Tré Seals × Chronicle Books
Dream In Color
This large-format book features 30 removable posters by 30 inspiring Black creatives from around the world. Artists and designers, including London-based muralist Lakwena and South Africa-based artist Huston Wilson, among others, are included in this inspiring book of ready-to-frame artwork. ¶ Each poster is aesthetically unique; the selection ranges from illustrations to typography featuring phrases expressing positivity, hope, and strength, all through the lenses of internationally acclaimed and emerging Black creatives working today. ¶
When I first began working with Gloria at Chronicle Chroma, there was simply this vague idea of creating a poster book with work from Black creators. ¶ At first, I wondered if this should be a poster book of protest signs entitled FREEDOM NOW! However, in thinking about the experience of reaching out to artists to create this super specific poster, I felt like I was putting some limitation on what they can and can’t express. ¶ With that said, the final title was inspired by the dictionary definition of "black art," which is witchcraft and necromancy. So, I wanted this poster book to be an opportunity for us (Black artists, designers, creators, etc.) to define what Black art is for and express whatever we hope to express. ¶
“We see Black as a palette, a mixture of every color and every form of light. This is our true definition of Black, and this is why we Dream in Color.”
— Tré Seals
Photo from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Challenges in the Pandemic of Racism
After going through nearly a year of COVID quarantine and protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, the world was looking to the Black community for answers to a problem we didn’t create, while the design industry was looking to Black creatives to promote their temporary diversity efforts. While many questions and opportunities were being thrown our way, no one was asking a very simple question: how do you feel? ¶ While books and campaigns were being developed around diversity and inclusion, I was working on a poster book. The project began in August of 2021, with only two months to complete. ¶
Photo courtesy of Phlox Books
Writing the Introduction
After going through nearly a year of COVID quarantine and protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, the world was looking to the Black community for answers to a problem we didn’t create, while the design industry was looking to Black creatives to promote their temporary diversity efforts. While many questions and opportunities were being thrown our way, no one was asking a very simple question: how do you feel? ¶ While books and campaigns were being developed around diversity and inclusion, I was working on a poster book that allowed Black creatives the opportunity to answer that question. ¶
Curating the Book
Making the book was easy. Finding 30 individuals willing to be included was a different story. The project began in August of 2021, and because of shipping delays and material shortages, there were two months left before the print deadline. ¶ The first week of August was spent compiling a list of 60 Black creatives to include. From here, it was time to be considerate of more than race, with the hope of gaining as many diverse perspectives as possible. The end result was a collection of 30 Black creatives, from 5 continents, including transgender, non-binary, female, and male creatives. ¶