David Carson

David carson is the American Graphic designer and typographer famous for his innovative magazine layouts, original aesthetic, and like Neville Brody has experimented widely with typography. Many cite Carson as the most influential graphic designer of the 90's, and is commonly dubbed as the "Father of grunge", due to his dirty style.

Carson was also a professional surfer in the late 80's, ranked 9th in the world, and much of his earlier work was for surfer magazines such as Beach Culture , and through which Carson made his first significant impact into the world of Graphic Design and Typography. Carson then went on to develop his signature style at various magazines before launching Ray Gun, a lifestyle and music magazine which brought him to the attention of the New York Times and Newsweek, who both featured him and increased his publicity greatly. (more on this period can be read here)

Carson then went on to Launch David Carson Design, and has Nike, Microsoft, Pepsi, Levi Strauss, British Airways, Intel, Mercedez Benz and Budweiser as clients. His more recent "New School" typography and photography based style has won Carson numerous awards, and Creative Review cited him as "The Most famous graphic designer on the planet" in 2004.

Crason also lectures extensively throughout the world and holds a week long workshop at the School of Visual Arts in NYC every summer.


My View:

Carson is quite an interesting subject, as I read he only ever attended a three week course in Graphic Design intended for high school students, yet went on to forge his own style and is uber successful. Opinions on him seems to be divided, with people either loving or hating his work. I admit that at this point I am not that familiar with it yet, but will be keeping a look out for it from here on.