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Joseph C. Randall, Local Artist Expressing Blackness

A portrait of Joseph C. Randall

Joseph Carl Randall’s mission is to interpret and paint the lifestyles of Black and Brown people of the African Diaspora, from the Caribbean and throughout the Americas. Born and raised in New York, Joseph Carl Randall began his advertising career at the Manhattan-based McCaffrey & McCall advertising agency. He worked first in the “bullpen” putting together ads by day and studying at the School of Visual Arts at night. His art is colorful, emotive, expressive and captures the intimacy of the human spirit. We are excited to bring his work to you!

In my work, I try to revisit the insights, emotions and ideas of lived experiences, past and present. My art challenges our consciousness of who we are, where we come from, where we are now, where we’re going and why.”


We initially met Joseph when he entered our 2021 Ashro™ Excellence Award as part of our Onward & Upward Artist Showcase Contest. Not only did he win that year, but he also triumphed in the following two years!

Joseph’s Winning Artwork

A painting depicting a protest of police brutality against Black victims

“Voice To The Voiceless”

2021 Ashro™ Excellence Award: “Voice For The Voiceless”

The theme for this year was, The Black Experience: Empowerment and Gratitude.

Inspired by the countless murders of Black and Brown people by police, two children lead a memorial for those whose lives were senselessly taken, and whose voices would be heard endlessly!


Artwork featuring 7 Black tennis players victoriously cheering after a win

“The Magnificent 7″

2022 Umoja Impact Award: “The Magnificent Seven”

The theme for this year was, Imagine the Future: Black is Beautiful.

This is a celebration of Serena and Venus Williams, Sloan Stephens, Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, Taylor Townsend and the recent winner of the 2023 US Tennis Open, Coco Gauff and their revolutionary spirit… thanks to the legacies of Althea Gibson, Leslie Allen, Zina Garrison, Chanda Rubin, Lori McNeil and countless others!


Artwork featuring Black women in church robes singing with passion

“A Joyful Noise”

2023 Ashro™ Excellence Award: “A Joyful Noise”

The theme for this year was, Lift Every Voice!

Inspired to capture the essence of James Weldon Johnsons’ lyrics, “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” there is no better way to interpret it than through a choir of Black women lifting every voice in sweet harmony!


Joseph’s Collaborations with Ashro

Praise Artist Series Tee

Lift your voice…in an original, limited-edition graphic tee designed by Ashro award-winning artist, Joseph C. Randall! Screen-printed jersey knit, with mock neck and asymmetrical hem.

Glory Glory Tote

Rejoice! You can now carry Joseph C. Randall’s “Glory Glory” on your shoulder. This roomy tote has an interior pocket and magnetic closure. Synthetic. 18.5” w x 14.25” h x 4.5” d. Multi.


More About Joseph

During his seven years with McCaffrey & McCall advertising agency, Randall became an art director, working on accounts such as, Hartford Insurance, Pfizer’s Ben-Gay and St. Joseph’s products (Children’s Aspirin and Cough Syrup), and Norelco Products (Cassette Players, Coffee Makers and Electric Shavers). His talent nurtured and affirmed by McCaffrey & McCall, Joseph eventually branched out to work for some of the country’s other notable ad agencies, including Grey NY, Leo Burnett Chicago, Burrell Communications Chicago, Young & Rubicam New York and Chicago.


Over the years Joseph Randall has received numerous honors, including Clio Awards, Art Director’s Club Award, Art Direction Magazine Award,  CEBA Awards, The U.S. Television Commercials Festival Awards and The One Show Awards. These kudos from industry peers acknowledged his ability to repeatedly develop successful sales-effective creative positioning of brands in various product categories. In August 2008, Joseph decided to hone his skill as an artist and incorporate his conceptual thinking enhanced by his advertising experience and apply it to his art.


Stay tuned for more from Joseph in our Artist Series!


“My mission is to interpret and paint the lifestyles of Black and Brown people of the African Diaspora, from the Caribbean and throughout the Americas.”

-Joseph C. Randall

Comments (1)

What happen to the nice suits and dresses that Ashro was showing in the past?

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