Michael Davis is a senior studying marketing. He is a creative director, podcast host, and graphic designer.
Did you know you wanted to pursue a creative career as a child?
I actually wanted to be a sports agent. I always knew I wanted to be somewhere near or adjacent to media though. I wanted to be like Rich Paul but to do it with WNBA players, to help create their brands, get them deals and just grow themselves.
What is the inspiration of your creative pursuits?
Most of my inspiration comes from things or ideas that I saw as a child, my core memories, mainly things that have not been out in a long time. I like to bring the geometric loop styles from the 80s and 90s aesthetic, with a modern twist. I don’t think I have a definite style, I don’t really want to yet. I am still growing as a creative everyday. When I design things they do look a certain way, but they don't box me in. I recently challenged myself to design 30 things for 30 days. That process helped me figure out where my design fits. I grew up in Pennsylvania and in Jersey. When it comes to design, seeing Nike ads, Fubu and growing around the epicenter of streetwear, it has definitely influenced my style. Also growing up in suburbia has enabled me to look at certain things in design with a different lens, understanding the importance and uses of softer and chiller tones.
What is the point of your art?
To show people all the different things you can do. I'm not just a graphic designer; I'm also a marketing major. I also like to show people that there are young Black individuals who are able to make a living designing brand identities, streetwear – doing it and making it cool. My end goal is to have my own branding firm. I would like to inspire a high schooler or middle schooler who is wondering what you can do with graphic design. I don't think there was anybody who directly guided me that much. I did have a graphic design teacher in high school that helped me see what existed out there and what was possible. There were things that I had in my head as a high schooler, and now I am able to do it. While my teacher did give me a push, the majority of my motivation was internal. I also have to give credit to alumnus Sarah Duvivier. When I first came to AU, there were not a lot of people who were Black and known for their art at AU. I thought she was the GOAT. Made me realize that this was something I wanted to do. I want people to wear my stuff and also to influence people to design themselves. To do it with the understanding of what design is. Not to create money, but to solve problems and create art.
What are some of your favorite brands?
One of my favorite brands is New Balance. They never really change themselves. They always have quality products. Even their basic models are of good, strong quality. Whenever they drop a new collection, the collection always has a story about it. I also enjoy Nike, as they are one of the best marketing and design brands. I recently wrote a blog about how Nike changed the trajectory of sneakers through their advertisements. Nike, where they are right now, is not by chance but because of a lot of hard work.
What do you think is the importance of Black artists/creatives?
Black artists are necessary. There are a lot of people designing without giving people their flowers. There are quite a few people who are famous, whose style of art came from a person of color. Someone like Keith Haring, his style of art came from a Hispanic guy. That Hispanic guy is nowhere near as famous as Keith Haring. Design is essential for Black artists to exist in order to create a new age of the Black design scene. Growing up, like many Black young adults, I did not feel that it was viable to be an artist or designer. It is really influential to see other people your age with similar backgrounds in the design scene. Growing up in a minority household, we do not really see creative careers as an option. We felt the need to choose the safe option. Seeing black artists helps creative careers seem possible for us.
Anything you want to let the readers know?
If you need anything designed look at my website. I focus on brand identity and apparel design. I encourage everyone to appreciate design more and to look into minority designers–there are a lot out there. Without design the world would be bland. It is a privilege to have designers; everything you touch and look at has been designed intentionally.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.