Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Davidson.
Hi Craig, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Central Montana the youngest of five children surrounded by the arts—visual, music, and architecture. I imagined being an architect, veterinarian, fireman and cartoonist and living in the mountains when I was an adult. My strengths were visual art, music and literature while I was in school—K-12.
I went to undergraduate art and design school at Montana State University and received a bachelors degree in graphic design and a minor in painting. I applied to graduate schools during my fifth year and was accepted at the Rhode Island School of Design in graphic design. I took an independent study in painting too hoping I could double major, but it was too difficult, so I focused on graphic design. I graduated in 1985 and focusing on my thesis about visual narrative and simultaneity.
After graduating, I moved to Chicago where i freelanced for design studios prior to becoming a staff designer. I worked there for two years and then moved to Minneapolis where I was senior graphic designer at Walker Art Center for two years. In 1989 I became a freelance designer full time under Civic Design and still am.
I married my wife in 1993. She’s a graphic designer and a vocalist. We bought our house that same year and had our daughter in 1997.
I focus mostly on publication design for the arts, including museums and individual artists and corporate organizations that are looking to tell their stories through books.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles included being self employed and my constant desire to work in the graphic design field and the visual arts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Civic Design?
Civic Design
I focus on publication design, identity work and book cover design. My work ranges from publications and promotion for individual artists to international corporations like Andersen Windows. My longest standing client was a local university press at twenty-five years. What I’m known for is the ability to absorb complex information and abstract ideas and interpret them visually.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m not certain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.civicdesignoffice.com/ and https://craigdavidsonart.com
- Instagram: @cdavidson56
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-davidson-6002605
