ABOUT BENNI
Benni
Black.
Creative director.
Visual production leader.
I bring 20+ years of creative direction, photography, design, video, and motion to the way brands show up in the world.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE WORK
I see the big picture.
I care about the details.
My name is Michael W. Capel Jr., but most people know me as Benni Black. I lead creative from the first conversation to the final delivery, connecting brand strategy with the work people see and experience.
My background combines an independent creative practice with years of brand leadership. I’m comfortable shaping the vision, collaborating with marketing and production teams, and getting into the details of a shoot or design. That means keeping the creative, the people, the budget, and the timeline moving toward the same goal.
EXPERIENCE THAT SHAPES MY APPROACH
Built across brands.
Carried into every project.
Eastside Golf
Director of Content & Visual Production
2020–2026
Across six years of brand growth, I served as a primary creative lead, shaping campaigns, product launches, and a consistent visual identity across digital, social, e-commerce, retail, and events.
My work extended into DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Nordstrom, and Paradies airport retail, with production-ready creative for displays, signage, and branded environments. I also partnered with CAA Sports on event launches and experiential installations.
Independent creative practice
Creative direction & production
Since 2010
I lead projects across sport, fashion, music, technology, and community development, managing client relationships, vendors, budgets, and timelines alongside photography, design, video, and motion.
Delaware State Football
Creative Director & Senior Graphic Designer
Through JPF Sports
I build season-long creative for game days, player features, matchups, and achievements, coordinating with photographers, videographers, and editors to keep the program’s visual identity consistent through fast turnarounds.
SELECTED CLIENTS & COLLABORATIONS
Across sport, music, fashion, and culture.
WHAT I BRING TO A PROJECT
Creative direction
Brand strategy, campaign concepts, and team collaboration, with clear direction across channels, budgets, and production schedules.
Photography & production
Product, portrait, fashion, and commercial imagery, from planning and lighting to retouching and final color.
Design & motion
Campaign systems, social and e-commerce assets, retail displays, print, and motion that keep a brand recognizable across every touchpoint.