the43c
An independent design studio.
Print & merch
LPs, CDs, cassettes, clothing, postcards, stickers, pinbacks.
Website design
Design, layout, and build using current tools and clean code.
Brand & creative direction
Art direction, brand identity, and visual strategy for where you're headed.
Collateral & ephemera
Flyers, posters, one-sheets, and small-format print for releases and events.
Past clients include
Logo and packaging design for Sutras 'The Crisis of Existence' online EP
Packaging design for Sutras 'The Crisis of Existence' Cassette EP
(Tomb Tree Records)
Logo design on merch for Sutras
Packaging design for Seller Shot 'Radio Silence' CD
Web advert design for The All-American Rejects tour
(Doghouse Records)
Packaging design for Eastside Suicides 'Streets Got Your Baby' LP
(Desolate Sounds Records)
Packaging design for Panic 'Strength in Solitude' LP & CD
(Bridge Nine Records)
Design for backstage pass for Reach The Sky's last tour
Design for backstage pass for Reach The Sky's last tour
Flyer design for Stretch Armstrong, The Hope Conspiracy, et al.
Design concept for Blue Monday website
Packaging design for Say Anything 'Belt' 7" EP
(ECA Records)
Packaging design for Say Anything 'Belt' 7" EP
(ECA Records)
Logo and packaging design for The Discovery of Oxygen 's/t' online EP
Packaging design for Halifax 'Start Back at Start' CD
(ECA Records)
Packaging design for online mixtape compilation
Packaging design concept for No No No Hopes 's/t' 7" EP
(Twistworthy Records)
Packaging design for No No No Hopes 's/t' 7" EP
(Twistworthy Records)
Founded in Boston circa 2001, the 43c landed its first freelance design projects working with local punk and hardcore bands The Explosion, Reach The Sky, and The Suicide File.
In 2002, Bridge Nine Records reached out to Desmond to redesign their website. However, instead of a one-off project, an offer materialized to join the team. Soon after, Desmond became the label's first employee as Digital Media Designer, Webmaster, and eventually International Distribution Rep.
With B9 sharing space in the Initech office, Desmond naturally connected with Doghouse Records and The Kenmore Agency, leading to new design projects. Throughout those years, the 43c engaged with a variety of bands and labels in the hardcore, punk, and indie scene—designing websites, merch, record covers, and show flyers.
After a 20-year hiatus, the 43c resumed operations in the Philly Metro area in 2023, picking up where it left off in Boston.
