Celebrating Black History Month with Glowforge Creator Domonique Brown

This Black History Month, we're honored to spotlight Black creators who transform their creative visions into reality with Glowforge.

Amazing things happen when diverse voices come together to share their creativity! We're excited to celebrate makers who bring inspiring stories and fresh perspectives to the Glowforge community.

"Our differences make us beautiful, and each person’s story deserves to be celebrated."

Introducing: Domonique Brown

Her vibrant portraits celebrate Black culture and joy! From her signature neon zigzag hairstyles to mixed media masterpieces, she creates art that ensures everyone feels seen and represented. We sat down with Domonique to explore how she combines traditional techniques with laser precision to bring her unique vision to life.

Tell us a little about yourself! How did you get into making and crafting?

I consider myself a free-flowing creative. Some of my earliest memories involve arts and crafts in preschool, including a drawing of a portrait of a woman on a paper plate with crayons. I was that kid who was always drawing in class, filling the moments between note-taking with sketches. Creativity has always been woven into my life. My artistic journey has taken me from portraiture to 3D toy design, jewelry-making, and apparel design. I constantly challenge myself to evolve, never staying stagnant as an artist.

What do you love most about your craft, and what keeps you coming back to it?

What I love most about crafting is seeing my ideas come to life. Years of practice in drawing and design allow me to create on my own, and it’s fulfilling to use these skills to make purposeful art. It’s always amazing when people buy my prints and product s— it lets me know my art resonates with others in a joyful way.

Do you have a signature style or theme that shows up in your work?

A recurring theme in my work is the emphasis on hair. Growing up, hair was a significant part of my identity, and even now, I continue to experiment with different styles. When creating art, I primarily focus on portraiture, often highlighting the hair with zigzag lines in bright neon colors to make it stand out.

Can you share a favorite project you’ve made and why it’s special to you?

One of my favorite ongoing projects is diving into mixed media portraiture with fabric, paint, paper, markers, and more. It's been such a fun experiment, blending different materials to create something unique. Plus, using my Glowforge to precisely cut pieces adds a whole new layer of creativity to the process, bringing the artwork to life in ways I hadn’t imagined before!

How does your identity as a Black creative influence your work and the way you share it?

Much of my artwork centers on Black culture and experience, focusing on its beauty and joy. Growing up, I rarely saw Black art outside of my home, which made it feel like there was no space for it. As an adult, my work reflects the art I couldn’t easily find in stores or in art galleries. I create pieces to ensure others feel seen and represented.

Are there any Black artists, crafters, or historical figures that inspire your work?

Before I knew about artists like Kerry James Marshall, Faith Ringgold, and Basquiat, the only artists I knew were my parents and grandmother. I spent weekends with my grandmother, or "granny," watching her sew all kinds of outfits — like vests made from ties and a wedding dress with hand-sewn flowers. She didn’t use patterns; she just looked at photos for inspiration, and it was amazing to see her create like that. Watching her live a life doing what she loved inspired me to do the same.

My parents also painted white ceramic statues Black to sell to people who couldn’t find Black home decor, much like today. I grew up seeing people create art inspired by Black culture and make a living from it while helping others in the process.

Now, social media lets me connect with creatives worldwide, inspiring my own work. In the past, you’d visit galleries to find new artists, but now platforms like Instagram and Pinterest make it easy. I don’t have a particular 'favorite' artist right now because I’m always discovering new ones.

Do you see yourself represented in the crafting world? If not, what changes would you love to see?

I do feel represented in the crafting world! Through shared creative passions, I’ve connected with artists from all walks of life. For instance, as an interior designer for my own space, I follow many creatives who share my love for maximalism in art and decor. Their home decor inspires me to find similar pieces or create something based on their style.

How has social media or online communities helped you grow as a creator?

Social media and online communities have really shifted my perspective as a creator. When I first started sharing my artwork, I was nervous about how others would perceive it, as I didn’t have confidence yet. But seeing other artists share their work so openly helped me embrace self-expression without fear of judgment. Being part of these communities has also taught me useful tips — from the best glue for acrylics to the top paint brands. I’m constantly inspired by other artists’ work, which pushes me to think outside the box and experiment more in my own creations.

If you could share one message through your work this month, what would it be?

My message would be to embrace your individuality and love who you are. I want my art to make people feel seen, heard, and empowered — celebrating culture, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring self-expression. Our differences make us beautiful, and each person’s story deserves to be celebrated.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Domonique!

Don’t miss her next creation! Keep track of Domonique's incredible projects over on Instagram.