Bill Howell was born September 12, 1942 in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He was a graphic designer, painter, illustrator and photographer. He was the first African American Art Director for the JM fields department store chain. He contributed to the Black Arts Movement and was associated with the Weussi Artist Collective. Bill started his career in graphic design through apprenticeship that gave him the exposure he needed to jumpstart his career in advertising design.

I chose Bill Howell because I was inspired by the poster he designed for the Pamoja Gallery at 268 Bleecker Street, New York City. His use of a bold typeface and a black-and-white photograph with a halftone effect creates a striking and timeless aesthetic. I found it particularly relevant to my own work, as I recently designed a poster using similar elements. Howell’s approach to design blends simplicity with impactful visuals, making his work a meaningful reference for my creative process.

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