University of South Florida

School of Art & Art History

USF College of The Arts

David Watts

Professor of Instruction of Graphic Design
MFA Cranbrook Academy of Art
Emaildwatts2@usf.edu 
Office: HBR 127

David Watts is an artist, graphic designer, and typographer. A common thread throughout his work is a focus on absurdism, irreverence and cultural faux pas.

Watts’ studio centers on hybrid practice, featuring a combination of hyper traditional work that reflects on the experimental and contemporary methodology of his personal work.

His work has also been sought by national and international clients. Select clients include Subaru, Toyota, Hilton, Chrysler, Cranbrook Academy of Art Communications and Bleu Acier. Since 2017, Watts has been the principal of his professional studio, Early 2000s Sedan Images + Type. He has previously held the position of senior designer, creative director and senior developer at various design agencies and marketing firms.

Watts teaches courses in advanced graphic design, typography, motion graphic design, and front-end development for internet/screen based objects. He previously taught at Oakland College in Detroit and West Virginia Wesleyan College. He earned his MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan under Elliott Earls.