KEVIN AKERS design + imagery, a graphic design and packaging company, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its founding in 1993, Kevin has worked with top brands like Williams-Sonoma, Subaru, Volkswagen and McDonald’s. He has provided designs for IBM, Protiviti, Tenet Healthcare and Cost Plus World Market as well as music icon Paul McCartney and the incomparable San Francisco Symphony.
After years of working for various Bay Area packaging and design firms, he ended up as senior designer for the world’s largest PR firm. A month after he bought his first house he was part of a company-wide layoff. Out of necessity, KEVIN AKERS design + imagery was born.
Starting with a base of two companies, the client roster grew steadily over the years. Having been so entrenched in public relations work, many projects came from the country’s leading PR firms who placed value on good design. This PR background combined with his illustration skills made him a natural fit to create interesting and digestible infographics.
KEVIN AKERS design + imagery has developed more than 100 corporate identity programs for large and small firms alike. Packaging has always been a natural extension of Kevin’s branding work. He is the recipient of many design industry awards for his logos, brochures, posters, packaging and illustration.
“I think my clients expect a high level of creativity from me, something that breaks away from the typical solution but at the same time checks all the boxes for an objectives-driven solution,” Kevin Akers said. “Especially when creating a logo or brand, I strive to make it as memorable as possible while giving it a timeless attitude that avoids trends and gimmicks.”
Kevin’s experience with a wide spectrum of business sectors helps to keep his work diversified. “I’ve been able to toggle between all sorts of businesses, bringing that knowledge to each job. All the work in the studio comes from me, so there are not a lot of layers to clog up the communication between client and designer.”
His interest in the magic of design prompted him to write and produce a book for Chronicle Books titled All Wrapped Up! – Groovy Gift Wrap of the 1960s. The book is a visual survey of more than 400 wrapping paper designs from the swinging sixties.
He is also the author of The Dunnes of Brittas, a novel about an Irish family’s saga of endurance.
Serendipitously, the30th anniversary of the firm coincides with Kevin’s move back to San Luis Obispo, home of his alma mater, Cal Poly.
