Black artists are creating an open-source database of 3D-modeled Black hairstyle

[Gizmo_Duck]

set to launch on Juneteenth 2023

Black hair has been bad forever in games—from the worst box braids to the raggediest of dreads to even messing up naturals at this point," said Kahlief Adams, host of the Spawn on Me podcast, which highlights people of color in the gaming industry. "Like, you'll see a character and think, 'Sure, you got a close fade, but I don't know where your hairline is fam.'"

Last year, Oakland-based artist and UC Santa Cruz assistant professor A.M. Darke had had enough. She started recruiting Black artists for the Open Source Afro Hair Library, the industry's first free database of 3D-modeled Black hairstyles. The library, slated to launch on Juneteenth 2023, will function as a source for usable 3D assets for gaming, animation, and other ventures as well as an online gallery to inspire and normalize Black inclusion.

By recruiting all Black artists and making the database free, Darke plans to create an anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and feminist approach to the portrayal of Black hair as well as a sense of unified ownership and investment in how the hairstyles are used.

"All of us can be caretakers, all of us can be stewards, all of us can look at the work and think about how to use it ethically and point out unethical practices," said Darke, 36, who teaches Digital Arts, New Media, and Performance Play and Design. "I want to create a space that's open for all Black folks to have this conversation about what we want this to be."

 

[Rekkapryde]

So needed

 

[Mowgli]

Should have tried to get paid first instead of giving out hugs

 

[Sonic Boom of the South]

Them NBA Live hairstyles

shyt was pathetic

 

[humminbird]

Should have tried to get paid first instead of giving out hugs

For once I agree
License this

 

[ORDER_66]

THIS is dope and NEEDED because these white video game developers are trash when it comes to black hairstyles and textures!!!

 

[ORDER_66]

These twitter responses tho are highly

 

[ALonelyDad]

Shouldn't give it out for free

 

[Womb Raider]

Bruh


I always say there are zero black hairstyles in GTA besides dreads…I tried other shyt and looked GOOFY


This should be a goldmine, shouldn’t be giving it away for free

 

[breakfuss]

Man, character creation is the WORST and usually puts me in a state of paralysis. And it isn't even just available hairstyles but the complexions as well. Forza Horizon 5 is the most recent example for me. So I applaud this but agree with yall that they should be licensing it out for a fee.

 

[Gizmo_Duck]

I think if thtey put a licensing fee people would be less willing to use it

 

[Khalil's_Black_Excellence]

This is dope. And as much as I'm all for seeing our black men and women getting paid, it's their choice ultimately and eliminates any excuse why any game after this drops to not use this.

 

[Tenchi Ryu]

Should have tried to get paid first instead of giving out hugs

Naw cause then you won’t see it

 

[Mowgli]

Naw cause then you won’t see it

We don't know that. Could have licensed it to unreal and had it downloaded from the store with all the other packs.

Don't act like because it's black it's worthless or can't be sold.

 

[Legal]

Man, character creation is the WORST and usually puts me in a state of paralysis. And it isn't even just available hairstyles but the complexions as well. Forza Horizon 5 is the most recent example for me. So I applaud this but agree with yall that they should be licensing it out for a fee.

The character creator in Forza Horizon 5 is a fukking crime. How the fukk am I able to have a prosthesis on any combination of my limbs, but can't get a decent haircut?