HAAM, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, has been a cornerstone of support for the city's music community since its inception in 2005. Over the past two decades, HAAM has provided healthcare access and essential services to musicians, DJs, music teachers, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, HAAM commissioned musician and artist Fumihito Sugawara to create a special logo. Sugawara's design incorporates bold colors and a modern interpretation of HAAM's iconic logo. This new design symbolizes HAAM's vision to continue its mission into the next twenty years.
Sugawara shared insights into his journey as both a musician and an artist. He recounted his early inspiration from his older brother's Japanese folk/pop performances and his subsequent passion for the electric guitar after discovering Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water." His musical path led him from Japan to Chicago to learn blues before settling in Austin, known for its vibrant live music scene. Sugawara expressed admiration for venues like Sahara Lounge on Austin's East Side.
In art and design, Sugawara began with childhood doodles and daily practice of Japanese calligraphy under his mother's guidance. His career took off with a winning poster submission for HAAM’s Battle of the Bands in 2015. Since then, he has worked as a graphic artist through his company Fumanstudios.
Sugawara finds particular satisfaction in designing album covers as they represent creative milestones that endure over generations. He also enjoys creating collage animations for songs in collaboration with musicians.
Reflecting on his experience as a HAAM member, Sugawara acknowledged the challenges artists face regarding healthcare affordability. He recounted how HAAM supported him during a serious illness in 2017 by alleviating financial burdens associated with medical care.
"After all," Sugawara said, "who really cares for artists in Austin besides our mom and HAAM?"