Savannah College of Art and Design Alumni Spotlight

Kevin Bongang and Cavanagh Baker talk about their experience at SCAD and what it's like creating in Music City.

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The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a leader in art and design education, and a top choice for students looking for an exceptional education and life-changing career opportunities. The university is incredibly diverse with more than 15,000 students representing over 100 countries.

We caught up with two superstar alumni, who are both currently creating and working in Nashville, about their careers and love for Music City. 

Kevin Bongang, Illustrator 

Kevin Bongang is an illustrator whose portfolio includes clients such as Jamba Juice, Adobe, Country Music Association, Marriott International Hotels, Spanx, and Bonaroo Music Festival.

Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Bongang majored in illustration at SCAD, acquired his B.F.A. in 2009 and his master’s degree in 2013. His signature style is awash in bold fun colors, swirling lines, and vibrant imagery. 

Nashville Lifestyles: As a creative, why did you choose Nashville as your home and place to create?

Kevin Bongang: Nashville is a beautiful city with a growing art scene. The entrepreneurial spirit of Music City gives me the strength to go full time with my art. I’ve been freelancing here successfully for the past three years.

NL: Are there upcoming or recent projects you are working on that you can share with our readers?

KB: I have been working with Jamba Juice, creating various digital murals that have been installed in their stores all around the world. I also was recently selected by Adobe as one of three artists to create a tee shirt design for their Annual Adobe MAX conference to inspire, teach, and connect creators from all around the world.

NL: In regards to the pandemic, has there been any needed pivots in your work and creative process? 

KB: The pandemic has been an unusual time professionally. I’ve had several projects postponed indefinitely. It hasn’t caused any pivots in my work necessarily, and I always explore new color palettes in every project. Exploring new color combinations makes me happy.

Cavanagh Baker, Fashion Designer

Cavanagh Baker is a luxury women’s wear designer whose designs have been featured in Elle, The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, and Fashionista.

Her namesake brand was developed when she was still attending Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned her fashion degree in 2014. Her garments are known for their bold, classic silhouettes and unique, sophisticated fabrics.

From her Nashville boutique, she has dressed top recording artists including Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, and Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town. Cavanagh designs everyday wear for women who still practice the fine art of dressing.

NL: As a creative, why did you choose Nashville as your home and place to create?

Cavanagh Baker: After attending SCAD, I had a gut feeling that Nashville was where I needed to be, as I wanted to work hand in hand with the country music industry. A couple of months after moving to Nashville, my first client was Kelsea Ballerini for her Peter Pan music video. I haven't looked back since. 

NL: In regards to the pandemic, has there been any needed pivots in your work and creative process? Has there been any success with these changes, new approaches?

CB: Due to the pandemic, I’ve had to make many creative changes to my business. Transitioning to being fully digital has been hard since I am a personable person. The most difficult part is not being able to travel to Paris to touch and feel every fabric presented to create the next few collections.

NL: Lastly, will you speak to your education at SCAD and what you learned at the university that has provided success in your creative profession?

CB: Anyone who asks me for advice on college, I tell them I absolutely loved my experience at SCAD, the education, the networking, and the ability to collaborate with other fields is crucial in preparation for a creative career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without SCAD.

To learn more about SCAD, visit scad.edu.