LETTER FROM FOUNDER

Our journey begins in black

By Amy Barroso

Welcome to the inaugural edition of United Colours of Design (UCoD)! The idea for this magazine hit me like a bolt of lightning. I saw the entire publication before my eyes! I saw people from all over the design industry coming together sharing their talents, their wisdom and their spirits. Its mission is to open a deeper conversation about colour. How does colour impact our designs, art forms, mood and journey on this planet?

The basis for all the issues will be (of course) colour. Rather than have a volume and issue number, each edition will be a colour. Essentially we will never run out of themes. Once we work our way through the colour ascension ladder, from black to white and everything in between, we’ll just begin again with a new story.

I decided to start this journey with black because black is about going into the deep dark depths of your soul. Into the void, so to speak. Once you’ve been there and embrace all your shadowy bits, a magnificent rebirth awaits you. It is where potential lies and dreams are hidden. Only by traveling down this road, and loving all that you find, can you begin to create from the light.

If the idea of a void seems daunting, know that it is a place of extreme creativity. It’s a place to reflect on your journey. A place to heal past wounds. A place to plant your seeds of desire. Everyone, at one point in their life has been to this place. Perhaps you’ve been there many times. I’m sure each time had its uncertainties, but no one I know would take them back. The lessons learned are much too valuable.

Van Gogh created his most famous Starry Night painting when he was in an asylum recovering from a nervous breakdown. He was inspired by the view out of his window in the silence of the night. This magazine was created out of a pandemic lock-down where I visited a dark night of my own.

In that darkness I decided that I was done with hearing “You’re a little too seasoned” or “You’re over qualified for this position”. I would change the story to “I’m fucking spicy and ready to take on the world!” I would bring together other seasoned professionals to inspire and mentor younger up and comers. This is how UCoD was born. This is where our story begins.

All design industries, Interior Design; Graphic Design; Event Design; Floral Design; Fashion Design; Hair Design; Make-up Artistry; Photography; Artists etc. have their separate trade magazines which is great.

However, there isn’t one that connects us all through the lens of colour. So here we are, a trade magazine that met a business magazine in a bar, got a little tipsy …and thought it would be fun to invite lifestyle to the party!

The format, although intuitively laid out, is in four categories. (1) Seasoned design and creative specialists here to be the voice of their industries. (2) Heart-centred professionals who specifically support creative businesses in their growth. (3) Features where we spotlight local and foreign artists and designers. (4) Lifestyle columnists that provide personal guidance while we navigate our time on this planet.

All of our columnists have many years of experience in their respective industries. In fact, I think we have about 350 combined years of experience in this magazine! They are here to mentor, lead and serve as the foundation for this new community.

In this BLACK issue, each contributor will be taking a deeper look at black as it relates to their creative industry. Is black a neutral or an accent? How do I incorporate black in floral design without it looking like Halloween? What role does black play in the make-up, hair and fashion industries? How do I work within someone else’s brand and maintain my sense of creativity? How have our creative professionals fared through this pandemic? Each of their individual stories will inspire and motivate you to take action.

From our amazing panel of business owners we have insights on mindset, finances, shadows, law and business growth. Our lifestyle gurus support you as you reflect on health and wellness, sexuality, energy, astrology and family.

A HUGE thank you to each of the columnists and featured artists for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate in this epic journey we are all on together. Congratulations on making it through the BLACK edition!

Thank you to Moira Bush for taking frantic calls and offering your words of wisdom as I navigated this journey in black. I’m so happy you heard my call across the sea and made your way to Canada to bring the wisdom of colour to our side of the pond! xo

Thank you to my King who always has my back, who always believes in me and always knows just the right thing to say. You’re my muse, my idea bouncer off-er and the love of my life. So happy I get to spend every day with you.