“Just Like Me” introduces viewers to Black creatives who changed the game from behind the curtain. It stands as a guide for the creatives of tomorrow,” says the film’s director, TTK Harris.
The short documentary shares stories of triumph and inspiration from eight visionary black creatives who, against all odds, made it to the top of their game and are now throwing a line back to the next generation. And I’m happy to have played a part in the making of it. I’m even happier to announce join TTK in announcing its release!
“Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one discovering and carving out your path, without men and women who look like you, act like you, and are experiencing life like you,” noted Harris, who is also a well-respected painter and graphic designer.
“Hearing the success stories of Black creatives in the industry is rare. So, now’s the time.”
– TTK Harris, film director and graphic designer
A senior art director at Havas agency, TTK devised, directed, and designed all the visuals in the film during the first two years of the Covid 19 pandemic, leading a distributed team–with Havas supporting, and funding his efforts.
Supporting TTK’s “Just Like Me” film is just one of the steps that Havas is taking to build a more diverse, inclusive, and just workforce. According to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), only 7.4% of entry-level marketers are Black, and Havas agency says they want to change that.
“Building DE&I into your company isn’t about reaching a specified destination—it’s an ever-evolving journey—and though we have a way to go, I’m proud of the progress we’re making,” said Myra Nussbaum, president, and CCO of Havas Chicago.
“While striving towards equity, it’s important that we acknowledge and respect the contributions Black creators make to culture. I’m proud we can shine a light on a few of those contributions and open the door for other Black creators to consider channeling their creativity and influence into advertising.”
TTK is especially thankful to:
• Justice Hall creative director and founder of The Fruit Mkt • Aleesha Worthington, VP of Brand at Scotch Porter • Dana Givens, painter, cordwainer and senior visual designer • Julian Alexander, founder and creative director of Slang Inc. • Professor Douglas Davis, author, and Principal of The Davis Group • John “JP” Petty III, Wieden + Kennedy executive creative director • Cey Adams, visual artist and founding creative director, Def Jam Recordings
The above creatives were featured alongside TTK, and they have his eternal gratitude for lending their time, likenesses, and personal stories to the film.
In celebration of the Unbelievable B.I.G., who repped BK to the fullest: Little Giants teamed up with art director TTK and got a few special bangers for y’all!! Available now, in store and online. Limited in quantity, infinite in sauce. These are must haves for any fan of the Notorious One. Shop T-Shirts & Onesies at WeAreLittleGiants.com.
The new Complex documentary ‘Horse Power’ highlights how Hip-Hop took Polo Ralph Lauren and made it their own. So proud to say that TTK (@goTTKgo’s) art direction was commissioned for the opening sequence of the film! Sign up for TTK’s mailing list to keep up with more announcements like this.
To watch the film, click here. And remember to leave a positive comment about TTK’s art direction in the comments on youtube, under this instagram post, this tweet, and under this FB post.
If you haven’t snagged one of TTK’s Limited Edition shirts yet, I strongly suggest you grab the last few before they’re gone. Shop now at ArtByTTK.com. Thank you all for your support, always.
To our newest supporters, please remember to Follow TTK (@GOTTKO) on IG to keep up with his artistic endeavors. Watch the full film below!
As TTK’s communications manager I’m so proud to share with you more of his recent work. He directed the video for the latest single from the forthcoming ‘Silicon Valley’ soundtrack. SYSTEMATIC is a funky track by DJ Shadow, featuring Nasir Jones. Get the full story over at MassAppeal, and don’t forget to let TTK know if you dig it. Looking to hire TTK to create some artwork for you? Reach out here. Ready to take the track with you? Download Systematic.
Painter, illustrator and graphic designer TTK just released a new, limited edition T-shirt called ‘The Beaches’. Inspired by Raekwon (who made Polo’s snow beach jacket famous in Wu-Tang’s “Can It Be All So Simple” video), TTK’s latest shirt is already selling out fast. Get yours before your size is gone.
NEW MUSIC /// TTK pulled out more dusty vinyl for his latest mix of rare funk, fusion jazz, R&B, and grooves. Listen here. (TTK’s set starts at the 1-hour mark).
PODCAST /// In a new interview, filmmaker Victorious asks TTK about how everything from breakdancing to movies informs his creative process. Listen.
Remember to reach out to TTK if you need paintings, portraits, posters, t-shirt graphics, or digital designs. And hit up Chevon if you need communications work, a newsletter, social media guidance, some writing, have questions, or want to hop on a phone call for some consulting. We’re ready to work.
Finally, a big thank you to all of the people who have already bought The Beaches shirt May you wear it in good health!
Excited to announce we have special holiday copies of the sold out coffee table book: #SeeWhatImSayin by TTK [@GOTTKGO]. Please get yours now if you’re planning to give it as a #holiday #gift to the #Jordan head, #comics lover, or #HipHop / #rap fan in your life.
We are receiving orders from all over the country and don’t want to run out. Thank you all for keeping this out of stock. Grab what we have for the holiday by emailing ArtByTTK@gmail.com.
Click the red image below to stream the Yo Gotti episode of The Combat Jack show featuring TTK. (No need to fast forwrad:) TTK is at the very beginning of the episode!)
When visual artist and graphic designer, TTK first heard N.O.R.E.’s ‘I Love My Life’ in the summer of 1998, he couldn’t have imagined that the song would be the inspiration for his current book, See What I’m Sayin’ Vol 1. The book is colorful collection of cleverly illustrated drawings inspired by hip-hop lyrics, mainly from the 90’s. The book showcases TTK’s design skills, his love for of Hip-Hop, as well as the lighter side of his views on social issues.
TTK’s artwork has reached thousands of fans on social media outlets such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His weekly column with Frank151, has connected with over 20,000 readers. TTK has also collaborated with UpNorthTrips.com in Feb 2015, for their Instagram artist takeover series. The book/T-shirt release of See What I’m Sayin’ Vol 1, will take place Sept 19th from 2-6pm at Fresthetic, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This will be a limited. release.
TTK is a Brooklyn based artist with an international audience from California to South Korea. He is known to infuse social concerns, his favorite pop icons, fashion, sports and music into his work. Independently, TTK has worked with Frank151, Ricky Powell, Just Blaze, Bobbito Garcia, Rocawear, The History Channel, and Dime Magazine.
