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Black Barbie, A Netflix Documentary
This is the kind of project that not only tells history but shapes history. I love being a part of such important work!
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BLACK BARBIE, A NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
I worked on Black Barbie, A Documentary in collaboration with 9B Collective which made its official world premiere at SXSW 2023 and then later got picked up by Netflix and Shondaland! Black Barbie, A Documentary is a documentary on the making of the first Black Barbie. I had the honor of working on title card illustration, hand lettering, film logo lock-up, timeline layout design, and lower thirds graphic design for the independent release. The film is written and directed by Lagueria Davis, whose aunt worked at Mattel and championed the first Black Barbie Doll, and produced alongside Aaliyah Willams. The sheer amount of time a child spends with their dolls alone is enough to pause and reflect on what the toys they are playing with look like ... and how much influence having one that actually looks like you really means. This is the kind of project that not only tells history but shapes history, and I love being a part of such important work! |
ImagineFX MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
I crave art the way I crave food.
ImagineFX MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
A Day in the Life of a Concept Artist I was honored to be interviewed by ImagineFX Magazine for “A Day in the Life of a Concept Artist.” We talked about food, my creative process, working out, recent concept design projects, family life, and how artivism is close to my heart. I’ve never shared my studio space and creative process quite like this before and I love that it was a nerdy part of the discussion. |
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Select Panel Discussions
One of my goals as an artist is to inspire the viewer past generic acceptance towards appreciation.
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SELECT ART PANEL DISCUSSIONS
LIGHTBOX EXPO | Pasadena, CA THE ART OF BALANCING CAREER, SELF, AND KIDS An open and interactive discussion sharing a bit about my personal story and lessons learned along the way as I work toward balancing industry projects, personal life, creative passions, career goals, and holistic well-being. Taking care of my spirit every day is Presented by Concept Art Association and Women in Animation. KCAD X GRAND RAPIDS TECH WEEK | Grand Rapids, MI HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN I spoke on a panel for Tech Week at my alma mater, Kendall College of Art and Design discussing human centered design, my favorite new digital tools, ethical practices, the evolving landscape for artists, and a bit about my personal creative journey. KCAD X FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY | Big Rapids, MI MUCH ADO ABOUT BARBIE EXHIBITION AND PANEL Ferris Gallery Director and KCAD alum Carrie Weis (‘17, MFA) hosted panel exploring the iconic doll’s evolution and longstanding cultural influence alongside Professor Faulkner and alum Piper Adonya (‘18, BFA Digital Media)—who, in collaboration with 9B Collective, worked as an illustrator and designer for the indy release of “Black Barbie: A Documentary”—as well as Ferris professors Dr. Tracy Busch and Dr. Melissa Smith. |
SELECT INTERVIEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
ImagineFX Magazine
Issue 233 | A Day in the Life of a Concept Artist
November 2023
Kendall College of Art and Design
Alum Piper Adonya on Black Barbie Documentary and a Career Celebrating Diversity
December 2023
Women's Lifestyle Magazine
Piper Adonya: Illustrator, Jewelry Maker, Painter, ArtPrize Winner, and Mom
August 2019
Grand Valley State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
October 2019
ImagineFX Magazine
Issue 233 | A Day in the Life of a Concept Artist
November 2023
Kendall College of Art and Design
Alum Piper Adonya on Black Barbie Documentary and a Career Celebrating Diversity
December 2023
Women's Lifestyle Magazine
Piper Adonya: Illustrator, Jewelry Maker, Painter, ArtPrize Winner, and Mom
August 2019
Grand Valley State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
October 2019
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