Meet Terresa Moses | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terresa Moses and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terresa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start my own business as a way of not only expressing my creativity on my terms (specifically Black queer womanhood), but standing for justice-centered causes in my work. I am passionate about design and Black liberation, so Blackbird Revolt was a way to combine those two passions. This means choosing clients that have the same values–liberation, racial justice, transformative justice– that I do, and being able to turn down clients that do not. There are many organizations and grass roots initiatives that are doing amazing work, but don’t always have the tools to let the world know. This is where Blackbird Revolt can step in as a partner to assist, using design as a tool to communicate their mission and values to gain support. I strive to live out our mission: Promoting social change through conscious creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am dedicated to the liberation of Black and Brown people through art and design. I am primarily an illustrator whose work focuses on race, identity, and social justice. I advocate for positive change in my community by using art and design as tools of community activism. I believe the way in which we visually communicate has the ability to influence culture by drawing attention to systemically oppressive issues. Besides owning my own business, I am proud of my latest exhibition, Umbra, which combines my experiences as a Black woman to validate other Black women and teach others.

Getting where I am today was difficult. There is a lot of time, studying, and growth that goes into perfecting of my craft. I think the biggest challenge is learning how to balance life and work. I used to work, what felt like, 24/7. I was always busy and didn’t have any weekends. The pandemic slowed me down and I am so grateful. Being rejuvenated by a long weekend of no plans increases my creativity, for sure.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am still pretty new to Minneapolis and with the pandemic it has been hard to get out as much. Some sure activities would be roller skating, kayaking, visiting Mia, or a brewery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to the inspiring Black change makers who continue to influence my work; Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson, James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Audre Lorde, Emory Douglas, Maya Angelou, and countless others. Special thanks goes to my mother, Christine, whose relationship is invaluable to the character, work ethic, and vulnerability I have developed.

Website: blackbirdrevolt.com

Instagram: @blackbirdrevolt

Linkedin: @blackbirdrevolt

Twitter: @blackbirdrevolt

Facebook: @blackbirdrevolt