Sam Harrison graduated with a Bachelor of Art & Design from the CPIT School of Art & Design in 2006. That same year he won the Mortlock McCormack Art Award, the Farina Thompson Drawing Award & had a work purchased for the Will Cummings Memorial Collection.

From the Mortlock McCormack Award Judges:

"A resolute and unifed body of work that is arguably somewhat unique in the art world in this country, in its commitment to portraiture as an art form. Undoubtedly, the success of Harrison's work resides in his skills as a draftsman and his sensitivity to line and observation.Moreover, his drawings, prints and sculptures reveal a lively and sensitive engagement with his subject.Like all successful portraits, Harrison's works retain an empathy for their subject, and this is clearly evident in the manner in which he reveals the complexity and nuances of the personality he describes."