Fresno graphic designer makes art for latest Kings of Leon album
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Through the power of social media, a Fresno graphic designer was selected by an iconic alternative rock band to help design their newest album art.
Ram Reyes has been a freelance designer and content creator using the name Oversettext for approximately three years.
Uploading content such as tips how to make your own designs, creating reels on Instagram, and using his platform to sell prints, Reyes says he never wants to limit himself to one art form – especially considering how difficult it can be to find work.
“It’s kind of up and down sometimes. There is no work or there is a lot,” said Reyes.
He says he started his Instagram feed by posting a new design every day for a year and taking in commissions when they came. Reyes designed so frequently that he even found a favorite font he used in most of his work: Futura.
“I really wanted to make it my own and want that font to represent me,” said Reyes.
Making daily designs and prints hoping to gain clientele, caught the attention of a Grammy-winning rock band. Kings of Leon, a band of brothers and a cousin, are known for their hit songs “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire”, both songs off their fourth studio album, “Only By Night,” which came out in 2008.
The band’s creative director reached out to Reyes specifically asking him to help design the album art.
“I was so nervous when I got the call. I have never designed a cover to a vinyl.”
Reyes had previously done work for singer-songwriter Jessie Baylin, who is married to Nathan Followill, the drummer for the Kings of Leon. With some connection to the band already, Reyes says this was his big break.
Reyes designed the artwork of Kings of Leon’s newest album “Can We Please Have Fun” which was released on May 10, 2024. He, of course, used his favorite fonts Futura and Futura Black.
Reyes says the experience was rewarding, but also difficult and nerve-racking. He says his success came with a lot of faith in the process.
“You have to be insane to do freelance, a lot of trust in the universe,” said Reyes.
He says the big break has not hit him yet, but he knows this is a big accomplishment. He says he hopes to have the opportunity to design the cover of a book or a magazine. For now, he is helping design merchandise for the band.
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