The Black Editorial ™
The Black Editorial ™
The Cultural Brief of Derek Roberts
May 2025
Derek Roberts, captured in a moment of candid joy, bringing authenticity and heart to everything he does.
Welcome To Derek’s Creative Universe
Derek Roberts, is a creative force specializing in product graphic design and art direction. Deeply rooted in global youth culture and visual storytelling, his work bridges design with purpose reshaping how brands connect with their audiences in lasting, meaningful ways.
Raised in the UK by Caribbean parents, Derek’s creative journey began as soon as he could pick up a pencil. He later studied Multimedia Textiles at Loughborough University, graduating with First Class Honours, which opened doors to fashion design studios in New York, Paris, and London. Over the years, Derek has brought his vision to major brands including Abercrombie, American Eagle, and Nike, working globally in-house and across disciplines.
His design legacy includes collaborations with Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Fila, and Pendleton Woolen Mills, as well as culturally resonant projects like Nike’s N7 x Pendleton, Marvel, and Star Wars. Among his proudest moments: designing custom Nike Mercurial Superflys for Carli Lloyd, one celebrating her 100th goal and another for her 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year honor. He’s also designed for Nike Basketball, including a shoe graphic for LeBron James; especially meaningful, having personally witnessed LeBron’s early days in Ohio.
Currently, Derek lends his talent to Roots of Fight, a lifestyle brand honoring cultural icons and trailblazers like Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Bill Russell, and Pelé, amplifying legacies through apparel and art.
Nike LeBron 12 PE “Veterans Day” was a special athlete-exclusive release, worn by LeBron James during a Cavs vs. Nuggets game as a tribute to U.S. veterans. Designed by Derek, the custom flag pattern featured on the upper, a visual salute to service and legacy. Art Direction: Eric Goto , Graphics: Derek Roberts , Nike Basketball Team
Special edition Mercurial Superfly with a gold Swoosh, “Leave Your Legacy” on the heel tab, and three stars to commemorate Carli Lloyd’s historic hat trick, as an exclusive release only 20 additional pairs were produced.
Creative Vision & Aesthetic Identity
What does “redefining visual languages” mean to you, and how do you approach it in your creative process today?
“Redefining visual languages to me means researching the heritage of a brand, breaking down elements of trends to create a credible future, with newness but expresses core beliefs and values of that brand. When I receive a brief, l always note down initial thoughts and feelings, in words or visuals. Then l research the brand for key looks, evergreens and standards. After this l breakdown the brief, exploring visual connections.”
Your aesthetic carries a sense of both playfulness and purpose. Where does that duality come from, and how has it evolved over time?
“The playfulness and purpose of the duality comes from me, l love to explore new concepts and push myself creatively. I feel having fun with design is part of my process. The purpose is usually defined by the design brief.”
What role does identity, whether cultural, generational, or personal play in your design work? Are there moments where your own story shows up in subtle or direct ways?
“My identity, culturally sometimes gets to be expressed in my work. An example is a project I did with Lovepop Cards, where l was able to explore cultural heritage visually and through storytelling.
When l worked at Nike, l was given the opportunity to work on Nike N7. Nike N7 is a program and product line within Nike that focuses on supporting and empowering Native American and Indigenous youth through sport and physical activity. It also includes a grant program called the N7 Fund, which provides funding to organizations serving Native youth in the US and Canada. The N7 concept is inspired by the Native American wisdom of the Seven Generations, which emphasizes considering the impact of decisions on future generations. N7 was a great opportunity to collaborate with Native Americans, amplifying Native stories to bring together the aesthetic of Nike.”
Innovation meets tradition within Nike N7 Holiday 2013 Collection featuring a collaboration between Nike and Pendleton Woolen Mills.
A Collage of Work
Much of your work lives at the intersection of fashion and storytelling. Can you talk about a project where design moved beyond visuals and into emotional or cultural storytelling?
“An example of this would be my Lovepop project, where l was able to explore cultural heritage visually and through storytelling. I dug into some of my personal heritage, my parents are both Caribbean, my father was from St Vincent, and my mum is from Barbados. My father would also share stories from the islands from Duppies to the meaning behind plants.
As I’ve grown, I’ve felt a deeper connection to nature, ancestors, and the African diaspora.
I read stories of enslaved Africans who hid seeds in their braids to plant in new lands, as a means of survival. Okra, Indigo and the Baobab trees are symbols of resilience, spirituality and community, while hummingbirds in Jamaica are seen as ancestral spirits. Sunflowers always turn towards the sun, symbolizing toughness and the ability to seek light. Pan-African colors reflected strength, unity and hope. These elements tell a story of hope, reminding us of the powerful legacy we carry.”
The center of the blanket design prominently features the Nike N7 mark—three arrows pointing back to signify past generations, three arrows pointing forward to signify future generations, and arrows in the center to represent the current generation. The arrows sometimes appearing as triangles or other shapes, convey both movement and balance. The blanket is reversible for a positive/negative visual effect, with a black base on one side and white on the other, and includes the iconic blue Pendleton Woolen Mills badge with black and cream Nike N7 label.
Creative Director by Anthony Harrison, Design and Graphics by Derek Roberts
The Gift of Hope Sunflower created by Derek, exploring cultural heritage visually and through storytelling.
Social Impact Through Design
You’ve been featured in major platforms from Vogue to Hypebeast , how do you define success in your creative practice beyond media attention or brand campaigns?
“For me, success is able to express myself, artistically and have the purest expression of my ideas out in public and inspiring others.”
What are some ways you think young designers today can challenge visual norms and break through in meaningful, not just viral, ways?
“I feel true expression of your personal ideas and style is important, we all have special stories wherever you come from and the life you have lived. Your uniqueness is your superpower! Curiosity, passion and drive are a must. Learn the rules and then you can break them, if you get arrested, don’t blame me!”
Looking Ahead
How do you see the future of product design evolving in a world that’s increasingly influenced by AI, cultural hybridity, and digital subcultures?
“Looking ahead, I think the cream of the crop will always rise. AI will be used as a creative aid. I like to think there’s always going to be a space for creative people to add some sauce. AI is like fast food, it’s quick but not always the healthiest, prepared with love and fresh ingredients, like home cooking, we can always tell the difference.”
What’s something you’ve learned on your journey that you wish more people in the design world were talking about?
“True diversity is essential to developing great products. Diversity of thought and background helps fill the gaps in our own perspectives. By bringing together different voices, we can build more holistic systems and products.”
Derek Roberts
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