Born in Pennsylvania, Craig Lavin had his first aquarium at the age of three. He started playing guitar at the age of 13. His passion for both finally joined after moving to Florida to earn a degree in marine biology, then becoming employed as a marine biologist/aquarist/diver at a large science museum. He also joined a few of the local rock groups. At this time he met his marine biologist and musician wife Emily Schmitt, PhD.

When asked how he got into inlay, Craig stated, "I wanted a coral reef inlay going down the neck of my guitar, and we started looking into it." After researching it I became so enthralled with inlay as an art I started doing my own Inlays. The Living Sea guitar is the result of that first coral reef inlay" Craig's inlays have been commissioned by individual art collectors, guitarists and luthiers world over through the years including George Lowden's Custom Shop, Kinnaird Guitars, John Jordan Violins, and Don Alder, to mention a few.

Although marine life is his main focus and passion, he is just as happy working on any other unique inlay designs.
"You express yourself with your instrument, and that's personal, why not personalize your instrument to express yourself as well? The possibilities are endless"