January 28th: Today's Feature

January

Jon Daniel (1966 - 2017), was a highly accomplished and celebrated creative genius hailing from Britain with a rich African Caribbean heritage. With an impressive career spanning over twenty-five years, Jon's expertise lay in graphic design, where he had honed his skills as an art director for some of London's top advertising agencies.

His exceptional talent led him to create impactful and award-winning campaigns for a diverse range of clients, including renowned names like IBM, the COI, the Inland Revenue, The Institute of Contemporary Arts, Philips, Virgin Direct, and notably, NHS Careers, which was hailed as the most successful recruitment campaign in the public sector at the time.

Family Culture

Born in London to West Indian immigrants, Jon's upbringing was influenced by his multicultural background. His mother, Sheila, hailed from Grenada and worked as a district nurse, while his father, Horace who came from Barbados, started his career at London Transport before transitioning to the civil service.

Growing up in East Sheen with his two brothers, Damian and Tony, Jon experienced a sense of uniqueness due to his distinctive afro hairstyle. However, he fondly remembered his childhood without any overt racism, only a subtle awareness of being different.

Jon immersed himself in the rich West Indian culture of his extended family and drew inspiration from the African-American movement transitioning from the civil rights era to the vibrant funk scene of the 70s. His older brother, Tony, introduced him to influential bands like the Ohio Players, Brass Construction, Cameo, and Slave, while he delved into the biographies of influential figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.

In 1993, he married Jane Cullen, a fellow art director, and their love story, marked by Jon's persistent courtship, became legendary among their wide circle of friends. As a devoted husband and father to their two sons, Noah and Gil, Jon's passion for creativity and his unwavering dedication to his family were truly remarkable.

Graphic Design

Fuelling his overactive mind and imagination, Jon pursued a graphic design course and went on to work as an art director for renowned ad agencies in London for an impressive 25 years.

Not only did Jon excel in his role as an art director, but he also co-founded and served as the Executive Creative Director for two prominent creative companies. The first, Headland, was a dynamic creative partnership that thrived under Jon's visionary leadership.

The second, ebb&flow®, was a boutique branding company that catered to a wide array of clients, ranging from corporate and cultural entities to commercial and governmental organisations. Notable clients of ebb&flow® included the Mayor of London and the GLA, Greenpeace, and the groundbreaking charity Keep a Child Alive, which was co-founded by Leigh Blake and internationally acclaimed recording artist Alicia Keys.

Jon's extensive experience in these ventures has equipped him with a unique perspective and the ability to deliver strategic and creative brand ideas across various media platforms and environments.

Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Jon Daniel has emerged as one of the most influential and recognised Black creatives of his generation. With an unparalleled passion for highlighting the richness of African diaspora culture, Jon has emerged as a prominent voice in the creative industry.

His tireless efforts to shed light on the often overlooked narratives and achievements of Black individuals have not only brought about a greater understanding and appreciation for their historical legacy but have also paved the way for increased representation and inclusivity. By championing the stories and talents of African diaspora people, Jon has become a catalyst for change, inspiring others to embrace diversity and challenge societal norms.

Jon's diverse range of work showcased his versatility and passion for various creative endeavours. From designing ad campaigns to raising awareness about black consciousness, writing magazine columns, and curating exhibitions, he embraced every opportunity with unwavering enthusiasm. Whether he was advocating for the Royal Mail to feature his stamp designs highlighting the black contribution to Britain or simply sharing his excitement about spotting a celebrity at Herne Hill station, Jon's infectious energy and genuine excitement were always evident.

Inspired by his idol George Clinton, Jon believed in the importance of embracing one's heritage and celebrating the contributions of the black community. He dedicated his career to working on campaigns and branding for Black History Month and Operation Black Vote, collaborating with influential figures such as Ms Dynamite, Soul II Soul, and the Black Cultural Archives. Through his regular column, 4 Corners, in Design Week, Jon highlighted the trailblazers who paved the way for creativity within the black community.

One of Jon's notable exhibitions was "Post-Colonial: Stamps from the African Diaspora," which took place at the prestigious Stanley Gibbons store in London in 2011. This exhibition showcased the rich history and culture of the African diaspora through a collection of stamps. Additionally, Jon curated an exhibition called "Afro Supa Hero," which featured his personal collection of black action figures and comic books. Starting with a Malcolm X doll in the mid-90s, Jon's collection grew to include iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Meteor Man, as well as Black Goliath comics and Harlem Globetrotters board games. The exhibition was a testament to Jon's passion for preserving and celebrating black culture.

Jon's superpower was his ability to bring people together, regardless of their background or social status. Whether it was the joyous crowds at his Afro Supa Hero exhibition or the vibrant atmosphere of his birthday parties, Jon had a unique talent for creating a sense of unity and inclusivity. His generosity of spirit was infectious, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Although Jon passed away in 2017 from pneumonia, his legacy lives on through his powerful and political artwork. A retrospective exhibition titled "Afro Supa Hero" was held at the 198 Gallery in Brixton, south London. Curated by his friend Lorayne Crawford, the exhibition paid tribute to Jon's remarkable contributions to the art world and his dedication to promoting black culture. It served as a reminder of Jon's unwavering commitment to celebrating the past, present, and future achievements of the black diaspora and their descendants.