Carolyn Davidson

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Carolyn Davidson

Born	February 16^{[citation needed]}
Residence	Portland, Oregon^[1]
Children	Jacob and Adam^{[citation needed]}

Carolyn Davidson is the creator of the Nike swoosh.

[edit] Creation of the 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."^[1]

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 was 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.^[1]

[edit] After Nike

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 Nike stock in an amount that remains a secret. Of the gift, Davidson says, "this was something rather special for Phil to do, because I originally billed him and he paid that invoice."^[1]

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.^[1]