Bradley Pinkerton chats designing for the biggest pop stars in the world

Bradley Pinkerton is a Melbourne (Birraranga) based graphic designer. While the name may not be familiar, you’ve almost definitely seen his work for the biggest pop stars in the world. Originally from Australia’s West Coast, he specialises in creative branding, print and art direction. His studio focuses on producing expressive, thoughtful and distinctive work for the arts and music sectors.

Famously he took care of the cover artwork created for ‘Fine Line’, the second album by Harry Styles. In the album promo he also designed the tour artwork, promotional artworks alongside Styles’ creative director Molly Hawkins. He’s also taken care of promotional campaigns for pop star Charlie Puth, Girlpool and HTRK. Locally he’s taken care of tour posters for local promoters Velodrome Recordings and Gallery Records.

We were lucky enough to chat to the legend, giving us insight into his career so far, how he gives back to his community and the music he has been digging lately. 

 

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What is your creative medium?

I’m a graphic designer who works primarily within the music industry. I do everything from album art, title design, event and merchandise artwork.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Perth but moved over to Melbourne after I finished studying in 2014.

Why did you start engaging in graphic design?

I’ve always been a creative type of person and I think with graphic design I thought I could make a career out of that. I love music equally to design so I have always wanted to see if I could work both of those into my life.

After finishing university I moved over to Melbourne and worked for a few years in different design studios. That was more corporate and standard creative studio work. It wasn’t really the right fit for me but you get drilled so hard at uni to follow that set path. Junior, mid, senior then retire (?)

While starting out I was always keeping work in the side to do in my spare time doing the odd gig flyer and single artwork. When I was made redundant at my last studio job I put all my effort into my freelance career. Making that my full time job.

How do you measure your community impact?

I try to help out where I can and take on a few non profit projects a year. I recently did a collection of shirt designs for the LA Mission Arts Council to raise awareness of the housing crisis in Skidrow. Last year I also organised a fundraiser event for the Bushfires where a heap of amazing designers/artists contributed tee shirt designs, we raised over $11,000 for Wildlife Victoria.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I have a studio in Brunswick East that I ride to every morning. I work best when I have a set routine. So I try to maintain that at the studio. Typically it’s Monday to Friday but if some deadlines are tight I will go in on the weekend. Mornings are spent catching up on emails and studio admin then the rest of the design is design work. Days in the studio are spent working on about 2-3 projects.

I share the studio with three other creatives who aren’t in the design industry which is great as well. I love that the conversation isn’t graphic design 24/7.

Where can we find your work?

I try to keep Instagram as the first place where I publish new work. I treat that almost like a live portfolio. I do have a website that will be properly completed this year!

What can we look forward to from you in the next year?

I have a few projects on the burner at the moment that I can’t wait to be released. A new album from a band that I love working with will be released soon and a few soft good designs out later this year as well!

What song are you vibing with this week?

Words and questions PARRY TRITSINIOTIS and EVIE WEILY

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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