Rafik Al Hariri

Rafik El Hariri is an illustrator, graphic designer, animator, and passionate advocate for mental health. Starting his journey in Graphic Design, Rafik swiftly embraced his love for illustrations, becoming a sought-after creator of visual narratives for a wide array of commercial and commissioned projects. His prestigious client roster includes global giants such as Apple, Nike, Puma, Adobe, the UN, VICE, Wacom, Snapchat, Marie Claire, Doctors Without Borders, Virgin Megastore, Plastik, Harvard Business Review, and The Arts Club. Rafik's work has captured the attention of top media outlets, including Forbes, GQ, Vogue, VICE, Esquire, Marie Claire, The National, Arab News, Arabian Business, Al-Jazeera, Sky News, BBC, Al-Arabiya, and Dubai TV. Rafik is also celebrated as an author-illustrator with internationally acclaimed books like INDIGO (2018), I FOUND A HEART (2021), and 3:00AM (2022), which explore themes of empathy, self-discovery, and mental well-being. These books have been distributed across the UAE, Lebanon, UK, Kuwait, Australia, and the United States. In recognition of his talent and impact, Rafik was selected from over 300 applicants and later shortlisted to feature as a protagonist in the United Nations documentary Dreaming of Lebanon, representing the city of Tripoli. This documentary showcases his contribution to the creative scene and his role as an ambassador for his community in times of conflict. Also, Rafik has been awarded the Golden Visa by the Dubai Culture & Arts authority. Rafik's work extends beyond creative excellence; his mission is to destigmatize mental health issues, especially within the Arab world. Through his art and storytelling, Rafik sheds light on the importance of mental health, a topic often underrepresented in the region. His commitment to mental well-being is interwoven in his visual narratives, fostering empathy and encouraging open conversations around mental health struggles. Recognized for his leadership in the creative field, Rafik has been honored with multiple accolades, including Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30, Top Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Lebanon by the United Nations Information Centre, and three Behance Appreciation Awards from Adobe. As an Adobe Brand Ambassador, Rafik has collaborated with Adobe on product development, promoting their tools, conducting tutorials, and offering mentorship sessions. He is also a prominent speaker, having presented at TEDx, the World Youth Forum, Wacom Ink in Lebanon, Egypt, Germany and the U.S. respectively, and at key events in Dubai's TODA: Theater of Digital Art, SAE Institute, and Apple Dubai Mall. Additionally, Rafik is dedicated to fostering future talents, serving as a university instructor at the Lebanese International University in Graphic Design and as a visiting professor of illustration at world ranking Savannah College Of Art & Design in the United States. Through his artistry, public speaking, and education, Rafik El Hariri continues to champion mental health awareness, particularly in the Arab world. Using his platform and creativity, he promotes empathy and resilience, helping to pave the way for a more open dialogue around mental health across the globe.