Craig & Karl are a design wonder duo. They’re two best buds based on opposite sides of the world, with Craig in New York and Karl in London. Being separated by an ocean doesn’t seem to phase them though, still managing to pump out incredible work for very high end clients, some of the worlds biggest brands and best publications. Even if their name doesn’t ring instant bells to you, you’ve definitely seen their work before - it’s practically inescapable. Everyone from Google, Air France, Nike, Apple and Kiehl’s have been graced with Craig & Karl’s immaculate aesthetic.
Craig and Karl go way back. They met while studying design at Queensland College of Art and instantly clicked. From those days, they worked together on every group assignment through their entire degree. After graduating, they started the collective Rinzen, which was known for the punchy, bright vector graphics they churned out in the early 2000’s. Ten years later, C & K broke away and officially started Craig & Karl. And, clearly, things have been looking pretty good since!
Their work is a beacon of positivity, optimism and brightness. Characterised by a bold use of colour, line and pattern, their distinctive graphics have seen them cross the realms of murals, typefaces, set design, packaging, illustration and 3D. Simple messages executed in a considered and often humorous way have set their aesthetic in stone. It’s a beautiful combination of art, illustration, objects, interiors influenced by everything from classic art to trashy tv.
In a world where everything is an advertisement and media saturation, we’re pretty happy for these guys to be taking over the world one big, bright polka dot at a time.
See more from Craig & Karl on their website, Instagram and Twitter.
