Students To Watch • Graphic Design USA

Craig Fowler is a graphic designer whose creative journey began with music. As a kid, he was surrounded by the record album covers his grandfather, a musician, collected, and quickly realized that the music he loved was inseparable from the visuals that came with it. Posters, typography, and album art became his first design education. Later, a magazine ad in Spin helped him see graphic design as something he could actually study and pursue.

Craig’s art education started early with park district classes and AP Studio Art in high school. A scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Early College Program exposed him to fine art at a serious level and shaped how he thinks about design.

At 18, Craig moved from Chicago to San Francisco to study Graphic Design at Academy of Art University. Learning design foundations such as typography, layout, and visual systems from working professionals at the Academy gave him an invaluable education and allowed him to break the rules with intention. He developed a passion for design that embraces texture, tactility, and a less polished, more organic look.

While still in school, Craig began working professionally, eventually growing from Junior Designer to Art Director. He found a creative home in food and beverage branding, where storytelling and expressive visuals are celebrated, while continuing to collaborate with music-industry clients.

Craig earned a Graphic Design USA Student Award for a bold tinned fish packaging project inspired by travel and vintage signage. Today, he works as Creative Director at Magnolia Brewing Co. and freelances through his own studio.

Who are your biggest creative influences?

My design influences include Stefan Sagmeister and Paula Scher. Both have done influential work in the music industry and are known for bringing fine art techniques into graphic design.

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