Tom Craig

I have worked in the apparel design and presentation industry for many years. As a member of a design team and ultimately team leader I have worked across divisions creating imprinted graphics for apparel and accessories. My skills also include making presentations to win accounts and subsequent presentations to brand divisions to outline art direction and the specific designs created once awarded the contracts.

As a teen I was enthralled by the ability of a design to impart a message or feeling transforming a blank garment into a personal expression. As a student of Psychology and Art I learned about the dynamics of perception and self-image. As a designer I have drawn on my enthusiasm of the medium and my education to create graphics for the resort and sports industries.

Over time my skills have transformed from illustration with pen, pencil and markers to the computer. I am proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office software packages as well as Quark XPress. My technical expression has relied mainly on Apple products, but I have used PC equipment from time to time. I have extensive experience creating art separations for printers on light and dark garments.

My experience designing for apparel ranges from design of my own merchandise to that of other industry brands. Not only have I designed graphics for apparel and accessories, but also labels, hangtags and POP. I have designed retail stores and signage and have merchandised for those stores. My experience presenting merchandise to the customer in the retail environment has given me unique insight into making the merchandise. I have received recognition from publications WWD, DNR, Impressions, SPAI and Tennis Magazine for design and creativity.

I live this business outside of the office constantly reading, researching and shopping to gain knowledge for my design. I also look outside of our industry for inspiration from art history to other industries like furniture and appliances. I maintain an extensive morgue file of designs I like. I take photos of everything I see that may help me in the development of future design campaigns.

My experience in the industry gives me the insight to see the future of design and the talent to understand the timing of a successful design campaign.