My name is Shaheim Harrison, and I’m a creative born and raised in The Bronx, NY. I consider myself a versatile designer because I’ve had the privilege of exploring many aspects of visual communication and design throughout my career. My foundational journey began at the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in Manhattan, where I was exposed to a broad range of design disciplines. Although I was accepted into the school for photography, the curriculum required students to take courses across multiple design and print disciplines, including videography, print design, offset printing, and screen printing. It was during this time that I fell in love with graphic design in the 10th grade when I was first introduced to Adobe Photoshop—a tool that sparked my passion for the craft.

After high school, following advice from my family, I initially pursued a career in physical therapy and enrolled in Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn. However, after completing my first year, I quickly realized that my true calling was in design. I made the decision to transfer to Katherine Gibbs School in New York City to study Visual Communication. Unfortunately, after a year, the school closed down, and I was forced to start my education over again. Despite the setback, I remained determined to continue my design journey.

Following college, I took on various retail jobs, mostly minimum-wage positions, but I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of fulfillment. It was during this period that I had a serendipitous moment in my neighborhood barbershop. I overheard a conversation about someone needing an event flyer, and without hesitation, I offered my services. After completing the project, I was paid $50, which not only reignited my passion for design but also opened my eyes to the possibility of earning money by doing something I loved. This was a pivotal moment in my life, as it sparked my entrepreneurial spirit and set me on the path toward building a career in graphic design.

In 2019, a major turning point in my career came when Jay-Z’s clothing brand, Paper Planes, held a contest to find a designer from each of New York City's five boroughs to create a capsule for their summer collection. Out of many talented designers, I was honored to win for The Bronx. This recognition marked a major milestone in my career. Over the next few months, I continued to collaborate with Paper Planes on freelance projects, and in November 2019, I received a life-changing call from Emory Jones, the brand’s founder, offering me the position of Senior Graphic Designer. I worked with Paper Planes for the next four years, contributing to their creative vision and branding, working on everything from merchandise to marketing materials, and gaining invaluable experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry.