Hugh Syme

Hugh Syme is a Canadian artist and graphic designer best known for his album cover art. Born in Oakville, Ontario, Syme has designed album covers for numerous prominent musicians and bands across various genres, primarily in rock and progressive rock.

Syme's work is characterized by its surreal and often symbolic imagery, meticulously crafted and frequently incorporating photographic elements and hand-painted illustrations. He often collaborates closely with the musicians he designs for, developing visual representations of their music's themes and concepts.

Some of his most notable album cover credits include work for Rush (most of their discography from Permanent Waves onwards), Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, and many others. His designs have become iconic and are often highly recognizable within the music community.

Beyond album art, Syme has also worked on various other design projects, including logos and book covers. He is a highly regarded and influential figure in the field of graphic design, particularly within the context of music packaging. His contribution to the visual identities of numerous legendary artists has solidified his legacy as a significant artist in his own right.