Yanique DaCosta is a Jamaican-born Graphic Designer, Fine Artist, and became the first Black President of the Graphic Artists Guild in 2023. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she is the founder of YKMD, a creative agency that has evolved from a graphic design studio into a full-service marketing firm. Her team leverages data-driven design and digital strategy to help brands communicate with clarity, creativity, and measurable impact.

>With over 15 years of experience in brand development and advertising, Yanique has brought her expertise in community-building and strategic design to the Guild since 2016. She has spearheaded several member-centric initiatives—including Guild Chat, Guild Chat LIVE, and the Monthly Member Spotlights—all aimed at fostering connection, professional growth, and visibility for creative professionals.

Yanique has previously served the Guild as Southern Regional Representative (2016–2019), At-Large Representative (2019–2021), Treasurer (2021–2023), and International Council of Design (ICoD) Delegate (2018–2022).

To learn more about Yanique’s agency, visit https://theykmd.com/

Contact Yanique at: president@graphicartistsguild.org

Sherra Bell is a seasoned creative business strategist and coach who has spent nearly three decades helping creative entrepreneurs align their work, worth, and well-being. Through her private practice, Sherra Bell Consulting, and her collaborative community, Creative Know-Who, she combines expertise in sales, recruitment, and business design with an intuitive understanding of creative sensibilities.

Her work often begins by guiding clients from a creator mindset focused on deliverables and hourly rates into consultative leadership where they confidently sell the value of their expertise. Longtime clients continue with Sherra to develop teams, refine operations, and intentionally grow purpose-driven consultancies anchored in ethical and sustainable business models. She is currently exploring ways to help prevent the shuttering of successful design businesses through early planning for profitable, transferable exits.

In addition to her BFA in Graphic Design, Sherra holds a Master of Arts in Religion with a focus on social justice, which informs her commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable profitability. An industry leader and community builder since college, she is passionate about empowering creative professionals to thrive as conscious leaders who prosper through differentiation even in challenging economies while staying true to their values and championing meaningful causes. She also recently launched Intently Creative, a podcast that explores and celebrates how creative leaders make conscious impact in communities, culture, and commerce.

As Secretary of the Graphic Artists Guild, Sherra brings a deep history of community engagement that began during her college years. She is honored to support the Guild’s mission of advocacy and education that elevate both individual opportunities for growth and the collective value of creativity.

To learn more about Sherra’s coaching and consulting, visit sherrabell.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Contact Sherra at Secretary@graphicartistsguild.org.

Ayanna is passionate about helping organizations, artists, and creative teams operate with clarity and confidence by building systems that truly work. Her career spans accounting, operations, and project management, with a focus on creating thoughtful, sustainable processes that reduce stress and allow people to focus on their creative and strategic work.

Over the years, she’s managed million-dollar budgets, designed bookkeeping and financial systems for small businesses and nonprofits, and developed HR and IT policies that support healthy, well-run organizations. She enjoys transforming complex or disorganized information—whether it’s financial records, workflows, or legacy systems—into structures that are clear, efficient, and easy to maintain.

A career highlight was leading a bi-coastal creative project with the Los Angeles Lakers, where she coordinated teams across time zones, managed timelines and resources, and ensured smooth execution from start to finish. Experiences like this reinforce what she values most: strong systems that support ambitious creative work.

She also works closely with artists and creative startups, helping them build the operational foundation behind their practice. From setting up bookkeeping and financial tracking to organizing digital archives and workflows, she focuses on creating secure, transparent systems that support long-term sustainability.

As Treasurer, she will bring a steady, detail-oriented approach grounded in transparency, accountability, and care for the creative community. Her goal is to ensure the Guild’s financial operations are clear, responsible, and aligned with its mission—so members can feel confident in the organization that supports them.

Liz has traveled a varied, winding path into creative professionalism. She graduated from Alfred University in 2011 with a BFA, then unexpectedly pivoted into the great wide world of association management.

Early in her career she began volunteering for the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and re-established their New York chapter. When she later transitioned to being the Community Manager for the AWI, she supported chapters across the country, completed association executive training with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and built a lasting vibrant community for their membership to grow in.

Though her career steered her more down the path of membership coordination and social media management, Liz knew her passion for illustration needed its time to shine. In 2018 Liz took the leap and became a full-time freelance illustrator, specializing in children’s books. The Graphic Artists Guild, and other professional associations, have been instrumental in helping Liz develop and grow Her business. Liz hopes to pass on the goodwill and knowledge her time here has brought.

Rachel is a Freelance Associate Creative Director | Art Director in the advertising industry. In her career she’s worked on broadcast, social activations, and branding for clients such as eBay | Sneakers, eBay | Trading Cards, Bojangles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Puma, Hallmark, Lenovo, Bolt, Samsung, Tempurpedic and Edward Jones.

She’s a founding member of an AI, Tech & Art Collective called CRIMEBABIES, and a Co-Director of Mograph Meetup, a Networking Group for animators and other working creatives in the region. With these skills and expertise she has been appointed Secretary and Executive Board member of the Graphic Artists Guild, with a focus on advocacy initiatives around AI.

You can contact Rachel at: advocacy@graphicartistsguild.org

Leanne Bowers, a dedicated Board member of the Graphic Artists Guild, brings a wealth of experience to the organization. She became a Guild member in 2019, driven by her deep appreciation for the creative essence of our industry. In 2020, she took on the role of East Region Associate Representative, where she quickly became a steadfast advocate for the Guild’s mission.

During her tenure, Leanne initiated and contributed to projects including “The Lone Artist,” a monthly event for lone artists to come together, and the Coloring Book Fundraiser, whose goal is to support fundraising and member promotion.

In addition to her Guild involvement, Leanne is the Founder/Creative Director of Creative Cete, a dynamic graphic design studio established in 2023.

With over 13 years of experience in corporate design, two American InHouse Design Awards from Graphic Design USA, and a specialization in regulatory fields like finance and cybersecurity, Leanne is dedicated to advancing the interests of fellow artists and designers.

As a Board member, she envisions a future where the Graphic Artists Guild continues to evolve and thrive. Leanne is committed to advocating for the diverse needs of Guild members, fostering an inclusive environment, collaborating with fellow Board Members to elevate industry standards, and ensuring the Guild remains a symbol of creativity, innovation, and professionalism for graphic artists nationwide.

Josh Steadman offers over 25 years of experience as a Creative Director, Art Director, Set Designer, Show Designer, and Illustrator, with a versatile career that began in television and theater before evolving into theme park design and build. Throughout his career, he has worked on several high-profile projects for renowned clients, including ABC Television, Shanghai Disneyland, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. in Las Vegas and Singapore, Cartoon Network’s The Wave Cruise Ship, Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove (where he served as Director of Show Design and Production), Genting Skyworlds as Art Director, Warner Brothers Park in Abu Dhabi as a ride designer/illustrator, and most recently, as Creative Director/Sr. Art Director at Paradox Studios for all attraction pre-show films for the upcoming Six Flags: Qiddiya. In addition to his professional work, Josh serves on the Advisory Board at Laguna College of Art and Design and acts as a mentor to students at Savannah College of Art and Design. He is passionate about shaping the next generation of industry leaders and continues to inspire as an Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Design at Laguna College of Art and Design.

Carl Cleanthes is a multidisciplinary artist, creative
director, and founder of Epic Made, a storytelling driven creative studio specializing in illustration, design, and animation. With nearly two decades of experience, he has collaborated with brands including SYFY, Nickelodeon, WWE, and Shopify.

Carl has served the Graphic Artists Guild in several leadership and advisory capacities over the past few years and now serves as Development Chair. His work focuses on strengthening community, supporting sustainable creative careers, and advancing advocacy around artists’ rights, copyright, and ethical uses of emerging technologies.

Carl is also the host of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, where he has led over 100 conversations with artists, designers, and creative leaders on creativity, business, and the future of the creative industry.

Joseph Carter-Brown is a brand designer and strategist from Baltimore, MD, dedicated to making design more ethical, inclusive, and grounded in real human needs.

With over 20 years of experience as a designer, developer, and business owner, he brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to every project. Whether working independently or within complex enterprise environments, he helps organizations focus on the people most affected by their work and create solutions that are both responsible and lasting.

He believes design should be done with people, not just for them—and that meaningful change begins by working directly with communities to understand their needs and aspirations. As former President of AIGA Baltimore, he put that belief into practice by engaging a broad spectrum of creatives and strengthening community connections throughout Baltimore and across the country.

He’s also the co-author of the Impact Outlook Toolkit, a framework that helps organizations consider human impact alongside business goals to guide more ethical decision-making.

Through his role with the Guild, Joe is committed to ensuring that a diverse range of creative voices are included and considered in shaping the future of the industry.

Michele has over 20 years of experience practicing intellectual property law. She’s doing what she can to drag the legal profession into the 21st century. In 2015, she launched Beeline Legal, a web-based expert system that delivers legal services to help clients protect the trademarks they love at a price they can afford.

Links and Handles
Beeline website: https://beelinelegal.com/
The Bee Blog: beelinelegal.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Beeline Legal NYC

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/micheleberdinis
Instagram: @beeline_legal
https://www.instagram.com/beeline_legal/

Linda Secondari is the Publisher for the Graphic Artists Guild, overseeing the development of the 17th edition of the “Handbook for Pricing + Ethical Guidelines.”

When she’s not working on the Handbook, Linda is also Principal and Creative Director of Studiolo Secondari, a design firm in NYC focusing on Book Development and Digital Communications.

Before establishing Studiolo, she was the Creative Director at Oxford University Press, where she managed an international design team of 40 Designers and Art Directors split between the Oxford, New York, Toronto, and Delhi offices with a yearly output of 3,000+ titles.

Linda Secondari is an award-winning Designer and Creative Director. Linda’s work has been recognized by the AIGA, ICP, NY Book Show, the Stiftung Buchkunst Competition of the Frankfurt Book Fair, and the AUP Book, Jacket, and Journal Show.

Paula Hinkle has worked in the Graphic Arts field since receiving her degree from the University of Akron more than 30 years ago. Her experience has been in various capacities; as a production artist, a print shop supervisor/manager & designer, and as a business owner. She enjoys learning new things and makes it a priority.

Paula joined the Graphic Artists Guild in 2001, working as a volunteer for the At-Large Chapter before becoming a Regional Administrator for the Guild. She has served as assistant webinar coordinator since 2011. From 2003 – 2016, Paula  updated the chapter and regional websites & created weekly regional e-communications. She maintained the National web site from 2006-2016.

Paula began working as Administrative Director for the Graphic Artists Guild in January 2017.

Sofia is a content creator, filmmaker and video editor with a background in developing engaging content for various international brands. She has worked at a digital marketing agency, where she collaborated with creative teams to plan and execute successful advertising campaigns, managing budgets and analyzing metrics to deliver impactful results.

As a filmmaker and video editor, she has produced a range of projects, from commercials to award-winning short films showcased at international festivals.

Currently, Sofia is the Administrator’s Assistant at the Graphic Artist Guild, where she continues to pursue new opportunities for growth and creativity.

I’ve been creating my whole life. Growing up with an art teacher/watercolor artist mother gave me a great head start on my art career.

I have been a graphic designer for over 35 years. For the majority of that time, I was an in-house designer for large high-tech corporations. I worked on everything from brand identity to booth displays, infographics to explainer videos, web design to animated annual reports. The past few years I have been transitioning to a freelance designer/illustrator/cartoonist and have found the Guild a great resource for all the information I didn’t know I needed to know to be an independent artist.

neweng-rep@graphicartistsguild.org

Sir Michael Allan Galvez (he/him) is the Marketing Director of Creative & Digital Media for the Broadway supper club 54 Below and BFV Management, a producing and management group that represents various Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including Back to the Future The Musical, STOMP, and The Jonathan Larson Project. Together with his team, they have made showstopping digital media for today’s cultural luminaries, rising stars, and hit shows. His photography can be seen on the pages of Variety, The Wall Street Journal, E! News, and in the archives of The Smithsonian.

In 2024, he was made a Knight of Rizal, conferred at an investiture ceremony at the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York. He was subsequently elevated to Knight Commander in 2025. Sir Michael is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts of the United Kingdom, and Co-Lead of its Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network.

If you are interested in the Midwest Region Rep position, contact Paula at: admin@graphicartistsguild.org.

Lennie Gray is a multi-disciplinary designer and creative strategist who specializes in social impact and sustainable design. A creative industry thought leader in fostering resilient creative communities that make a positive impact. With a graphic arts background as a Letterpress printmaker and brand strategist, Lennie’s creative direction can be found across print, web, film, and even on living community projects like building organic urban farms. Lennie’s refreshing candor, and approach to design keeps the conversation honest while shining a light on challenging subjects that impact us all. Lennie is inspired by the power of each moment, the abundance of love, human imagination, and kindness found in strangers. 

Junru (Jennie) Xu stands out as an exceptional global award-winning product designer and UX lead, boasting eight years of rich experience in product design, user experience, and human-computer interaction. After graduated from Columbia University, she currently serve as a senior product designer at DirecTV in Seattle. (https://www.junruxu.com/)

Junru’s remarkable UX design initiatives, particularly those focusing on social impact, have earned her multiple global awards gold winner, including The Red Dot Award, A’ Design Award & Competition, the Indigo Design Awards, the ADC Awards, the Muse Design Awards, the London Design Awards, Asia Design PRIZE, and the first prize from Chicago Women in Architecture. She is also a jury member for international design awards including World Brand Design Society, the Muse Design Awards, London Design Awards, Titan property awards(2025), Rome Design Awards (2025), Orpetron Web Design Awards, and the American Business Awards.

As the West Region Representative, Junru takes on significant responsibility and contributes greatly to the mission of the Graphic Artists Guild. Her efforts strengthen the Guild’s influence and ensure that the voices of artists in the West Region are effectively represented.