The cover for the Kings of Leon's new album was designed by Fresno graphic designer Ram Reyes. Kings of Leon image

A Fresno graphic designer’s work is being showcased in a big way with the upcoming release of a new album by rock band Kings of Leon.

Freelance designer Ram Reyes of Fresno was hired to design the cover of the Kings of Leon’s forthcoming album, “Can We Please Have Fun.”

A native of the Philippines, Reyes started his design career as a student working at the Fresno City College Rampage newspaper. He also worked as a graphic designer with The Business Journal. Reyes quit his job in 2021 and became a freelancer showcasing his work on Instagram.

 

It was the visibility of his work on social media and a personal connection to the band that led to the gig. Reyes had previously designed merchandise for singer songwriter Jessie Baylin, who is married to Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill.

The band liked his work and wanted to collaborate. Reyes interacted with Kings of Leon Creative Director Casey McGrath on the concept, and also had input from the band members via Zoom.

“It was a pleasure working with the band,” Reyes said in an interview Friday. “It was like I was in the room jamming with them, but in a visual way.”

It is an important release for Nashville, Tennessee band Kings of Leon — the first with new label Capitol Records. The album — the eighth for Kings of Leon — is being released May 10. The group embarks on a world tour behind “Can We Please Have Fun” next month with California dates August 22-26 in Inglewood, Palm Desert, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.

The first single from the album, “Mustang,” was released Thursday.