– Syed Azharuddin
Bulandshahr, located about 60 kilometres from the capital of India, is home to millions of people who possess a rich cultural heritage and creativity. Yet, despite their talent, many remain unaware of the potential of their art. This art, often commercialised and repackaged by so-called corporate entities, is marketed under names and labels that obscure its true essence. I have always referred to these corporate players as ‘agents’ – a term that resonates with most Indians, reflecting their role in distorting and commodifying the indigenous art forms for profit.
Marginalised communities with art being ruled by corporate
Born and raised in Bulandshahr, he began his education at a school run by a welfare organisation, which was managed by his father. After three years, he switched to a government school, and then changed schools several times over the years. By the time he completed his 10th grade, he had attended five different schools.
An interesting chapter from his childhood dates back to 1996-97, when he was in Class 3. During this time, he started selling “Churan” (a popular snack in North India), with each packet priced at just 25 paise (0.25 rupees). What began as a small venture evolved into a mini-shop, which he operated during school intervals and lunch breaks, showcasing his early entrepreneurial spirit.
Sometimes situations around one’s life make them to reach heights
At the age of 13, while in class 8, he transformed his modest school-time shop into a thriving business. From 2001 to 2004, his venture flourished, earning him a substantial income that helped support his family during those formative years. It was also during this period that he encountered the world of computers for the first time – a moment that would shape his future.
One day, while visiting a local computer shop, he witnessed people creating posters, handbills, and other designs – work that seemed to bring the city’s walls, hoardings, and public spaces to life. As he looked around at these vibrant advertisements, he felt a spark of inspiration. The creativity and artistry behind those designs captivated him, and he found himself drawn to the world of graphic design. This newfound interest in art and design set him on a path that would not only change his career but ignite a lifelong passion for creative arts.
What once captured your attention will eventually become your passion
One fine day, a young boy with a growing passion for design, who dreamed of seeing his posters displayed around the city, walked into a computer shop and approached the owner. With determination in his eyes, he asked,
“Sir, could I get a job here?
Any kind of work…
I want to learn how to design by working alongside you.
I’m even willing to start as an office boy –
I can clean the shop every day and bring you tea whenever you need it.
But in my free time, please let me watch the work you do on the computer.”
Moved by the boy’s commitment and eagerness to learn, the owner offered him a position as an office boy at his computer shop. And so, the journey of this young dreamer began.
Interest and commitment to learn things will make you reach your goals in life
After a few days of working at the shop, he decided to leave and pursue his interest in design by joining a studio. However, the owner informed him, “You’re interested in design, but our studio only works on passport-size photos and other basic photography tasks.”
Undeterred, he then joined a press with the hope of learning design, but the work there involved typing, editing, and tasks that didn’t align with his passion. Though the pay was modest – Rs.3,000 a month, along with some allowances – he persevered, knowing it was a step forward.
During this time, he became actively involved in social work. He dedicated himself to various community service initiatives, supporting causes that benefited those in need. One day, at a meeting, it was decided that all working associates would contribute one day’s salary to support a social project. The contribution was set at Rs.105 – a sum that seemed small to some but was a significant amount for him.
His mind raced with conflicting thoughts:
“Rs.105 … that’s a lot for me.
I’m committed to social service, but how will I manage?
How can I ask my parents for more money?
The salary I earn isn’t enough as it is.”
But despite the doubts, he decided he would contribute Rs.105 without asking his parents for help. It wasn’t easy, but he remembered the values his father had instilled in him.
“My father always taught me to help those in need.
He taught me to give from what I have, even when it’s not much.”
And with that, he made the decision to honour the commitment to social work, promising himself that he would find a way to pay Rs.105 by the end of the month.
You might be wondering, who is this person? Whose son is he?
He is Shoeb Shahid, a young man from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, son of a private school teacher, yet a source of great inspiration to many.
Shoeb, after contributing the money to the social cause, clarified that no one from SIO forced him to do so. It was his own will, guided by the values instilled in him by his father, to contribute towards something meaningful.
You might also be asking how could he afford such a large amount – Rs.105 – on such a small salary? Well, Shoeb didn’t take the easy route. Instead of commuting by bus or auto, he walked to his workplace for 10 days straight, saving every penny he could, and ultimately managed to gather the entire amount.
This is a truly inspiring story, a lesson for the youth on how to balance both family and social responsibilities.
As the Quran beautifully illustrates: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)
Until the completion of his 9th Grade, Shoeb managed to keep his work at the press a secret. His friends and teachers had no idea that he was involved in design work, and similarly, his colleagues at the press had no clue that he was still a student. However, one day, his secret was accidentally revealed at school.
His friends began to tease him for working while studying, and his teachers were both shocked and impressed by the fact that he was earning while still learning. Eventually, the pressure and the constant teasing became too much for him, and he decided to leave his job. This decision, though necessary for his peace of mind, caused financial strain on his family as his income was no longer coming in.
Sometimes, in our interactions with friends, we may not realise that our actions or words, though intended for one person, can have a ripple effect on their entire family. What may seem like a small issue or a harmless joke can weigh heavily on them, creating challenges that extend beyond the individual. Our behaviour has the power to impact those around us more than we often imagine.
Sometimes, when we hurt our friends, the impact extends beyond them
Despite the hardships, Shoeb managed to push through for several months, enduring tough times for both himself and his family. Throughout it all, his father remained a pillar of strength, courage, and faith, always offering encouragement and motivating Shoeb to keep striving for the best.
In the summer of 2007, with a burning desire to follow his passion for art, Shoeb refused to waste any more time. The spark in his heart to become an artist still flickered brightly. Determined, he travelled from Bulandshahr to Delhi, eager to seize any opportunity that could help him pursue his dream. There, he visited one of the most prominent studios in the city.
Shoeb recounts his experience in New Delhi: Near Delhi University, I found a studio. Without hesitation, I walked directly into the Director’s cabin, introduced myself, and boldly asked for a job. ‘I’m Shoeb Shahid from Bulandshahr,’ I said, as though I were from Europe or America.
Impressed by Shoeb’s courage and passion, the director hired him, offering a modest salary. The very next day, Shoeb was given the task of cutting passport-sized photos in the studio.
“Sir, I came here to learn and work as a designer, not to cut photos,” Shoeb explained.
Without a second thought, he decided to leave the job, knowing it wasn’t aligned with his true passion.
Busy roads will also look like empty, when you are alone
Roaming the streets, staying with friends in shared rooms, and facing constant challenges was undoubtedly a difficult time for Shoeb. Yet, the unwavering passion to become an artist drove him to endure these hardships. As he walked the streets, passing advertisement boards and hoardings, Shoeb would often stop, pull out a paper and pencil, and sketch the designs he saw around him.
The roads of Delhi became his classrooms, where he learned through observation and practice. Every day, he walked from one place to another, soaking in the city’s vibrant energy. One day, Shoeb ventured from New Delhi to the bustling streets of Dariyagunj in Old Delhi.
Dariyagunj was a hub for printers and printing presses, a place where much of the city’s Urdu literary work took place. Shoeb joined a small shop there for 45 days. The shop owner, impressed by the quality of Shoeb’s work, was eager to test his skills. He assigned Shoeb the task of correcting several designs and, later, gave him the responsibility of designing three book covers. For each book cover, Shoeb was paid Rs.200.
This experience marked a pivotal moment in his journey, as it was the first time Shoeb was paid for his creative work.
Earning with hard work and passion will have sound sleeps in nights
After completing his 10th Grade in 2008, Shoeb returned to his village. During his 10th year, he worked for free, designing logos for small shops, creating pamphlets, posters, and more. It was during this time that he purchased a new computer and installed Photoshop 7.0, starting his design work. He initially used the software to create designs for causes he cared about, and to this day, he continues to use that same version out of sentiment and affection for the software.
In the summer of 2008, Shoeb travelled back to Delhi. Although he didn’t land any paid work, he spent his time observing the advertisement hoardings at Connaught Place, studying their designs. This time, instead of simply admiring the work, he focused on critiquing the designs, challenging himself to improve upon them and create even better ones.
Any big organisation or company has their own designer and they pay handsome amount
Shoeb developed his own theory that top companies’ work was done by top designers, and that joining a prestigious institution wasn’t necessary to learn design. He believed that creativity could be nurtured by observation and practice. During his travels, he would often sketch ideas on paper, analysing his surroundings and questioning why certain designs were made the way they were.
“What made the designer think like this?” he would ask himself. This process of learning and honing his craft through reflection and exploration continued for 2-3 years, as he described when asked about how he learned the artistic work.
As his family’s financial situation became dire, Shoeb joined a call centre to support them. However, the salary wasn’t enough to make a significant difference. He later worked in his uncle’s construction business, earning money without any sense of personal fulfilment. Additionally, he helped with his relatives’ import and export business for vegetables.
By 2010, Shoeb felt increasingly guilty about his work, as it went against his true nature. Despite his dissatisfaction, he was still involved in social causes, which had instilled in him a strong ethical foundation. He met with a mentor, Mr. KK Suhail, then President of SIO, and after a detailed discussion and guidance, Shoeb decided to head to Mumbai in search of better opportunities.
When recalling this time, Shoeb’s voice became heavy as he described Mumbai as another bitter experience, but one he had no choice but to endure. “It was tough, but I had no other option,” he said. During his time in Mumbai, he developed an interest in reading online literature, expanding his knowledge beyond traditional books. He joined as an assistant to a cinematographer, eager to learn about cameras and photography – a path he decided to pursue after attending a workshop that sparked his interest in the field.
World is round; we reach to the place from where we started
Shoeb joined a flex shop, earning ₹5000, out of which ₹3000 went toward his room rent. He could only afford one meal a day. Before this, his father had been sending him some money to cover his expenses.
Then, one day, a smile spread across his face. Why? Because he had received the work he had longed for. A designer from Delhi reached out to him and assigned him a project. It was for Mumbra, and without a second thought, Shoeb accepted the task.
There was no time for lunch or snacks. It was all about work – focused, tireless, and with a dedication to perfection. The result? Several hoardings in Mumbra and across the city that created a buzz, a “tahelka” of its own.
Farmers pray for rain but heavy rains sometimes destroy the entire crops
Shoeb received an offer of ₹10,000, but the work was not in design. He worked for three days, but the dissatisfaction led him back to his true passion – designing. During this period, with the help of a cinematographer, he worked on a documentary about Dilip Sahib. While editing, he travelled to Kerala, where he learned valuable lessons and gained fresh perspectives on creativity and design.
Meanwhile, Shoeb completed his graduation, though it was not without its challenges. He reflected, “Education makes people more moral and ethical in every situation of life.”
In 2014, Shoeb returned to Bulandshahr from Mumbai, hopeful to start an institute, but the project failed, leaving him discouraged. He spent nine months working on it, only to face disappointment. His family, already upset with his previous decisions, grew more concerned. At this point, Shoeb’s father suggested he join a teacher’s training course and seek a job. Without a word of protest, Shoeb enrolled in the course.
On his way home, he grappled with self-doubt. “Am I a failure?” “Have I lost my passion?” “Am I not committed to my profession?”
During the breaks in his course, Shoeb visited Dariyaganj frequently, hoping to find work, but unexpectedly, no opportunities came. Frustrated, he knocked on the doors of 250 publishers, desperately seeking work.
With a surge of frustration, Shoeb shouted, “Aap qabil aadmi hai, aaphi jaan sakte ho main kya kar sakta hoon…” (You are a capable person; only you can understand what I can do…)
Friends are friends, they help like angels in bad times
A friend offered Shoeb a place to stay in his room, while another lent him a laptop to work on for a few days in New Delhi. However, despite his efforts, Shoeb could not find any work. He visited well-known publishing houses like Penguin, Rajkamal, and others, but none was willing to hire him, and Shoeb was also unable to meet their expectations.
Determined, Shoeb finally knocked on the door of a relatively new publishing company at the time –Speaking Tiger Publications. There, he met Pooja Ahuja, the head of design. When Shoeb asked for work, Pooja replied that she was already handling all the design work herself. However, she kindly offered to provide him with the contact information for Suman Parmar, head of design at Rajkamal Publishers.
Shoeb, not discouraged, explained that he had already visited Rajkamal and failed to secure any work. With a soft and encouraging voice, Pooja suggested, “Go to the corporate office and mention my name as a reference.”
Shoeb followed her advice and headed to the corporate office, only to find that the director was on leave for 45 days. Oh God… he thought, feeling the weight of the situation. But Shoeb remained patient, knowing that sometimes waiting is part of the journey.
One and a half months later… he continued to wait for the opportunity to present itself.
Patience gives success, it also tests
The director was impressed with Shoeb’s perseverance and agreed to give him the opportunity to design a book cover. After completing his first assignment successfully, Shoeb’s journey took a positive turn, and this marked the beginning of his success story.
The company, pleased with his work, hired him to design covers for Hindi literary books. His father, always his biggest supporter, was more delighted than ever before. After the launch of his first book design, Shoeb became the talk of the town at the ceremony. For the first time, he felt like a celebrity, meeting many prominent writers at various events, especially at the World Book Fair. It was a surreal moment for him, as readers, who would normally seek autographs from authors, began to ask for his autograph instead, recognising him as the designer behind the covers.
Till now Shoeb has designed over 900+ book covers so far, working with the country’s top publishers. His work has been widely discussed due to several national and international awards. Books designed by him have won prestigious accolades like the Booker and Nobel Prizes. With all these experiences, he has been serving as a jury member for the highly renowned Publishing Next Industry Awards in the country for the past three years.
Shoeb, no longer interested in continuing with the teacher training course, chose to follow his passion with the experience he had gained. He founded his own private limited company – PARWAAZ CREATION, with Shoeb Shahid as the Founding Director.
Today, Shoeb’s client base spans across London, Dubai, Malaysia, Qatar, and various parts of India. His esteemed clients include DPS schools from multiple cities, Physics Wallah, Drishti IAS, and several Chief Ministers of various states, along with offices of prominent Prime Ministers of India. He has also worked with renowned politicians such as Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, and Nitish Kumar. Additionally, he has collaborated with the NAPM, among others. Recently, Dainik Jagran, one of India’s leading newspapers, signed a contract with Shoeb as a permanent vendor and design partner.
Once you get success, people follow you
From humble beginnings to industry recognition, Shoeb’s journey is a testament to his resilience, passion, and commitment to his craft.
Shoeb’s journey didn’t stop with his success in the book design industry. His remarkable contributions to the field of designing continued as he broadened his horizons. After several years of working with Rajkamal Prakashan, Shoeb joined Rekhta Foundation, where his skills were utilized to elevate their visual identity. Which is the world’s largest platform dedicated to the Urdu language. When this foundation decided to establish its own full-fledged publication, they approached Shoeb. Although he wasn’t interested in taking up any kind of job, he saw this new venture of the foundation as a significant and exciting challenge and accepted the offer. This marked the beginning of Rekhta Publications. As the head of this publication, he oversaw the release of numerous books that gained worldwide recognition.
However, after a few years, Shoeb felt it was time for a new chapter. He decided to leave the foundation and venture into yet another entrepreneurial endeavour. This time, he started his own printing business with name Redword Publications, capitalising on his extensive experience in design and his understanding of the printing world. The transition was seamless, as he was able to combine his love for design with the technical aspects of printing. His printing business quickly gained recognition for its quality and precision, serving a variety of clients across different industries.
In addition to his printing business, Shoeb also continued offering freelance services to publishers and other clients in need of design work. His reputation as a versatile and talented designer only grew stronger as he delivered high-quality work to clients worldwide. From book covers to promotional materials, Shoeb’s designs made an impact everywhere they appeared.
Today, Shoeb Shahid stands as a true testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and passion. His journey, which began with struggles and challenges, transformed into a thriving career filled with remarkable achievements. Shoeb’s ability to balance his family responsibilities while pursuing his passion for design has made him not only a successful entrepreneur but also an inspiration to many young individuals who dream of making their mark in the creative industry.
Through every turn in his career, Shoeb has remained true to his roots. His journey proves that with determination and a strong belief in one’s abilities, the path to success is always within reach. From a young boy with a passion for design to a celebrated entrepreneur with global clients, Shoeb Shahid’s story is a shining example of how far resilience and dedication can take someone.
Shoeb Shahid may be contacted @ shoebshahid@gmail.com
