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Pittsburgh Public School Graduate Designs Yahoo Black History Month Logo
Janel Young, a Pittsburgh Public School graduate, has made history being the first outside artist ever commissioned to design Yahoo’s logo, in honor of Black History Month.
Her colorful depictions and characters has helped Young build a large following on social media and even afforded her the opportunity to work with Verizon. However, after receiving a call from Yahoo to design their Black History Month logo, Young was in awe and overjoyed to be considered for the opportunity.
“I was speechless at first,” she said. She designed the logo using her iPad under a two-week deadline. Throughout the process, Young and Yahoo edited the image numerous times. The final version displays the Pan-African color scheme, tribal patterns and her signature cartoon. The design also features a literal hidden gem.
“What I really wanted to convey was that we should be digging deeper into the gems that are in our Black history,” said Young.
Young believes she was chosen by Yahoo because of her values of spreading joy and love through art.
Young’s mural of black excellence in Downtown Pittsburgh – the Black Girl Magic Series – honors natural hair and self-love for Black women. “I think it gives color to downtown Pittsburgh. People have come and taken photos in front of it and tagged me on Instagram,” Young shared with CBSN. The mural can be found along Sixth Avenue and Wood Street
Given her passion for art, Young hopes Yahoo users feel her joy and love when they see the new Yahoo logo. She’s waited more than 20 years for this moment and wanted to share this message for creators just like her.
“Make sure you’re creating for yourself and eventually the people who want to see your work will come to you,” Young told KDKA.
She could not share details about her next project but said one of her characters will be showing up somewhere else very soon!
To see more of her work check out her website.