2020, WTF?!

It's a great time to start a newsletter, wouldn't you say? Yeah, we think so too. Stay tuned for monthly updates covering a range of topics we know you'll enjoy. But let's begin with...2020, WTF?!

It’s been 3+ months since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and we've all experienced our lives being upended as we have faced the greatest uncertainty of our time. This uncertainty paved the way for a variety of new and unfamiliar emotions. It's these emotions that fueled Blackmouth Design's survival this last quarter. By focusing on the controllable, and reimagining and evolving our model to match the needs of our community and our clients, we've been able to maintain momentum and for that, we are incredibly thankful.

When a handful of projects were placed on hold, the Blackmouth team went to work creating masks and face shields for local hospitals and essential workers. This program was a success thanks to our partners and friends who contributed to the cause. We also went hard into ideation - concepting an e-commerce to retail bridge, developing content, cultivating product and novelty ideas, etc. As scary and uncertain as this time has been, it's also been the most creative since our inception, 7 years ago.  

Q2 definitely panned out differently than expected, but we kept busy with ideation and a few projects for great partners. As we look ahead, we remain hopeful. Retail may never go back to how it used to be, but we are primed and ready to meet the needs of our partner’s. With a team of talented designers, engineers, and craftspeople, we are here, ready to make your vision a reality. Our shop, now 10,000 square feet, specializes in wood, metal, cnc, laser cutting, thermo-forming, etc. - there isn't an idea we can't make a reality. 

Check out some of our recent projects:

#BLACKLIVESMATTER

We also want to address the terrible injustices the Black community continues to endure in America. We are at a precipice to right the wrongs of 400+ years and we understand actions speak louder than words. Systemic racism has to be addressed at every corner of our society and we, as a company and as individuals, are pledging to educate and advocate for the Black community. We know these actions are key to understanding the Black experience, but we also know, we will never truly understand. Below are a few things we are doing as a company to elicit change:
 
EDUCATION:
There are incredible works, including books, articles, and documentaries, available that break down historical rhetoric and bring to light the truth of our nation’s history. Below is a handful of content we have benefited from over the last month and believe you will too.
 
BOOKS

• “They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement” by Wesley Lowery

• “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin

• “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein

ARTICLES

• Systemic Racism

• Juneteenth

DOCUMENTARIES

• 13th

• I Am Not Your Negro

• LA 92

• The Uncomfortable Truth

ADVOCACY:
Equality and human rights are at the core of what we believe in. We strive to bring attention and call for action, in some way, every day, to the #BLM movement. 

• We use and will continue to use our social media platform to increase awareness regarding the injustices faced by the Black community.

• On June 12th, we permanently updated our logo on our corporate van to #Blacklivesmatter to bring attention to the movement. 

• We are making diversity a top priority in our search for talent. 

WRAP UP
2020, WTF!? Yes, it's been a difficult start, yet it has allowed us to slow down and reflect. It's important to remember light always follows darkness, and in that light, there is opportunity for growth and growth is what makes us great.
 
We hope to connect with you soon. In the meantime, we wish you health and happiness.
Blackmouth Design