Black Creatives Online

Our society and economy increasingly relies on the internet for people to make a living

Given that Black entrepreneurs are found to have fewer economic resources and social capital to pursue the traditional path toward entrepreneurship, the internet has been found to be a vehicle to starting businesses and side-hustles. 

I draw upon interviews with Black creatives to study their daily experiences in artistic practices like digital illustration, crochet, and jewelry-making, and how the internet enables them to pursue entrepreneurship

My research uncovers how the pressure to maintain visibility and profitability requires a performance that often goes underrecognized and unpaid

Still, Black creatives find joy and community in their work as they share their art with the world.

Illustration by ELOI

Interested in participating in the study?

About the Study

In this interview-based study, I explore the personal experiences of Black creatives in selling their work online. I investigate how their online business activities either support or hinder their entrepreneurial goals. 

Additionally, I ask participants about the role of racial identity in their creative work. For instance, I examine the influence of cultural messages about supporting Black-owned businesses in the current political climate on their experiences as entrepreneurs.

Demographic Information of Previous Participants (28 participants as of March 2025)

Where are participants from?

The majority of interview participants so far are from the United States. There are also participants from South Africa and the Netherlands.

I mostly meet participants remotely on Zoom, but arrange in-person interviews on occasion.

Participants receive a $35 subject incentive as a thank you for their participation in a 1-hour interview. 

What kind of artists am I interviewing? 

All types. So far I've interviewed artists who are experts in: 

Think this study applies to you? Sign up for the study here!

Pat, a 64-year old quiltmaker 

Illustration by ELOI

Early Findings

"Catharsis, Community, and Craft"

Well-being and Collective Meaning-Making Among Black Creatives in the Platform Economy 

"Catharsis, Community, and Craft"

Well-being and Collective Meaning-Making Among Black Creatives in the Platform Economy 

Click for Full Screen View

"$napshots from the Artist Pay Project" 

I spoke on a panel event centering the work of Makeda Easter, an award-winning journalist researching fair artist pay. 


Meet the Research Team

This research has come to life thanks to the work of undergraduate research assistants from the University of Michigan.

Maegan Davis

I'm a Philosophy major with a minor in Law, Justice, & Social Change, driven by a passion for advancing equity in community development. My goal is to work in public service, addressing and preventing systemic inequalities in urban planning. After earning my Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan, I plan to pursue a law degree to further advocate for just and inclusive communities. 

Robert Xu

I’m Robert Xu, a Sociology and Pre-Law student at the University of Michigan focused on civic engagement and social justice. As a Student Consultant, I design nonpartisan programs that mobilize 5,000+ students in democracy and global advocacy—turning apathy into action through voter drives and community dialogues. By night, I research racial inequities in the gig economy, dissecting bias and pay gaps in app-based work. Off-campus, I volunteer with the Wrongful Conviction Task Force, advocating for those failed by systemic injustice. My work boils down to one mission: building systems that prioritize people over power. Let’s connect if you’re into unglamorous, impact-driven change.

Sanjana Sunilkumar

My name is Sanjana (Sanju) Sunilkumar, and I am a Public Policy and Pre-Law student at the University of Michigan pursuing a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change. I am passionate about equity, advocacy, and systemic change. As a Research Assistant, I analyze how minority creatives navigate economic autonomy in the digital platform economy—unpacking the intersection of policy, entrepreneurship, and representation. I work on legislative initiatives, bridging the gap between law and community impact. I also organize for gun violence prevention and lead Kids2Kids, a nonprofit supporting foster children. I hope to shape policies that uplift instead of exclude. Feel free to connect with me if you’re passionate about building a future where justice isn’t only a privilege.

Halle Chen

Hello, I’m Halle! I’m a dual degree student at the University of Michigan majoring in Sociology (Law, Justice, & Social Change) and Art & Design. Within this project, I have focused primarily on the interaction between artists and the digital platform. I am especially passionate about the ethics of generative AI and machine learning, particularly in their impacts against creatives. Additionally, some of my personal interests include illustration, game/animation art, and copyright law. In the future, I’d love to pursue an art career within the entertainment industry followed by law further on. 

Aanya Panyadahundi

My name is Aanya Panyadahundi and I am a sophomore pursuing a B.A. in Public Policy with a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change. With this project, I have focused my efforts on understanding the impact algorithms have on exposure and visibility for Black creatives in the digital platform economy, specifically the current laws and policies in place surrounding this site-creator relationship. This area particularly aligns with my personal and academic goals of working to protect marginalized communities from gentrification, race-based discrimination, and other challenges affecting urban communities. After my B.A., I intend to pursue law school and a career exploring anti-gentrification economic strategy and protective policies that can enable local creators to leverage intellectual property rights.

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible by the generous support of the 2023 National Center for Institutional Diversity Anti-Racism Grant and the 2024 Rackham Precandidate Grant.