NEW ORLEANS — Recently, artist Tahj “Queen Tahj” Williams took a rare drive through downtown New Orleans and stumbled upon a sight that brought her immense pride: her own Super Bowl logo and theme art prominently showcased on buildings in the vicinity of the Caesars Superdome. This moment marked a significant realization for Williams: her tribute to the rich Black Masking culture wasn’t just a local achievement; it would receive international recognition as fans gathered in the city and millions tuned in on game day.
“I come from a beautiful and vibrant culture, and it’s important for me that the world sees it from my perspective,” expressed the 26-year-old artist, who has the distinction of being the first person to create the Super Bowl logo and its accompanying art by hand. Williams’ intricate beadwork draws from the spirit of New Orleans and celebrates the Black Masking traditions that were introduced to her by her uncle as a child.
The logo and theme art by Williams will be prominently featured on a variety of platforms, including digital game tickets, the official program cover, team jerseys for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the game ball. Additionally, her designs will also grace the exterior of a hotel in New Orleans, further expanding their reach during the high-profile event.
Black Masking culture, with its roots tracing back to the 1800s, intricately blends African and Native American heritages. During Mardi Gras, handmade suits adorned with vibrant beadwork and feathers beautifully honor their ancestral roots through striking designs.
Williams’ designs are characterized by a vibrant color palette that includes bold pinks, deep reds, chartreuse, and lush greens, merging traditional cultural elements with contemporary artistic flair. Her logo inspiration is derived from the stunning Black Masking Indian suits she crafts for the Mardi Gras celebrations, which are essential to events like Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s Night, and Super Sunday.
“I always lean towards using bright colors because they resonate with me,” shared Williams, a devoted member of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Tribe. Describing her expertise in the art of Black Masking suit design, she acknowledged the deep connection these traditions have with the Indigenous and African heritage of New Orleans. “Bright colors remind me of the happiest moments of my life,” she noted, emphasizing the influence of New Orleans’ historic architecture and vibrant culture as a major inspiration for her designs.
Williams’ journey to the Super Bowl began when an NFL representative contacted her through social media in February 2024. Spending a month meticulously working on the intricate beadwork, she described the entire artistic process as serene. For Williams, creativity serves as an essential escape from her daily grind as a cybersecurity engineer at Microsoft, as the crafting of the beadwork evolved step by step.
“I approach this with a mindset of enjoyment rather than viewing it as a chore,” she explained. “I focus on one piece at a time, like starting with the Roman numeral L. Then I move on to I and X. I work on the trophy design and the text gradually, rather than stressing over the entire project. This method helps me stay motivated as I can see the progress I make.”
The NFL has endorsed Williams’ artistry, describing her work as a meaningful tribute to the cultural heritage of New Orleans and praising her as the “ideal artist” for the occasion. As an emerging local talent, Williams realizes that many gifted artists may lack visibility compared to those with larger followings. She is hopeful that more prominent organizations will recognize and support local talent.
“It’s essential for small artists to receive significant opportunities as well,” she emphasized. “When artists garner a larger following, it can ease the discovery process for big organizations. I wish they would actively seek out smaller artists who produce beautiful, exceptional work, yet may not have the marketing that larger artists benefit from.”
Having once captained her middle school football team, Williams is excited to attend her first Super Bowl. She plans to keep mementos from the experience, such as a jacket adorned with lapel pins, a game ticket, and a glowing Bud Light sign, even though she doesn’t consume beer.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Williams’ excitement builds. “The culture and artistry will take center stage during the Super Bowl,” she remarked, eagerly anticipating the moment. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
