Carolyn Davidson
Encyclopedia
Carolyn Davidson is a graphic designer best known as the creator of the Nike
"swoosh
".
Davidson designed the swoosh in 1971 while a graphic design
student at Portland State University
. Phil Knight
, who was teaching an accounting class at the university, noticed Davidson working on an assignment, and asked her to do some work for what was then Blue Ribbon Sports, Inc. Needing to choose a logo in order to meet looming production deadlines, Knight settled on the swoosh, after rejecting various other designs. At the time, he stated of the logo, "I don't love it, but it will grow on me."
For her services, she billed the company $
35. The swoosh became an instantly-recognizable insignia for Nike around the world, and Davidson continued working for what is now Nike, Inc. Eventually, the design demands of the company grew beyond one person's capacity, and she turned over her duties to Nike's new advertising agency
.
Although Davidson left Nike in September 1983, Knight invited her to a company lunch. There, he presented her with a diamond ring
engraved with the swoosh, and an undisclosed amount of Nike stock
. Of the gift, Davidson says, "this was something rather special for Phil to do, because I originally billed him and he paid that invoice."
Davidson retired
in 2000, and now engages in hobbies
and volunteer work, including weekly duties at the Ronald McDonald House
at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center
.
Nike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
"swoosh
Swoosh
Swoosh is the symbol of the athletic shoe and clothing manufacturer Nike. It is among the most easily recognized brand logos in the world.-History:...
".
Davidson designed the swoosh in 1971 while a graphic design
Graphic design
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
student at Portland State University
Portland State University
Portland State University is a public state urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1946, it has the largest overall enrollment of any university in the state of Oregon, including undergraduate and graduate students. It is also the only public university in...
. Phil Knight
Phil Knight
Philip Hampson "Phil" Knight is an American business magnate. He is the co-founder and Chairman of Nike, Inc. He resigned as the company's chief executive officer in 2004, while retaining the position of chairman of the board...
, who was teaching an accounting class at the university, noticed Davidson working on an assignment, and asked her to do some work for what was then Blue Ribbon Sports, Inc. Needing to choose a logo in order to meet looming production deadlines, Knight settled on the swoosh, after rejecting various other designs. At the time, he stated of the logo, "I don't love it, but it will grow on me."
For her services, she billed the company $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
35. The swoosh became an instantly-recognizable insignia for Nike around the world, and Davidson continued working for what is now Nike, Inc. Eventually, the design demands of the company grew beyond one person's capacity, and she turned over her duties to Nike's new advertising agency
Advertising agency
An advertising agency or ad agency is a service business dedicated to creating, planning and handling advertising for its clients. An ad agency is independent from the client and provides an outside point of view to the effort of selling the client's products or services...
.
Although Davidson left Nike in September 1983, Knight invited her to a company lunch. There, he presented her with a diamond ring
Diamond ring
Diamond ring or This Diamond Ring or Diamond Rings may refer to:Jewelry*Diamond ring, a type of jewelry featuring a diamond. For this usage, see also engagement ring.Media...
engraved with the swoosh, and an undisclosed amount of Nike stock
Stock
The capital stock of a business entity represents the original capital paid into or invested in the business by its founders. It serves as a security for the creditors of a business since it cannot be withdrawn to the detriment of the creditors...
. Of the gift, Davidson says, "this was something rather special for Phil to do, because I originally billed him and he paid that invoice."
Davidson retired
Retirement
Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely. A person may also semi-retire by reducing work hours.Many people choose to retire when they are eligible for private or public pension benefits, although some are forced to retire when physical conditions don't allow the person to...
in 2000, and now engages in hobbies
Hobby
A hobby is a regular activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure, typically done during one's leisure time.- Etymology :A hobby horse is a wooden or wickerwork toy made to be ridden just like a real horse...
and volunteer work, including weekly duties at the Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities is an independent 501c3 organization whose mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children across the world...
at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center
Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is a medical facility located in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1912 by the Lutheran Church, it is a part of Legacy Health...
.