Craig McAnuff

BA (Hons) Graphic Arts

Graduated 2012

Craig McAnuff is an award winning entrepreneur and best known as the founder of Original Flava, a globally recognised Caribbean food brand alongside his brother, they’ve gained a following of over 850,000. Through best-selling cookbooks, sold-out supper clubs, and powerful digital storytelling, he has helped redefine Caribbean cuisine for a new generation. Craig is also the founder of Craig Dean Studio, a branding agency where he brings his expertise in brand building, visual identity, and cultural storytelling to help businesses create authentic, long-lasting impact.

 

What are your memories of being a student at BNU?

I remember BNU as a space full of great opportunities for creatives to blend disciplines within their own practice. I had access to textiles, music, and advertising, which was incredibly helpful for experimentation and for using different mediums to fully maximise my ideas.

What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?

Go out and learn as much as possible in the field you want to pursue. Reach out to places where you’d like to work and intern—don’t stop at the first no. Offer your time and be willing to work for them; opportunities come to those who make themselves available. You don’t need to rush into your dream job right now—your experiences will help you understand what you do and don’t want to do. So go out and learn from others who are already doing it.

How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?

It helped me set tasks, manage my time with discipline, and cultivate relationships. I’m an entrepreneur now, and much of my success has come from creating ideas and executing them. Without the discipline to turn ideas into practical outcomes, I’d be nowhere. University projects helped me massively in developing this skill. They were my first gateway into working with respected branding agencies and gave me the confidence to start my own venture. What I’m doing now actually grew out of my final major project.

Why did you join the course?

I have always enjoyed graphic design, but I am equally passionate about the idea generation process within advertising. Bucks first-year module, which brings these two areas together, felt like the perfect fit for me and was a major reason why I chose to join the course.

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?

I valued receiving feedback from tutors throughout projects and at their conclusion. I also appreciated feedback from fellow peers, as ultimately, whatever you create is for the people.

Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?

I learned how to build relationships with people from different walks of life whom I would not have met in the community I grew up in, South London. This helped me see the world through someone else’s eyes.

What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?

I’d have to say 3x Best-selling cookbooks, including one of the highest-rated cookbooks in Amazon’s history. Sold-out supper club tours across the country.

What are your future ambitions?

Making a lasting impact in every year of my life. From a business perspective, this means creating a household product that generations can enjoy.

What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?

Read the course overview and understand how it can benefit you and where you see yourself in the long run. If you don’t have all the answers now, that’s fine—you’ll get there. Stay disciplined and maintain tunnel vision when it comes to your ambitions.