Our History
Blk + Brwn Book Designers Inc. is a literary nonprofit dedicated to making book design accessible through interactive workshops and programs. We focus on design, illustration, and art direction to bring an international community of creatives and book lovers into the world of book design.
Dominique Jones
BBBD was imagined in late 2019 and officially published in July 2020 after she became the only Black book cover designer on her team and decided to create a space for others like her. According to the AIGA 2019 Design Census, only 3% of all designers work in publishing. Out of 9,429 designers who took part in the survey, 71% identify as White/Caucasian, 35% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 5% Multi-racial, 3% Black/African American, and 0.2% Native American/First Nations. After reading the survey, she persisted in building a community of designers seeking connection and a safe space to talk about the industry while inspiring one another.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make book design accessible for Black and Brown creatives in entry-level and leadership roles across covers, interiors, marketing, illustration, and art direction.
Our Community
Black/African Descent
Hispanic/Latino
South Asian
Indigenous/Native American
Mixed-Race
Our Vision
By showing up for the next generation and elevating their reading experience in the world of book design, we base our efforts on collaborations and accessible offerings to increase the diversity rate to triple the current percentage by 2040.
Source (Lee & Low Baseline Diversity Survey)
Source (Publishers Weekly)
Our Status
BBBD has been a registered 501(c)3 organization since May 2024. We receive support from volunteers, publishers, small presses, bookstores, and other organizations that believe in our mission.
Our events are a celebration and safe space for those who self-identify as part of the Blk + Brwn communities, which includes Black or African Descent, Latine/Hispanic, South Asian, Indigenous, or Mixed-race. While we understand and acknowledge the shift in identities based on geographic regions, we based our list on the U.S. territories and information that is available to us through industry research. This list is ongoing, and we always welcome new information to help support our community. If you self-identify within a demographic not listed, feel free to email us at info@bnbbookdesigners.com at any time.
Press
Interested in sharing our story?
Schedule an interview with our President. Email info@bnbbookdesigners.com to schedule a virtual call.
Annual Reports
Review our past accomplishments, goals, and industry statistics as we continue to make our mark in publishing.
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2024 Report
2025 Report
2026 Report