Music Graphic Design & Art Direction /
Hi, I'm Gary Kelly, an award-winning graphic designer and art director with over two decades of experience creating music graphic design for record labels, artists and bands. My credits include U2, The Script, Leonard Cohen, Genesis, Sony Music, Columbia Records, Universal Music, BMG and more.
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Music graphic design for record labels and bands
Music is not just work for me. It is a way of life. I am a working musician as well as a designer, which means every brief arrives with an understanding that goes beyond the visual. The creative chaos of the studio, the pressure of a release deadline, the way an image needs to carry the entire emotional weight of an album. These are things I understand from the inside, not just observed from a distance.
Over two decades, I have worked with some of the most respected artists and labels in the industry. People who understand that great music deserves equally great design.
My approach is straightforward. Get to know the artist. Understand their story. Then build a visual world that feels completely natural to the music. Considered, true and built to last across every format it will ever appear on.
What I design for music:
Album artwork and packaging: vinyl, CD and digital
Single and EP cover design
Full album campaign design: from first single to tour
Tour merchandise and apparel
Tour books and concert programme design
Gig and concert poster design
Music social media and digital content
Artist visual identity and branding
Stage and screen visuals
Whether it is an independent release finding its audience or a global campaign for a major label, the standard never changes. The design has to be as strong, as considered and as memorable as the music it represents.
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What the clients say
“Gary always does a phenomenal job. The lengths he goes to, and the sheer passion for completing a vision in full, are what sets him apart from the rest. He doesn’t just run with an idea, he flies. He has always been an integral part of our design team, bringing our visions to life and also taking us in directions we never envisioned ourselves. He’s a true collaborator in every sense of the word and we love working with him.”
Danny O’Donoghue
The Script
“Gary is incredibly dedicated to producing work of the highest standard. He is very collaborative with both artist and label and consistently delivers everything we need ahead of our tight deadlines.”
Bec Adams
Marketing Manager - Columbia Records