Starting out as a designer, Jahiem spent much of their time creating cover art for artists whose music went on to amass millions of streams. As an introverted person, design provided a way to express his love for music creatively while working behind the scenes.

That changed after working with a music photographer to build her website. Through the project, Jahiem became increasingly interested in music photography and began imagining a future career in the industry. As a huge film lover, he had always been drawn to visual storytelling and the hands-on nature of creative industries.

Music photography felt like the first step towards the career he had always dreamed of.

Things began to progress significantly after discovering the Capture FORWARDS programme. The programme provided the support, direction and encouragement needed to develop his practice further, while also helping to recognise how far he had come and how much potential there was to continue growing as a music photographer.

Working with Big Team has accelerated Jahiem’s creative career in ways he never could have imagined. Alongside gaining valuable industry experience, his confidence has grown significantly.

Having been used to working with clients from behind a screen, being placed in more social and collaborative environments pushed Jahiem outside of his comfort zone. The experience encouraged him to network, build genuine connections and continue progressing in his career.

After Capture FORWARDS, Jahiem initially felt he had reached a stagnant point in his creative career. However, Big Team’s support continued long after the programme ended.

Big Team has stayed in contact from 2024 to the present day, and Jahiem continues to feel he have a strong relationship with the team. Big Team has continued to connect Jahiem with paid opportunities and support his work, both through Big Team and through their own personal projects.

Jahiem has also had opportunities to work with members of the Big Team team on personal projects, which demonstrates the trust and value placed on his creative work.

Beyond the opportunities themselves, Jahiem knows that Big Team’s doors are always open if he “need support with challenges they are facing.” That level of care is not something that’s experienced everywhere, making the relationship feel much more personal than a professional connection alone.

Much of the growth Jahiem has experienced throughout his journey has been personal, particularly in understanding who he is as an individual within a creative environment.

As a neurodivergent person, he has had to learn how to navigate certain challenges, recognise the ways he works best and become more comfortable advocating for himself. The opportunities and environments has helped Jahiem understand himself more deeply and develop strategies for working through situations that may once have felt overwhelming.

He has also been encouraged to step outside his comfort zone, allowing him to grow creatively and develop into the best version of himself.

Alongside this personal growth, Jahiem has seen significant development in his professional network, leading him into rooms and opportunities he never imagined he would be part of.

This year marked the third time Jahiem have photographed FORWARDS Festival, something he are incredibly grateful to the wider Big Team network for helping make possible.

For Jahiem, “Big Team genuinely cares about its people and goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels supported, valued and included.

Through its long-term programmes, guidance and opportunities, Big Team helps artists and creatives develop their confidence, skills and careers, while contributing to a more welcoming and inclusive festival industry.”

He find it inspiring to see the progress made by people across the Big Team network, whether they are music artists or creatives, and the positive impact Big Team continues to have on the wider festival community.

“I believe anyone who becomes part of the Big Team network will benefit from the support, connections, and encouragement they provide.”

Looking to the future, Jahiem plans to continue doing what they do best: creating.

With aspirations of becoming an art director, he plans to make the most of every creative opportunity that comes his way.