New Speakers Announced for Graffiti to Graphics: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Design

November 22, 2023

Join us on December 7th and December 14th as we honor the 50th anniversary of both Hip Hop culture and SEGD.  We will trace the transformative journey of Hip Hop from its humble beginnings to its widespread impact on design worldwide. Through this virtual event, experience a curated convergence of historical insights and future-forward dialogue with Hip Hop pioneers, EGD innovators, place-makers, and creative minds from museum and graphic design sectors. 

Engage with powerful presentations and panel discussions that capture the synergy between Hip Hop’s vibrant culture and the evolution of design. This virtual event promises a celebration of the past, a reflection on the present, and a visionary look into the future of how Hip Hop continues to shape the fabric of design. 

Learn more about three of our incredible speakers below, and register now to secure your spot for this FREE webinar series.

Julian Alexander

Julian Alexander is a visual artist, GRAMMY-award winning art director, and founder of Brooklyn-based design studio Slang Inc. His iconic album artwork can be seen on packages that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. In 2020, Julian started the Supremacy Project which addresses the systematic oppression and violence BIPOC communities are fighting to end through art.

Masood Bukhari

Masood Bukhari is an award winning designer, entrepreneur and graffiti artist who established his independent design studio in 2007. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and a MFA in Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Masood has a passion for integrated branding, digital product and user interface design and has led design initiatives for agencies in the US and Switzerland. His focus has been on creating, managing and implementing integrated branding programs for a diverse roster of boutique clients including; Douglas Elliman, Brooklyn Brewery, Nick Graham Menswear, Max Mara, Neil Young / Pono, Blin.gy, CrunchFund, BulletProof Coffee, Hotel El Ganzo, Rag & Bone and Unagi Scooters.

In 2007 he was nominated by Milton Glaser to present at the AIGA National Design Conference in Denver. His work has been recognized internationally by leading design organizations and publications including Adbusters, AIGA, Graphis, How, Sappi, and the Type Directors Club.

Omari Souza

Omari Souza is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas. With a diverse background and wealth of experience, he has made significant contributions to various industries and academic institutions. Omari’s journey as a first-generation American began in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York. His cultural heritage traces back to his Jamaican roots, adding a unique perspective to his work and worldview. Before his academic career, Omari held pivotal roles at esteemed organizations such as VIBE magazine, Capital One, CBS Radio, and Case Western Reserve University. These experiences gave him invaluable insights into media, broadcasting, and higher education.

Omari co-hosts the highly acclaimed podcast, “The Design of Business | The Business of Design minisode.” This engaging platform delves into the intricate workings of design within complex organizations, influencing decisions, products, and more. As a co-host, Omari brings together industry experts and designers from diverse fields to explore the impact of design on various aspects of business.

Recognizing the importance of representation and inclusivity in design, Omari is the visionary founder of the State of Black Design conference. This groundbreaking conference aims to celebrate, promote, and amplify the voices and contributions of Black designers, fostering a more equitable and diverse design industry.

In his research pursuits, Omari focuses on methods of decolonizing design practices and conducting ethical research. His exploration of these critical areas challenges existing norms and strives to create a more inclusive and responsible design landscape. With his multifaceted background, Omari Souza brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a commitment to positive change in communication design. His contributions and insights continue to shape the industry and inspire the next generation of designers.

About SEGD  

We are designers of experiences connecting people to place. SEGD is a multidisciplinary community collectively shaping the future of experience design. We are a thought leader and an amplifier in the practice of experience design.

SEGD is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit education organization.