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Graphic Design/Illustration

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London Skye Creations



Her Hair Is Done





“Her Hair Is Done” Thesis Project, 2024

Class: Graphic Design Thesis
Project Timeline: 8 months

Project Statement

For Black women, hair is integral to our identity and self-confidence. Starting in childhood we are told to “look presentable” which translates to having our hair “done.” This concept of “doneness” can take on many different manifestations but often it means detangling our kinks and taming them into some type of hairstyle. Because of society’s anti-Blackness, a lot of our hairstyles have been deemed “unprofessional” or “ghetto” simply because they adorn our brown scalps. Often in the Black community when a woman with a dense hair texture wears her natural afro she’ll get the question, “When are you gonna do something to your hair?” We as Black women, who were once little girls hearing this question, internalized it to mean that our hair in its most natural state is not appealing.  

Through personal experience, social media research, and a series of interviews with my friends and family,I explored the ins and outs of the Black woman’s experience as it relates to our locs. My project seeks to celebrate the relationship that Black women have with our hair through vibrant illustration, collage, experimental typography and video editing. I will prove that reconnecting with our inner child will allow Black women to fully love our hair and ourselves just the way we are.



(From Left to Right) Photo of London Skye Roberson, Tracie Roberson, and Erin Roberson, c. 2009–2011


Photo of London skye Roberson, c. 2003–2004





Beginning Thought Map

Brainstorming 


My thesis project took place over the course of two semesters. During the Fall 2023 semester I did a brainstorming exercise in which I was thinking heavily about the different aspects of Black womanhood. After doing this exercise I decided that I wanted my thesis to focus on Black womens’ hair. 

Interview Research


I interviewed a few of the women on my mom’s side of the family as well as some of my friends. They each provided insight into their experiences with their hair. When asked, "What does your hair mean to you?" my cousin Ragan said, “My hair being done means a lot to me. I always want to put my best foot forward. And you know my hair is my crown. So it’s like how else am I supposed to do that?”



Evidence

 
In December of 2023 I produced a work-in-progress installation titled “Full of Joy” in which I provided evidence of joyful Black women with their various hairstyles. Here I was able to test print-and-stick and large format printing methods in a gallery space. I started by making some preliminary sketches where I thought about the scale of my installation. At first I was not sure if that person would be me or not but in the end I decided to make it myself for the sake of time and energy. 



Work-In-Progress Installation




Wall Label


Deinstallation Process


Close Up of Hair



Background Illustrations
 

Her Hair Is Done: The Joyous Relationship Between Black Women and Their Hair

Digital Illustration & Video

Presented are illustrations featuring some of the women in my life. I designed some of the portraits with physical hair to break traditional gallery rules. The accompanying video provides insight into the women’s experiences with their hair. The self portraits show my evolution in which I decided to embrace my natural hair. My best friend Kennedi once said, “The difference that we have, we should embrace it. Why would we want to be the white status quo?” My goal is for Black women to realize their hair is beautiful and presentable no matter what state it is in. 



Thesis Installtion Wall One
10 Portraits of Family & Friends



Thesis Installation Wall Two
Monitor Displaying Timelapses and Interviews


Thesis Installation Wall Three
Self Portraits Showing My Personal Hair Journey 




Self Portrait #1


Self Portrait #2 With Braids & Beads


Self Portrait #3


Self Portrait #4





Back Pocket of Children’s Book Holding The Process Book


Front Cover of Children’s Book

Thesis Books


I wrote two books including a children’s book dedicated to my younger self as well as a process book that outlines the research and development of my thesis. I wrote the children’s book as a way to connect with my younger self and further tell the story of my hair journey through illustration. I designed and bound each book myself. 


Children’s Book Spreads Introducing Characters


Children’s Book Spread Detailing Perm Experience