http://www.driveplayer.com/#fileIds=0BwcSMKzH9nsucmY4U1BhMDFHYWs&userId=104939481223426154989

Project Title: The Muted Masses

My noncast will be featuring a Shepard Fairey interview presented by Voices and Visions. Fairey is an iconic street artist of our time well known for his Obey brand and the Obama Hope poster. The reason I chose to air this clip is because I feel that artists and musicians aren’t given enough attention for their perspectives on how they view the world, art, culture, economy and politics. Some other artists and musicians that inspired this noncast are Banksy, Tupac, Lupe Fiasco, Hopsin, Immortal Technique, Constant Flow, Lowkey and Akala. The media censorship is intentional because mainstream doesn’t want people to be influenced by their message, which is often controversial so they express it through their art or music. Take for example Fairey, when he initially reached the Obama organization to do their campaign graphic they rejected the idea based on his reputation as this rebellious artist against government and authority. An artist who has been in jail over nine times for his art; in another interview he was commented “Not a lot of people get in trouble for their art” and to which he responded, “I have a higher level of commitment than most people”. My noncast message to everyone who feels muted; anyone who is committed to what they stand for will find a way platform to deliver their message.

Sharjeel Fraz, also known as ‘Sergio’, is a Graphics and Brand Designer who was born in Pakistan but has moved quite a bit around the world and even in United States itself before finally settling in North Carolina. Here, he acquired dual degrees: Associate of Art and Science in Web Technologies at GTCC and Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media and Design at UNCG. Both colleges nominated him as an “outstanding graduate”. His passion for art and graphic design has brought him much success early in his life with academia, as well as the professional world.

After Graduating in 2012 with his AAS, he was temporarily hired by a design agency for his desktop wallpaper illustrations and layering ability. He got his first real world designing experience with this agency for six months before he decided to continue with higher education in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. The agency experience got him keenly interested in brand development and design, so he picked back up as a transfer student in 2014 with the New Media and Design curriculum. UNCG allowed him the opportunity to expand his skillset in design, working with various mediums, printing and software. While advancing his studies, he simultaneously assisted the Graphics Office in designing flyers and posters for print and social media that promoted student events on campus. Additional work experience was acquired one summer interning with a retails company in designing marketing material: from designs small as price tags, business cards, merchandize catalog, to large as vehicle wraps.

Sharjeel’s accomplishments and aspirations are the stepping-stone towards a promising future in the creative field.