, with a particular focus on the art direction process. Once the story was finalized, my objective was to develop a visual narrative that effectively conveyed its essence. With a strong emphasis on showcasing the diverse voices within the multicultural context and capturing the contrasting experiences across the spectrum, I embarked on conceptualizing the visual elements. This involved identifying a talented photographer to collaborate with, finding an appropriate location, overseeing styling choices, and the recruitment of models. By carefully curating these aspects, I aimed to bring the story to life visually and ensure a compelling and authentic representation.