Meet Marlon Mckenney

We were lucky to catch up with Marlon Mckenney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marlon, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

San Francisco is where I grew up, and from an early age, I learned what it’s like to be the only African American in the room. Whether it was private school, art school, or later on in the gaming, tech, and advertising industries, the pattern stayed the same. After two decades and more than a dozen companies, I’m still often the only Black creative. Codeswitching became a necessary skill—making sure my talent speaks louder than any stereotypes. Along the way, I’ve learned to brush off ignorance, even though it’s frustratingly common.
Being a Black professional comes with an extra layer of pressure. You’re not just representing yourself; you’re opening doors for the next person of color. That’s a lot to carry, especially when you see how unfair the dynamic is. A white person’s mistakes don’t reflect on their whole race, but when you’re the only one, it can feel like the narrative depends on you.
What’s worked for me is grinding hard and proving my worth over and over again. I’ve invested in learning new tools, honing my skills, and always showing up with a positive attitude to every team I’m on. That energy, along with solving problems and building others up, makes a real difference. And through it all, staying as authentic as possible has been my secret to thriving.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a Creative Director at a large advertising agency with about 5,000 employees. My day-to-day involves working on everything from national campaigns and billboards to digital, social media, print, and motion graphics. While the agency job pays the bills, in 2016, I started my own publishing company. I write and illustrate African historical picture books for kids. Agency work can be intense—juggling multiple clients and constant revisions takes a toll—so having a passion project like this keeps me inspired. It’s my way of telling meaningful stories and empowering the African American community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Honestly, the most important skill for a creative professional is just being a decent human being. Nobody likes working with someone who’s always negative, argumentative, or difficult. A positive, problem-solving attitude goes a long way, and being approachable and open makes team collaboration much smoother.

Good communication is just as vital. If you have a vision, you need to explain it clearly so others can get on board. Teamwork always involves compromise, and feedback is part of the process. The key is to focus on finding solutions and not take critiques personally.

And, of course, solid graphic design fundamentals are non-negotiable. Typography, color theory, shapes, spacing, alignment, and hierarchy—these basics guide every creative decision you make. Investing in graphic design books is a great way to stay sharp and inspired.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

If there’s one book I recommend to anyone struggling with corporate politics or navigating tricky work environments, it’s The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. It gave me the tools and insight to handle toxic situations and position myself as a strong, effective leader. As creatives, we’d all love to just focus on making great work and having clients adore it, but the reality is, when millions of dollars, big egos, and strong opinions are involved, things can spiral fast. That’s why it’s crucial to stay sharp, read the room, and avoid costly missteps that could put your job—or your reputation—at risk.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlon.work/about
• Instagram: @marlonmckenney
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artnomad/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrw8VxMjllE
• Other: https://www.consciousculturepublishing.com/

Image Credits

Illustrations: Marlon McKenney