About Us
Welcome to Craig Michael Design
I grew up in a small rural town in Victoria, Australia, where neighbors shared what they had—extra tomatoes or eggs—without thinking twice. It was a time of tolerance rather than politics, and our community was a vibrant blend of Greek, Italian, and Aboriginal families. The Greeks and Italians would make wine and proudly boast about how good it was; the Italian nonnas started rolling dough at six in the morning to feed entire families and neighbors alike. Meanwhile, Aboriginal kids would invite me to the Billabong after school—where we’d draw symbols in the mud, cool off in the heat, and try our best to avoid brown snakes!
From an early age, I loved observing the world around me—lizards, kangaroos, koalas, you name it—and sometimes tried to capture their movements and shapes in drawings. I believe the environment you grow up in becomes part of your soul, and in my case, it kindled a fascination with color, texture, and patterns that still fuels my designs today. Back then, we also lived by the seasons: if strawberries weren’t in season, we simply didn’t have them.
Growing Up with Creativity All Around
My mother and grandmother were incredible seamstresses, with people traveling far and wide for my mum’s dressmaking skills. It was like she had a knack for making anyone feel beautiful—truly magical. Our backroom was a whirlwind of fabric, thread, and half-finished garments, so you learned to tread lightly when “the sewing mojo” was in full swing. I’d sew shirts or shorts for my relatives—admittedly rough around the edges, but they appreciated the personal touch. That habit of creating handmade gifts became part of who I am.
Music was another constant in our household. My grandmother and great-grandmother were silent movie pianists, and family lore says I was quite the whinger as an infant—until my grandmother sat me on her lap at the piano. Later in my teens, I earned my first real income playing piano for a local ballet school. The ballet mistress, an eccentric New Zealander, introduced me to Beethoven and spent hours chatting about astrology and star signs over cups of herbal tea. Ever since, I’ve been spellbound by the cosmos and how it can spark imagination.
Inspiration & Making Things Unique
When I design, I’m often pulled back to those childhood memories: drawing animal shapes in the mud, relishing the swirl of color in nature, and flicking through my mother’s endless stack of fashion magazines for global trends. I take cues from cultures I admire—be it African prints, Japanese art, or Parisian flair—while always staying rooted in my Aussie upbringing. For me, it’s about blending the local and the global in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
What Makes Craig Michael Design Different
- Personal Touch: Everything I create is, in my mind, a gift for my customers—an original piece of art you can’t find at major retailers.
- Heartfelt Craftsmanship: I carry on my family’s tradition of making things that are both stylish and built to last.
- A Story in Each Design: Whether it’s a tee inspired by stargazing, a tote bag influenced by childhood sketches, or a cozy throw reminiscent of the bushland, there’s a genuine narrative behind every piece.
Join Me on This Journey
I hope you’ll find something here that resonates with you—maybe a design that sparks a memory or simply adds a dash of color to your day. By supporting Craig Michael Design, you’re backing a passion that started in a small town, nurtured by family, music, and a love of art in all its forms.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about my story. If you ever have questions or want to share your own experiences, I’m here to listen. I’m truly grateful for your support and can’t wait to see how my creations become part of your journey, too.
Warm Regards,
Craig & The Craig Michael Design Team