What is David is best known for?
He is best known for his innovative magazine design, and use of experimental typography.
What are some of his highest profile clients?
Carson did work for Pepsi Cola, Ray Ban (orbs project), Nike, Microsoft, Budweiser, Giorgio Armani, NBC, American Airlines and Levi Strauss Jeans, AT&T, British Airways, Kodak, Lycra, Packard Bell, Sony, Suzuki, Toyota, Warner Brothers, CNN, Cuervo Gold, Johnson AIDS Foundation, MTV Global, Princo, Lotus Software, Fox TV, Nissan, Quiksilver, Intel, Mercedes Benz, MGM Studios and Nine Inch Nails.
What is his educational background?
Carson attended a two week graphics course, taught by Jackson Boelts, in 1980 at the University of Arizona. Later on in 1983 he attended San Diego State University
as well as Oregon College of Commercial Art. Carson attended a three-week workshop in graphic design
as part of his degree in Switzerland. Carson has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
What is his birth date / place?
He was born on September 8, 1954 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Exhibited in which countries?
France, Portugal, Madrid, San Sabastion, Los Angeles, Novi Sad, Serbia,
Ukraine, Sweden, London, Argentina, Brazil, India, Chile, Germany,
Italy, Australia, and various states in the US.
What software does he use for television commercials (motion graphics)?
After Effects.
Where does he surf every winter?
The Caribbean.
What is 'Ray Gun'?
Ray Gun was an American alternative rock and roll magazine, led by David Carson and first published in 1992, Santa Monica, California.
What is 'The End of Print' about?
The End of Print features work from the magazines where Carson first made his impact, such as Transworld Skateboarding, Surfer, Beach Culture and Ray Gun, as well as his advertisements for clients such as Nike, Pepsi, MTV and Sony. Carson's origins of his approach to his design and the extreme reactions to his work are also examined in an interview by Lewis Blackwell.
How would you describe Davids work for quiksilver?
Davids work for Quiksilver is very unique and dominated through his use of type in various artistic ways. This type can look abstract in some designs and can be hard to read, however is extremely eye catching and is always complemented through a brilliantly chosen colour pallet.
What is David's association with Nine Inch Nails & Trent Reznor?
David worked closely with Nine Inch Nails foreman, Trent Reznor in designs for their album artwork.
Why would David use 'Franklin Gothic' type on the poster of 'Helvetica' the film?
David used Franklin Gothic as a joke.
What do you think about the 'Armani' campaign?
Carson's designs for the Armani campaign are very different from is other design work. He has designed the advertisements straight forward, using basic type and simplistic ideas rather than his usual visually abstract 'in your face' design
How does David regard his progression in design aesthetics?
David says that the basic approach to his design remains similar in that it is personal, intuitive and extremely self-indulgent however he hopes that it is continuing to evolve.
What is 'TREK'?
TREK is Davids 4th book which features his latest photographic feats, film and web work and brilliant new designs created for clients such as Nine Inch Nails and Quicksilver. The book also contains designs created by David at workshops which he conducted all over the world.
What does David think sets him apart from other designers?
David believes that his lack of 'formal training' and that he works intuitively, puling from his own unique background makes for his best work and sets him apart from other designers. He trusts his intuition.
How does David keep pushing the boundaries of Graphic Design?
David pushes the boundaries of graphic design by first pushing himself for personal growth, which represents where he is in his life and whats important to him. He believes that in doing this the work should follow. He doesn't set out to break rules or push boundaries, instead he just does what makes sense to him.
Does Davids background in sociology play a role in his work?
Davids background in sociology makes him interested in the viewers response, and identifying who the audience is and how to best speak to them. He was drawn to editorial work initially because he found it more interesting to read a real story about a real person or event and interpret that in his design. Davids interests along with his degree in sociology may not directly affect the outcome of his work, but certainly steers him towards certain types of work.
