Black-Owned and Woman-led — So what?
If you go to our About page the first sentence you’ll read is, We are Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. But why does any of that matter? Should people know or even care about race or gender when selecting a creative agency to work with?
Signs have a long and storied history. From iconic roadside neon signs to functional airport wayfinding, signs have shaped how we see and navigate our modern world. But we can’t ignore that the commercial sign industry in America, while welcoming to all, has been a homogenous industry that hasn’t always celebrated the wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, experiences of the individuals that have contributed to its success, or the communities they are part of. At Studio Dzo, we have made it our mission to boldly celebrate the diversity of our team and the partners that we choose to work with everyday.
In the past few months we have been asked to lead onstage discussions, contribute to publications, and share our thoughts on podcasts, all around how and why we prioritize diversity and inclusion. Not just amongst our team, but with the work we do and the people we choose to do it with.
The Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment leave-behind we designed for our 2024 ISA Sign Expo education session
Fostering Inclusion: A Discussion at the 2024 ISA Sign Expo
In April, Russell was invited by Signs of the Times magazine to lead a discussion at the 2024 ISA Sign Expo about the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment and its benefits to innovation and productivity. Several attendees shared their own stories, witnessed or experienced, about biases in the workplace. The discussion was only an hour but could have gone on for much longer. To encourage discussion beyond the expo, we designed and crafted a fun and informative zine for attendees to take away. There was zero expectation that we would dissolve centuries of biases in one conversation, but we believe the first step toward solving any problem is identifying and talking about it.
From Beginner to Leader: Sharing Insights on SOD Podcast
Recently released, the Students of Design Podcast invited Russell to share insights on portfolio development, his journey in design, and lessons learned since starting Studio Dzo. One of the deeper questions Joseph Israel Raul Bullard asked Russell was, Do you have any words of encouragement for people of color in the design industry? With no hesitation, Russell confidently provided an unexpected one-word response. (Okay, it’s no secret Russell loves to talk, so you know he had more to say but you’ll have to listen to Episode 3 of Students of Design Podcast.)
Personal Identities, False Confidence, & Pulling Taffy — Ep3 of Students of Design
Sign Builder Illustrated June 2024 edition, Inclusivity Matters - By Christina Green, featuring Elizabeth Arenella Toynes
Sign Up for Change: Building a More Inclusive Sign Industry
Online and in mailboxes this month is the latest edition of Sign Builder Illustrated (SBI) featuring our very own Elizabeth Arenella Toynes and Lori Anderson, President and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA) discussing why diversity and inclusivity matter. Christina Green, Content Director of SBI, points out that more and more women are finding a place as leaders in the sign industry, yet the “sign guys” of this male-dominated industry can do more to create an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all. From her expertise and experience being dismissed to having to sever ties with a partner, Elizabeth shared some of the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the sign industry. One thing she revealed was an excerpt from our team member handbook. At Studio Dzo, we are not hateful, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or anything that is less than equitable and inclusive. Therefore, we do not and will not tolerate any of these behaviors from our team members, our vendors, or our partners. As leaders on our team, and in this industry, Elizabeth and Russell have always led by example. Holding not only others but themselves accountable for treating everyone with respect and creating an atmosphere of not just acceptance but celebration.
Read the full story in the latest edition of Sign Builder Illustrated
So back to the original question; Does it matter that Studio Dzo is Black-owned and Woman-led? We think it does.
By choosing to work with a diverse and inclusive team you gain a wealth of unique perspectives, experience, and creativity, all leading to stronger engaging design solutions. Our bold and transparent approach isn’t a marketing tactic, it’s who we are.
Are you ready to do some good work with good people? Contact us.