Code 9
Code 9 is a Toronto-based clothing brand I co-founded with two of my best friends. It’s a passion project rooted in skateboard culture, music, and art. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a community-driven brand built on connection, collaboration, and self-expression.
As the Art Director and Graphic Designer, I’ve shaped every aspect of Code 9’s identity, from bold, sharp logotype and signature gold accent to our hand-drawn illustrations and event visuals. We chose gold and yellow hues intentionally, colors rarely seen in the skateboard industry, to stand out and symbolize optimism, individuality, and unapologetic creativity.
At its core, Code 9 is about celebrating community. We host events with local musicians, artists, and skaters to showcase talent and support our friends’ creative pursuits. One of my favorite moments was designing limited edition shirts for Toronto’s 2018 Pride Parade, surprising our tight-knit skate crew before hitting the streets together, a reminder of how inclusivity and friendship drive everything we do.
Every collection tells a story, like our Pura Vida series, inspired by local skater Justin Lajoie, his partner Demi, and their adorable pup Mitzi. Their Costa Rican adventure and the lessons they learned about slowing down, appreciating life, and embracing simplicity perfectly reflect the heart of Code 9: finding joy in the little things, creating fearlessly, and living freely.
Code 9 isn’t just a brand. It’s a family, a mindset, and a celebration of creative spirit that brings people together.
“Working with Kelly has been the most inspiring creative experiences of my life. From the very beginning, Kelly had a clear vision for what Code 9 could become; not just a clothing brand, but a community and a movement. Their ability to translate ideas into visuals is unreal; every logo, design, and layout feels intentional and full of life. Kelly has this way of making everyone around them excited to create. They push us to think differently, take risks, and stay true to who we are. Code 9 simply wouldn’t exist in the way it does without their passion and artistic direction.”
– Murray Shwartz (co-founder)
“Kelly’s creativity and eye for design aare on another level. Every time we brainstorm or work on a new drop, I’m blown away by how they bring raw ideas to life with such personality and meaning. What I love most is how grounded and collaborative Kelly is; they make the process fun, inclusive, and full of heart. The energy they bring inspires everyone around them to create fearlessly. Code 9 has its soul because of Kelly’s vision and the authenticity they pour into everything they do.”
– Callum Lowes (co-founder)