I have spent over 25 years freelancing in graphic design and art direction, primarily for the music industry and independent magazine publishing. I have honed an extensive creative skill set along with the ability to take a job from brief through to completion, on budget and to a deadline. My keen eye for detail takes work beyond the ordinary to an altogether more engaging place. A conscientious and reliably solid professional, I can work either alone or as part of a team. Through years of dealing directly with clients I have learnt how to meet their creative needs yet maintain my own high personal standards of work. I thrive on turning concepts into tangible, visually compelling campaigns. My experience spans record sleeve design, editorial and campaign art direction, retouching, and branding, with a strong emphasis on delivering strong creative that resonates with audiences across print and digital channels.

Robert David Crane

I have spent over 25 years freelancing in graphic design and art direction, primarily for the music industry and independent magazine publishing. I have honed an extensive creative skill set along with the ability to take a job from brief through to completion, on budget and to a deadline. My keen eye for detail takes work beyond the ordinary to an altogether more engaging place. A conscientious and reliably solid professional, I can work either alone or as part of a team. Through years of dealing directly with clients I have learnt how to meet their creative needs yet maintain my own high personal standards of work. I thrive on turning concepts into tangible, visually compelling campaigns. My experience spans record sleeve design, editorial and campaign art direction, retouching, and branding, with a strong emphasis on delivering strong creative that resonates with audiences across print and digital channels.

Available to hire

I have spent over 25 years freelancing in graphic design and art direction, primarily for the music industry and independent magazine publishing. I have honed an extensive creative skill set along with the ability to take a job from brief through to completion, on budget and to a deadline. My keen eye for detail takes work beyond the ordinary to an altogether more engaging place. A conscientious and reliably solid professional, I can work either alone or as part of a team. Through years of dealing directly with clients I have learnt how to meet their creative needs yet maintain my own high personal standards of work.

I thrive on turning concepts into tangible, visually compelling campaigns. My experience spans record sleeve design, editorial and campaign art direction, retouching, and branding, with a strong emphasis on delivering strong creative that resonates with audiences across print and digital channels.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Junior Designer at Koster Marshall-Clarke
December 31, 1988 - September 3, 2025
Worked as a junior designer performing graphic design tasks supporting senior creative staff.
Designer at The Leisure Process
December 31, 1990 - September 3, 2025
Worked as a designer developing graphic concepts and artwork for clients.
Freelance Designer at The Complete Works
December 31, 1991 - September 3, 2025
Provided freelance design services for various projects including record sleeve designs and promotional materials.
Designer at Island Records
December 31, 1995 - September 3, 2025
Responsible for the concept, design, and artwork production for record sleeve designs and marketing material, along with press and digital ads, merchandising and promotional materials.
Freelance Art Director / Designer at V2 Records
December 31, 2008 - September 3, 2025
Freelance art directing and designing various creative materials including album artwork and campaigns; instrumental in forming the in-house art department. Projects included working on award-winning albums and curating exhibitions.
Co-founder, Creative Director at 125 Magazine
December 31, 2018 - September 3, 2025
Co-founded and led as creative director overseeing art direction, magazine cover designs, and curating international exhibitions.
Freelance Art Director / Designer at Rob Crane Design
January 1, 2008 - Present
Providing freelance art direction and graphic design services including branding, editorial campaigns, and marketing material, primarily for the music industry and independent publishing.
Retouching & Image Creation at Makular
January 1, 2012 - Present
Specializing in retouching and image creation for various brands, delivering high-quality final images for advertising and editorial use.
Junior Designer at KOSTER MARSHALL-CLARKE
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1988
Early design role supporting senior designers and developing foundation skills in graphic design.
Designer at THE LEISURE PROCESS
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1990
Design responsibilities contributing to client projects and campaigns.
Freelance Designer at THE COMPLETE WORKS
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Independent design work across various projects and clients.
Designer at ISLAND RECORDS
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1995
Design work for music releases and associated campaigns.
Freelance Art Director / Designer at V2 RECORDS
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2008
Responsible for forming the in-house art department and delivering creative design and art direction.
Co-founder, Creative Director at 125 MAGAZINE
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2018
Co-founded and led creative direction for the magazine, shaping editorial and art concepts.

Education

O Level / CSE at Chancellors School, Hertfordshire
January 1, 1981 - January 1, 1985
NDD Diploma (Design) / A Level (Photography) at Herts College of Art & Design
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1987
O Level / CSE at Chancellors School, Hertfordshire
January 1, 1981 - January 1, 1985
NDD Diploma (Design) / A Level (Photography) at Herts College of Art & Design
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1987

Qualifications

National Competition Winner, SKY Magazine
January 1, 1986 - September 3, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet