Emmy-Winning Creative Director Craig Evans shares industry insights

Charleston Southern University students had the opportunity to learn from Emmy-winning creative director Craig Evans during a special guest lecture hosted by CSU’s Graphic Design program on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in The Cove.

Evans, the founder of C. Evans Creative Co., brought more than a decade of professional experience in branding, design, and marketing to the discussion. Before launching his Charleston-based studio in 2018, he worked with top clients such as Nike, Delta, Volkswagen, ESPN, and MasterCard while serving in leading creative roles at agencies in New York and Los Angeles.

Evans discussed his journey from working on national advertising campaigns to building a creative business focused on helping smaller brands grow. His talk emphasized the importance of storytelling, adaptability, and collaboration within the evolving world of design and marketing.

“Having Craig Evans on campus offers our students an extraordinary opportunity to learn from a creative leader who has successfully bridged global campaigns and local entrepreneurship,” said Heather A. Wilmore Hornbeak, who teaches photography and graphic design at CSU.

Students were invited to engage in an open Q&A session, gaining perspective on industry trends, portfolio development, and what it takes to succeed in competitive creative fields.

Sam Campos, a senior communication studies student minoring in graphic design, said, “One of the most insightful pieces of advice I heard from Evans, who has been working in the field I’m currently studying, is that even though stepping into the unknown after college can feel scary and uncertain, it’s all about finding the spark that drives you and embracing the opportunities that come your way. Hearing that was really encouraging and made me realize that it’s possible to turn something you love into a full-time career.”

This event highlighted CSU’s commitment to connecting students with industry professionals who encourage innovation and creativity in their fields of study.