About | Crafted by Makers

Crafted by Makers is dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black artists and marginalized creators, while building an inclusive community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and meaningful connections for all.

Our Story

As a Black, queer artist, Kendria faced unique challenges finding platforms that fully embraced diverse identities and creative voices. She recognized that many creators from marginalized backgrounds felt similarly unseen and unsupported, often left out of art spaces that don’t always reflect the richness of different lived experiences.

Kendria wanted to change that. She imagined a place where artists of all backgrounds and experiences could gather to not only showcase their work but also find a supportive community that understands and celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Her goal was clear: to create a space where artistry and identity could coexist openly and joyfully, and where everyone—artists and art lovers alike—could feel a true sense of belonging.

With this vision, Crafted by Makers was born. Kendria set out to build an inclusive online community, one that not only provided a platform for artists to sell their work but also fostered real connections and friendships. She wanted non-artists to be welcomed, too, as valued members who appreciate and support creative work. The platform launched with key initiatives, such as the Meet the Maker Monday interview series, where artists could share their stories, and the monthly art challenges that encourage everyone to get creative and engage with each other.

Crafted by Makers has grown into a place where art is celebrated in all its forms, where diversity isn’t just accepted but is fundamental, and where people come together through shared values of solidarity, joy, and respect.

Our Purpose

Crafted by Makers was created not only as a supportive platform for artists, especially those who are Black, queer, or come from marginalized backgrounds, but also as a welcoming space for art enthusiasts, supporters, and non-artists. Recognizing that art thrives through community, founder Kendria Thompson designed Crafted by Makers to invite everyone who appreciates creativity and values connection to join in.

This platform celebrates artists of all identities while also embracing non-artists as vital members of the community. Whether they’re here to support, discover new art, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, non-artists bring essential energy and encouragement to the community. Crafted by Makers offers forums, groups, and events that allow everyone—not just artists—to feel like they’re an integral part of a creative ecosystem where they can learn, connect, and contribute. It’s a space built for everyone who believes in the joy of art and the power of inclusivity, where each person’s presence adds to the spirit of solidarity, celebration, and shared growth.

Who We Are

Crafted by Makers is a vibrant community of artists, makers, and supporters, all coming together to celebrate creativity, share diverse perspectives, and foster meaningful connections that uplift and inspire one another.

Why We Exist

Crafted by Makers was founded to provide a platform where marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled artists, can connect, thrive, and be celebrated. This mission is especially crucial given the challenges these communities face in creative industries.

For instance, Black artists often experience systemic barriers to recognition and support. While making up a significant portion of the artistic community, they continue to face underrepresentation in galleries and exhibitions. A 2023 report from ArtTactic found that only 4% of artists in the contemporary art market were Black, highlighting a glaring lack of diversity in the higher echelons of the art world.

Additionally, LGBTQ+ and Indigenous makers encounter compounded struggles. Research indicates that LGBTQ+ people of color, including those identifying as Black and Indigenous, experience higher rates of discrimination, health disparities, and economic challenges, impacting their ability to fully participate in the arts. Over 40% of LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. are people of color, with 12% identifying as Black, according to the American Medical Association.

Among Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth, the challenges are even more severe, with a study from The Trevor Project showing that Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth face a 66% higher risk of suicide attempts than their non-Indigenous peers, coupled with food insecurity, homelessness, and a lack of access to culturally affirming mental health services.

Moreover, disabled artists also encounter numerous barriers, including limited access to resources, spaces, and audiences. The 2021 Disability Arts Survey reported that disabled artists are significantly underrepresented in major art venues, and they struggle to obtain funding and recognition comparable to their non-disabled peers.

Crafted by Makers is committed to reversing these trends by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where these creators can showcase their work, collaborate, and receive recognition without the barriers of racism, ableism, or other forms of discrimination. It’s not just about providing a marketplace—it’s about creating a space where every artist, regardless of their background or identity, can feel valued and empowered to share their story.

Our Vision

Crafted by Makers aims to become a transformative force in the arts community, elevating diverse voices and fostering a more inclusive and equitable space for artists of all backgrounds. Its vision is to create a future where artists—especially those who are Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other marginalized groups—are no longer sidelined or excluded from the opportunities and recognition they deserve.

Crafted by Makers also aspires to inspire a cultural shift in the broader art community, promoting diversity as a key value in the artistic landscape. As the movement for diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to grow, platforms like Crafted by Makers can help lead by example, showing that creativity thrives best when it is nurtured by a diverse and supportive environment. Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, the platform envisions a future where the arts are a space for everyone, regardless of background or identity, to create, share, and be celebrated.

In doing so, Crafted by Makers hopes to make a lasting impact not just on individual artists but on the broader arts ecosystem, creating ripple effects that challenge the status quo and bring more people from historically underrepresented groups into the fold.

What We Stand For

Crafted by Makers is rooted in solidarity, community, and joy. We are a collective of artists and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds who believe creativity flourishes in an environment free from discrimination and bias. We are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for all, and we stand firmly against any form of hate or marginalization, including:

Racism in all its forms
Sexism or gender-based discrimination
Homophobia and Transphobia
Ageism
Ableism and exclusionary practices toward those with disabilities
Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Zionism, and religious intolerance
Any form of hate directed at marginalized or underrepresented communities

We celebrate diversity in every form and strive to create a community where every member feels safe, valued, and respected. As we grow, we expect all members—especially those in leadership roles—to uphold and reflect these core values in their actions, words, and interactions.

Together, we are building a community based on solidarity, where creativity, support, and joy can truly thrive for all.

Join Us

At Crafted by Makers, we believe that art is for everyone, and we invite all individuals—whether you are an artist, art lover, or supporter—to join our vibrant community.

By becoming a part of the Crafted by Makers community, you're not just joining a platform—you're helping to shape a movement that values and promotes the richness of all artistic identities. As we continue to grow, we aim to create a space where creativity, connection, and support are at the forefront, bringing together individuals who share a passion for empowering diverse artists and fostering an inclusive arts ecosystem.

Join us today, and be a part of the change that celebrates every artist, maker, and supporter within our community. Together, we can create something extraordinary.

Creating an account to become a member of Crafted by Makers is simple and straightforward. To get started, visit our website and click on the "Sign Up" button. You’ll be prompted to provide a few basic details such as your name, email address, and a password to create your account.

After signing up, you can personalize your profile with information about yourself, your artistic practice, or your interests. If you’re an artist, you can also start submitting your work to be featured in our marketplace. Becoming part of Crafted by Makers is the first step in connecting with a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for supporting diverse and talented creators.