We believe that imagery has a powerful influence, and access to diverse perspectives helps shape the world in which we live.
Erika Layne Salazar & Valerie Singleton
Loupe and Grain Co-Founders
Who We Are
We function as a creative staffing agency, bringing together talented individuals from across the globe and diverse creative fields. Our core mission is to leverage these skills to drive positive advocacy and create impactful change.
- Break the glass ceiling for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, and LGBTQ+ creatives
- Building wealth in underrepresented communities through job opportunities
- Increase accessibility to underrepresented creatives
- Raise awareness of underrepresented stories that go unheard
Trusted By
Core Values
Our purpose is centered around community, diversity, and equity. We exist to elevate diverse creatives in paid positions of influence with opportunities for advancement.
How it All Started
Our initial objective was crystal clear: establish a company that could lend a helping hand to busy photographers by outsourcing their photo editing tasks. Countless hours were invested in shaping a business model that aimed to simplify the intricate workflows of photography.
But as our purpose evolved, a profound realization unfurled. We understood that our potential to influence the creative process was far-reaching, extending beyond the boundaries of photo editing. The realm of creative expression beckoned, prompting us to envision a holistic approach that nurtured projects from inception to realization.
As we delved into the creative landscape, we unearthed a stark truth – an underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, and LGBTQ+ creatives. This discovery fueled a resolute desire for transformative change. A new mission emerged: establishing a creative staffing agency that provided paid opportunities and amplified the voices of marginalized talents.
Get to know us
The Team
Loupe + Grain is co-founded by two black creative mothers that are working for social change. Loupe + Grain is powered by our commitment to make sure the media we see represents the world around us and the creatives behind the scenes are paid equitably.
Our onward journey embodies vision and action.
We’re constructing an inspiring platform – not just to present opportunities but to equip creatives with the essential tools for their growth. Our collaborations with advertising agencies, non-profits, and businesses of varying scales craft a diverse and inclusive environment. Our aspiration is to level the field, nurturing a world where diversity radiates and creativity thrives limitlessly. With each stride, we edge closer to a future where every creative voice reverberates and every talent finds its place to flourish.