Denzel Boyd

To Denzel Boyd, design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about taking risks to create something different, bold and radically meaningful. That ethos has guided him throughout his work as a freelance designer and is no less relevant to his MFA studies now at Yale University. Drawing on both digital tools and analog processes, Denzel is committed to experimenting with his craft and pushing visual boundaries – all while figuring out what success means to himself. We find out who his biggest inspirations are, what he does to keep his mind sharp and how he’s learned to merge commerce with art.

What I do

How would you describe what you do?
I'm a visual architect who molds typefaces, brands and images into impactful, engaging stories. My work is all about manipulating form and content to create something bold and often abstract that really grabs your attention.

What are the main influences and inspirations behind your work?
My influences are pretty diverse. Creatively, I really look up to artists like Hassan Rahim, Harsh Patel, Justin Sloane, and Perron-Roettinger to name a few. Together, they represent a spectrum of design excellence, from bold experimentation to refined minimalism. Their collective influence has been instrumental in helping me blend order and chaos in my own work, whether I'm using digital tools or analog processes. They’ve shown me that design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about thoughtful execution, pushing boundaries and creating meaningful connections.

Beyond individual artists, a huge source of inspiration for me comes from the raw energy and creativity I find in urban environments, especially from living in places like Los Angeles. There’s an undeniable pulse in the city that feeds directly into my work.

Would you say you need any specific training for what you do?
While formal training can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not the only path. I'm currently pursuing my MFA in graphic design at Yale University, which is definitely honing my skills and pushing my thinking. However, I’ve also found that certain skills and traits beyond technical training are absolutely essential – like a strong understanding of design thinking, an ability to tell a compelling visual story, a relentless drive to experiment and innovate. You need to be able to see the bigger picture and understand how visuals can influence conversations.

What’s been your favorite project to work on from the past year, and why?
It would definitely have to be collaborating with Yale architecture student Ahmad Al Ajmi on a thesis publication called “Doing Well”. It was really rewarding to help accentuate his ideas around localized community aid and bring his research to life, through layers of imagery – such as illustrations, renderings and travel documentation – all within the medium of print.

Ahmad Al Ajmi, Doing Well: Rethinking Aid Architecture The Case of Kuwait and Kenya, 2025

What does a normal day-to-day usually look like for you?
My life as an MFA student is a focused blend of intensive studio work, research, critiques and client collaborations that span from concept to final design. I dedicate significant time to experimentation, always pushing visual boundaries. Crucially, I prioritize working out and maintaining my health to fuel my creative output, recognizing that a strong body supports a sharp mind.

How I got here

What was your journey like when you were first starting out in your career?
Starting out, I was definitely in a process of exploration and learning. I wouldn't say I found my feet “quickly” in the sense of everything instantly clicking. It was more about constantly putting myself out there, experimenting with different styles and saying yes to opportunities that felt creatively stimulating, even if they weren't always the highest-paying.

Early on, a significant milestone was being awarded the Social Impact Adobe Design Achievement Award in 2017. That validation was a huge boost and really solidified my focus on making a meaningful impact through design. It gave me a platform and a sense of direction, helping me understand the kind of work I wanted to be doing.

How did you go about landing your first few jobs, clients and/or commissions?
It was a bit of a mix. Early on, I definitely did a lot of reaching out and sent my portfolio to places I admired as well as people I wanted to work with. But as my work started to get featured in places like The Creators Project and AfroPunk, clients began to find me more often – especially after I started attending Yale.

For getting hired and paid, the key is consistently producing strong, distinct visuals and building a reputation for thoughtful design. I also learned the importance of clear communication about scope and deliverables, along with having a professional invoicing process even for smaller projects. Transparency and professionalism build trust and lead to repeat work.

What has been your biggest challenge along the way?
My biggest challenge has been consistently promoting my work and articulating its value effectively. Early on, I focused heavily on the creative process itself, assuming the work would speak for itself. However, I quickly learned that even the most innovative designs need a strong narrative and strategic promotion to reach the right audience and secure opportunities. Overcoming this has involved a concerted effort to develop my communication skills, understand various marketing channels and confidently present my portfolio and vision. It's an ongoing learning process, but one that has significantly impacted my ability to connect with clients and collaborators.

What skills from your creative work have you found helpful — and vice versa?
From my creative work, the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives has been incredibly helpful in all aspects of life. It’s about distilling information and making it accessible. Conversely, skills from outside my immediate creative practice – like understanding business strategy or the nuances of client communication – have massively helped my creative work. Knowing the commercial objectives behind a project allows me to design with greater intent and impact, seamlessly merging commerce with art.

How important are social media and self-promotion to your work?
Social media and self-promotion are extremely important for a visual artist and designer today. It's a vital platform to showcase your work, connect with potential clients and collaborators, and build your visual language. My advice is to be authentic in your promotion – let your distinct visuals speak for themselves. Don't just post for the sake of it; curate your feed to reflect the kind of work you want to attract.

Also, consistency is key. Even if it's just a few posts a week, keeping your presence alive ensures your work is seen. Engage with your audience, use high-quality imagery and don't be afraid to share your process instead of just the final product.

Spora Exhibit Poster & Packaging, 2025

What are three things that you’ve found useful to your work or career, and why?
Search systems for design inspiration, the OMGLORD newsletter and resources, and Sean Brown’s Instagram. Search systems kick-start new projects and push boundaries. OMGLORD keeps me updated and refines my skills. Sean Brown’s work consistently broadens my view on design’s true purpose, reminding me that it serves more than just aesthetics.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
First, understand your value and charge appropriately. It's easy to undervalue your work, especially when starting out, but your expertise and unique visual voice are assets. 

Second, diversify your income streams. For me, that's a blend of client work with big brands like Apple and Nike, alongside my academic pursuits like my MFA at Yale. This provides both financial stability and intellectual growth.

Lastly, clear contracts and timely invoicing are non-negotiables. Don't be afraid to talk about money upfront and ensure you get paid for the work you do. Building strong relationships based on mutual respect, including financial respect, is crucial for a sustainable creative career.

Advice

What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received and deeply believe in is to “define your own success”. It's so easy to get caught up in external metrics or what you see others doing, but true fulfillment comes from establishing what matters to you in your creative practice and career. For me, that means not just commercial success, but also the ability to use design to provoke thought, fuel important conversations and create visually compelling narratives that resonate on a deeper level. It's about constant experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what design can do.

Where do you go to feel connected as a creative?
Beyond formal institutions, I've found tabling and showcasing work at book fairs to be a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals and directly engage with patrons who appreciate my craft. Other environments rich with creative professionals where you can foster invaluable connections include large design conferences, niche creative retreats like Likeminds Camp, or specialized workshops such as those at the Center for Book Arts or Typography Summer School.

Online, I stay connected by following curated design platforms and publications that showcase high-quality, thought-provoking work – essential for staying current with global design conversations. Similarly, I leverage professional networks to connect with other creatives and showcase my work, always prioritizing platforms that foster quality and community over just sheer volume.

Ear II Ear, in collaboration with Fatima Al Kuwari, 2025

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into a similar role?
I would start by building a strong foundation in graphic design fundamentals like typography, color theory, and layout – whether through formal education or consistent self-study. Then, experiment relentlessly to find your unique visual language, pushing boundaries even if it means some ideas don't pan out. That's where innovation happens. Develop a distinct voice by understanding what makes your perspective unique and leaning into it, much like the influential designers you admire.

Remember, design tells stories, so learn to craft compelling narratives with purpose, whether for a brand or a social cause. Always seek out inspiration from diverse sources – especially urban environments and art spaces – as this constant input fuels creativity. Don't work in a vacuum either: collaborate to push your thinking and gain new perspectives. Finally, share your work constantly on social media or through a portfolio, as visibility and feedback are key to growth.