MY PHILOSOPHY
My name is Haris Merzihic and I love to design. My love for art started early and I always found myself drawing on every piece of paper I could get my hands on. That love of art is what got me into the field of graphic design and I have since been creating a personal style while exploring graphic design trends and methods. My design is a reflection of my love of the traditional arts which I try to incorporate, either into my design or into the design process, whenever applicable. Many of my designs start as simple sketches on paper which are then turned to the screen to make them come to life.
I like to combine two philosophies in my design: less is more and form follows function. Less is more - Design is a visual representation of a message, therefore the message should be simple and clear to ensure its delivery to the audience. Form follows function - Design should be aesthetically pleasing to the viewer, while also serving its purpose of conveying a message.
I enjoy all different aspects of design including layout, logo, branding, illustration and motion graphics. If you have a project that you need help with, please contact me and let's make your concept a realization.
PERSONAL
I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sadly I spent less than four years of my childhood in my homeland due to a war and genocide that took place there in the early 1990s. Although I only spent a short period of time in Bosnia, it will forever be my home. After leaving Bosnia, my family and I spent some time in Croatia. We were out of the warzone but life was anything from easy. We were homeless and life was a day-to-day struggle for survival. This was the most difficult period in my life.
My family and I relocated to Gelsenkirchen, Germany in the summer of 93. Gelsenkirchen (having fun with the pronunciation?) is a beautiful city in northern Germany by the Rhine river. I have many fond memories of my childhood in Germany. In 99 we left Germany and moved to the US. Life has taught me to never say never, and prepared me for whatever tomorrow may bring.
When I am not doing digital design, I love going back to what got me started by doodling, drawing, and painting. Some of those ideas eventually end up on screen. I am also a huge Bayern Munchen fan and place soccer slightly above food, water, and oxygen on the hierarchy of survival needs. I also enjoy reading books and the most random facts I can find. If I won the lottery (which I never play of course), I'd buy a very expensive camera and lens, travel the world, and publish a world travel book which would be placed in my library. I would love to open a library and provide underprivileged individuals with access to learning because I strongly believe that knowledge is power and the foundation to a better and more peaceful future.
PROFESSIONAL
I graduated from Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Graphic Design. Upon graduating, I joined the marketing team at TechnipFMC, as a graphic designer. I am currently a graphic designer at DICK'S Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh, PA.