Code 9 Skateboarding
-
Code 9 is a Toronto-based clothing brand I co-founded with two of my closest friends. It started out as a fun creative outlet rooted in skateboard culture, music, and art. Over time it grew into something much bigger than we expected. It became a community. A place where people could show up, create things, and feel connected.
-
As the Art Director & Graphic Designer, I built the entire visual identity from the ground up. I developed the logotype, the illustration style, the colour palette, and the look and feel for our events and collections. I was responsible for making sure everything felt intentional and distinctly Code 9 no matter where it lived.
-
We chose gold and yellow tones on purpose because almost no one in the skate world was using them. It instantly set us apart but also carried a feeling I wanted the brand to have. Warmth, individuality, optimism, and a bit of boldness. The mix of sharp typography and hand-drawn illustrations became our signature and gave the brand its own personality.
-
Code 9 has always been about people. We collaborate with local skaters, musicians, and artists and we put on events that give space for everyone to share what they do. Some of my favourite memories are from moments like this, seeing our friends take up space and shine in their own way.
-
Code 9 isn’t just a clothing brand to me. It’s a family, a mindset, and a reminder to make things for the love of it. Every collection tells a story and every graphic is created with intention. Most of all, it’s about bringing people together and celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Classic Collection
Overview: The Classic Collection is what set the foundation for everything. It introduced the Code 9 logotype, our gold accents, and the overall graphic style that shaped how the brand would grow.
Design Approach: I wanted the identity to feel clean, bold, and easy to use across anything we touched. Apparel, boards, posters, or merch. This collection established the visual language that everything else stemmed from.
Pride Collection | Push Easy
Concept & Purpose: The Push Easy graphic was created for Toronto’s Annual Pride Parade. We surprised our skate crew with limited shirts before we hit the streets together and it ended up being one of my favourite Code 9 memories. It represented everything I love about the brand. Inclusivity, positivity, and community.
Design Direction: The graphic was playful and celebratory while still keeping the Code 9 aesthetic. It felt like the perfect blend of our style and everything Pride represents. It was a small moment but it meant a lot to our group.
Pura Vida Collection
Story and Inspiration: The Pura Vida Collection was inspired by local skater Justin Lajoie, his partner Demi, and their dog Mitzi. They spent time in Costa Rica and came back with stories about slowing down, noticing the little things, and enjoying life in a more intentional way. It really aligned with the heart of Code 9.
Design Direction: I created a series of graphics that captured that feeling of ease and freedom. Sun, movement, warmth, and a softer hand-drawn style. This collection expanded what Code 9 could look like while still feeling true to the brand.
“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)