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CAM Design
By: American Design Awards
After serving senior design, art direction, and freelance roles for both in-house marketing teams and local ad agencies, Craig Murray set out to establish a small firm of his own, producing high quality work backed with strong ethics. With the savings he had built-up, a passion to differentiate clients’ brands, and the loving support and copywriting talents of his wife Ann, Craig began CAM Design (www.designbycam.com) in early 2006. From large and medium sized corporations, to startups and fellow advertising agencies, CAM Design has worked with clients in a multitude of industries to help build stronger brand equity. Clients include NBC Universal, Color Digital Marketing, Endforce, Inc., and Resource Interactive.
Picture of CAM Design crew:
Craig Murray, Ann Murray
Today, Craig has grown CAM into a full service graphic design consultancy providing advertising, art direction, brand identity, web design, direct marketing, and sales collateral. Craig has always had a passion for his craft and is constantly immersed in the design and advertising industry. He serves on the communications panel of volunteers for the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts, a nonprofit organization of professionals setting standards of communications within Central Ohio. Clients and peers will attest to Craig’s enthusiasm as a creative in the industry. Craig and CAM Design are known for their abilities to uncover solid solutions for design problems, and for their exceptional creativity in marketing. Craig’s work has received numerous awards from AIGA, Horizon Interactive Awards, and American Design Awards.
CAM Design continues to help businesses communicate their aspirations, values, and products through meaningful design and strategic marketing communications. Their work excels as thoughtful and engaging solutions that inform, inspire audiences, and position brands. Whether in print or on-screen, CAM Design is crafting high quality communications that are timeless and most of all - effective.
Who is your inspiration?
My wife, Ann. She is, and will continue to be, my foundation and rock. In addition, my family, faith, dog, and all of my friends. Reading and people watching always prove to be a great source for inspiring witty and interesting ways to approach work.
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: I love what I do and I’m committed to seeing my work helps clients succeed. I’m also very good at seeing the "big picture" when it comes to the strategic side of things and integrated communications. I love to joke. I’m a great friend. Huge consumer of pop-culture.
Weaknesses: I don’t always take care of myself. I’m a workaholic and often drink more coffee than I probably should. I don’t sketch that well. I don’t know
Actionscript as well as I would like. I’m somewhat shy upon first encounter. I eat too much pizza and love Coca Cola. Can’t sing. Having to add at least one album a week to my music collection. Watching too many movies.
If you had a word of advice for an up-and-coming designer, what would it be?
Ask questions - lots of them. Always strive for improving. Don’t take life so seriously. Be patient and kind. Accept failure and learn from your experiences. Pray, laugh, and continue to learn. Go after your goals and don’t settle. Network as much as you can and promote, promote, promote.
Do you prefer to use a PC or a Mac? Why?
Mac. It’s easy to use, powerful, and a true component of my workflow. It is the Porsche of computers. Would you rather drive a Saturn or a Porsche?
How do you deal with creative block?
I’ll get away for a few minutes and grab a cup of coffee at the local beanery. Sometimes I’ll throw ideas out to friends, or Ann and I will talk over other ways of looking at the task.
What is your favorite snack food in your office?
Barbecue chips are my personal favorite. However, we also usually have a good supply of chips and salsa in stock.
Are large companies easier to work with, or small ones?
It really depends. I have had experiences good and bad with both large and small. I think it really boils down to the people your ultimately working with and not the company itself.
Did you major in art or graphic design in college?
I majored in visual communications with an emphasis in graphic design. I received my B.S. Technology, Visual Communications from Bowling Green State University.
What is the motto of your design firm? What does it imply?
Our Motto: Believing, Revealing, Creating. Believing in design and the purpose it serves in the world. Revealing the power of design through partnership with our clients. Creating design that is relevant, effective, and timeless.
If you could do it all over again, would you?
Yes, but I might do things somewhat different than I did. Possibly travel more and study abroad.
 Editor's Note: The adage that good things come in small packages rings true especially with CAM Design, a small creative firm with an extraordinary sense for design and creativity. No wonder our judges are always impressed with CAM Design's award-winning work.
 CAM Design
373 Jackson Street
Columbus OH 43206 USA
designsbycam.com
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