Meet Taeler Braithwaite

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taeler Braithwaite a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taeler, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose as a graphic designer through a journey of observation and reflection. During my design education, I was struck by the glaring disparity in representation for Black creators. I saw firsthand how this gap in perspective and acknowledgment impacted the design canon, often leaving out the richness and depth that Black designers have historically brought to the field. I realized that this lack of representation wasn’t just a gap—it was a lost opportunity for the canon to evolve in a way that embraces a wider range of voices and perspectives.

Inspired by this realization, I knew I wanted to be part of the change I wanted to see. I wanted to make a difference not only for myself but for others who may not yet see themselves reflected in the design world. My purpose solidified when I began to focus my work on this goal, and it took shape in my thesis project, ANSWERED: The Black Design Aesthetic. Through this project, I built on the foundational work of Sylvia Harris to help define and explore the Black aesthetic in graphic design. My purpose, then, is to contribute to the design canon by honoring and expanding the visibility of Black designers, ensuring that their voices and visions help shape the future of design.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey to becoming a graphic designer has been shaped by invaluable experiences and a strong commitment to purposeful design. My foundational years at Texas Southern University and the University of Texas at Austin offered impactful opportunities that broadened my perspective on design’s role in culture and community. A highlight was speaking at South by Southwest with my mentor, Dr. Cheryl Miller, where we shared insights on decolonizing the design curriculum. This experience allowed me to advocate for necessary change within the industry early on.

In May, I graduated from Pratt Institute with an MFA in Communication Design, a milestone that furthered my professional and creative growth. While at Pratt, I collaborated with the Van Alen Institute on service design projects for the Gowanus neighborhood and worked with Stephen T. Mather High School to create a grower’s space for students. This project encompassed brand identity, wayfinding, and educational grower boxes, aligning my passion for brand identity with the goal of creating meaningful and cohesive design experiences that empower and engage.

Recently, I had the honor of introducing Dr. Cheryl Miller alongside Assistant Dean Doreen Lorenzo at the University of Texas at Austin for a discussion on her book Where the Black Designers Are. Returning to my alma mater, where I first met my mentor, was a powerful moment of reflection and reaffirmed my purpose within the design field.

Professionally, I am working toward becoming a designer who brings character, cohesion, and impact to each brand I serve. My focus is on crafting distinct brand identities and visual storytelling that resonate with audiences, aiming not only to shape individual brands but also to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse design landscape where all voices are recognized and celebrated.

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?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a designer are my commitment to inclusivity, adaptability, and collaboration. These qualities have shaped not only the work I produce but also the way I approach the design field as a whole.
First, commitment to inclusivity has been foundational. From my early experiences in design education, I saw a lack of Black representation and recognized how that gap limited the design narrative. This commitment to inclusivity led me to projects and opportunities, like my thesis on the Black design aesthetic, which aims to expand the design canon. My advice to those early in their journey is to understand who and what inspires them—and then ask how they can use that inspiration to advocate for broader representation in their work.
Second, adaptability has been essential as I’ve navigated different roles and projects, from speaking engagements to brand identity projects. For example, at Pratt, I worked with diverse organizations and communities, including designing for the Van Alen Institute and collaborating with Stephen T. Mather High School. Adapting to the unique needs and goals of each project taught me how to apply my skills in new ways. My advice is to be open to new experiences and challenges; often, they’ll reveal strengths and skills you didn’t know you had.
Finally, collaboration has been key. Working with people from different backgrounds and expertise has taught me how vital a team is in bringing a project’s vision to life. My collaboration with Dr. Cheryl Miller, as well as introducing her work at the University of Texas at Austin, taught me the importance of learning from and supporting others within the field. For those starting out, I recommend seeking mentors and building a network of peers. Collaboration can lead to growth, new ideas, and even transformative opportunities.
By focusing on inclusivity, adaptability, and collaboration, you can create work that resonates and contributes meaningfully to the field.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Dr. Cheryl Miller has been one of the most influential people in helping me overcome challenges, build my skills, and grow into a successful designer. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Miller during my time at the University of Texas at Austin when she spoke in a webinar about her work. She later began teaching at the university, marking the start of our journey together. From that point on, Dr. Miller has been a constant source of support and guidance.

As I prepared for graduate school, Dr. Miller was instrumental in my success. She wrote recommendation letters, advised me on how to approach interviews, and gave me valuable insights into the application process. Thanks to her support, I was accepted to Maryland Institute College of Art, CalArts, Pratt Institute, and even waitlisted at Yale University. Her belief in my potential helped me take this crucial step forward in my career.

While attending Pratt Institute, Dr. Miller continued to guide me, particularly as I developed my graduate thesis. She helped me clarify my ideas and offered advice on how to execute them effectively, constantly pushing me to grow and challenge myself as a designer. Dr. Miller has been much more than a mentor; she’s been a steadfast support figure and an invaluable part of my journey, helping me navigate challenges and develop essential skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taelerb.cargo.site/
• Instagram: @taebrai
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taeler-braithwaite-26573a1ba/

Image Credits

Taeler Braithwaite, Michael Braithwaite