Apple called him “a pioneer with profound impact” and Newsweek magazine said he “changed the public face of graphic design”. In 1991 David Carson redesigned Surfer Magazine and established a now iconic graphic design style seated in raw human emotion. That work led to numerous awards and an expansive client list that includes Audi, Nike, Obama, museums and universities, and album art for Nine Inch Nails. A lifelong surfer and 2018 inductee into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, Carson candidly discusses the value of failing publicly, the importance of humanity in design, and why it is impossible to not communicate. Enjoy!
Today’s episode if sponsored by SpyOptic.com. Use promo code “podcast” to support this show and get a limited edition Surf Splendor sunglass baggie.
Visit DavidCarsonDesign.com and follow @DavidCarson






Carson gave a insightful and funny TedTalk in 2003
David’s dreamy set-up somewhere in the West Indies
Collaboration project between Album Surfboards and David Carson
An Album board with artwork by David’s 2 year old son, Carson Carson.
CREDIT
Sponsor: SpyOptic.com use promo code “podcast”
Portrait Illustration: Jose Emroca Flores, @Emroca
Original Ad Music: BeeJayOndera.com
Intro Music: David Bowie, Blackstar
Outro Music: The Postal Service, We Will Become Silhouettes
Produce, Edit, Host: David Lee Scales, @David_Lee_Scales