David Carson

David Carson is a prominent graphic designer and artist known for his innovative and unconventional approach to design. He has served as the Artist In Residence at Zoku since 2018, where he engages in various creative roles, including advertising, branding, and consulting.34 Carson's career is marked by his self-taught background and a distinctive style that often eschews traditional design grids, embracing a more free-form aesthetic that reflects his experiences as a surfer and his sociological insights.

Born in Texas in 1955 and raised in Florida, Carson graduated with a BA in Sociology from San Diego State University. His career in graphic design began in the 1980s, where he gained recognition as the art director of Ray Gun magazine, a role that established him as a pioneer of "grunge typography" and experimental graphic design.12 Over the years, he has collaborated with major brands such as Pepsi, Nike, and MTV, and his work has earned him over 200 awards.1

In addition to his role at Zoku, Carson has also been involved with other organizations like 72andSunny. He continues to influence the design community through lectures and workshops worldwide, sharing his philosophy of creative freedom and self-expression.34 His legacy includes bestselling publications such as The End of Print, which remains highly regarded in the field of graphic design.1