I picked up my first sketching pencil when I was seven years old. This would lead to my passion and fascination with art before I even knew graphic design existed. I drew shapes, forms, and recreated still objects but always had the desire to bring those objects to life, deepen dimension and expand boundaries. Over my lifetime I've expressed my artistic edge as a hair stylist, a photographer and painter. Eventually, I did discover graphic design which led to my obtaining a BFA in Electronic Design and Multimedia in 2003.
My other passion lies in empowering people in need. Thus, I am the founder and project director of Homeless For One Week, an annual initiative that I started in 2009 to raise awareness about homelessness in New York City. I was honored in August, 2011 by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer with a Proclamation as “Artist and Activist against Homelessness”
In all areas of my life, from activism to design expression, whether it’s a house to live in or a work of art, I seek to encourage appreciation for those things that we often take for granted in our lives.
©2012 Yusef Ramelize, All Rights Reserved