ABOUT US
THE FOUNDER
Jude Caze is an Afro-Caribbean-American graphic designer, engineer, and the founder of paperxpencil© Creative Design Lab (PXP). Born in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1970s, Jude developed a passion for graphic design and visual arts as a young man, inspired by the early days of video games. The vibrant streets of his neighborhood became a canvas for his creativity, fostering his artistic expression.
"as a child in Brooklyn, I was surrounded by Caribbean culture and Black life. The colorful style and deep pride showcased by my neighbors left a lasting impression that would affect everything I do today."
During his teenage years, Jude lived in humid Central Florida. The transition from New York to the southernmost state was a stark contrast; concrete canopies gave way to asphalt roads and thick woods. Whenever possible, he sought to immerse himself in Black culture and the arts, drawing inspiration from his surroundings.
"I spent those slow, blazing days in Palm Bay indoors, pouring myself into painting, drawing, and writing—turning solitude into creation."
Jude ultimately earned a degree in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. After spending some time in the corporate world, he found it challenging to balance his professional life with his passion for creating art. In early 2018, while meditating on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, he founded paperxpencil© Creative Design Lab.
"based in sunny Fort Lauderdale Florida, the brand inspiration is the beach where I often spend early mornings with paper and pencil (hence the name), journaling my everyday struggles, channeling the ancestors, and discovering my inner peace. "
THE BRAND
The Black beach experience is about more than sand and waves—it’s about survival, legacy, and peace. It’s where we shake off the weight of the world, even if just for a moment, and stand firm in a space that’s ours. Back in the day, segregation tried to shut us out, but we carved out our own sanctuaries—beaches where Black folks could breathe, build, and belong. Spots like Bruce’s Beach, American Beach, and Highland Beach weren’t just getaways; they were testaments to the fight for land and freedom, a fight that goes all the way back to the broken promise of 40 Acres and a Mule.
"And beyond all that, the ocean itself has always held something deeper for us. It’s a mirror and a gateway—a place of reflection, where we reckon with our past, and a force that calls us back to something bigger."
The same water that carried our ancestors away still holds their echoes, reminding us that no matter how far we’ve been taken, our spirit is never lost. PXP carries that tradition forward, bringing the energy of Black beaches to storytelling, design, and apparel—ensuring these spaces remain sacred, both as a collective refuge and a personal retreat.
But the Black beach isn’t just about history—it’s about solitude, too. It’s a place where we don’t have to fight, perform, or explain. We can just be. In a world that keeps us moving, grinding, and proving ourselves, the beach is a rare space where we can slow down and hear our own thoughts.
"The waves don’t judge. The horizon don’t rush. The air don’t ask questions. That’s why reclaiming these spaces matters. From the fight to restore Bruce’s Beach to the rise of Black-owned brands taking back our culture, the mission is clear: rebuild, restore, and reclaim."
Just like books, movies, and TV always show the beach as a place of renewal, where people find clarity and healing, Black beaches hold that same power for us. PXP is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about honoring what’s been lost, reclaiming what’s still ours, and creating something lasting. The beach is our sanctuary, our story, our peace. Always has been. Always will be.
SAY HELLO
We'd love to hear from you. Feel free to shoot us an email or text.
hello@paperxpencil.com
PHONE
754.207.2940
HQ
2950 West Cypress Creek Rd.
Ste. 333 (PMB# 1069)
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