Robert Smith
Musician, Other, Visual Artist
About
Creative director, studio owner, educator and author with experience in corporate, government and agency branding. His books address creative practice and the habits behind getting work done.
Biography source ↗Events & talks
DesignThinkers Toronto
Articles & interviews
- Total creative freedom: Andy Vella's posters for the Teenage Cancer Trust 2026 concerts
Creative Boom profiles veteran designer Andy Vella’s poster series for the Teenage Cancer Trust 2026 concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. The project, curated by Robert Smith of The Cure, features six gig posters and art prints for each performing band, unified by Vella’s energetic collage style and a custom distressed typeface. The artworks were screen-printed at White Duck Editions, with proceeds supporting the charity’s work with young people.
- Secret 7" 2025 Unveils Top Artists for Charity Record Sleeves
The 2025 edition of Secret 7” returns under War Child, featuring record sleeve artworks by renowned artists and designers including Antony Gormley, Yinka Ilori, Paul Smith, and Anthony Burrill. The charity project invites creatives to design anonymous sleeves for seven tracks, which will be exhibited at Now Gallery in London before being auctioned to raise funds for children affected by conflict. Burrill discusses his experimental printmaking approach for his contribution.
- Andy Vella Reveals Artwork Design Process for "Songs of a Lost World"
Creative Boom features designer Andy Vella discussing his process for creating the artwork and campaign for The Cure's 2024 album 'Songs of a Lost World'. Vella details his long collaboration with Robert Smith, the conceptual use of Janez Pirnat’s sculpture, and the integration of 3D animation, eco materials, and custom typography. The project extended across album packaging, global teaser campaigns, and digital media, reinforcing The Cure’s visual legacy.