Graphic Designers in CHH to Watch For
- Randy Bazile
- Jul 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Before we hear a single bar, the cover art tells a story and sets the tone. Christian Hip Hop has its own share of super designers, visual storytellers who translate sonic landscapes into compelling images. Just like Alex Steinweiss — one of my favorite graphic designers and influences — mainly focused on album covers for Columbia Records, these designers mainly focus on a set record label or mainly known artists.
Without further ado, CHH’s top graphic designers to watch for:
RJV Collective
Memphis, Tennessee-based artist RJ Vergara, known to many as RJV Collective, has made noise with his eye-catching illustrations and album covers. He primarily designs cover art for the indie tribe. & Reach Records. You’ll also catch his work with Preston Perry, Ty Brasel, Madison Ryann Ward, to name a few. He doesn’t only design for artists, he also creates graphics based on the current status in music culture. That can be reimagined cover art, flyers, t-shirt designs, etc.
RJ’s style comprises gritty, fantasy, and a combination of modern-day realism and expression in his art. His art incorporates symbolic storytelling through perspective, movement, and vivid color schemes. RJ’s visual stories are fun to look at, but are also edifying. The symbolism and placement of the assets in each graphic compel the viewer to look deeper into the concept of RJ’s work. I guarantee, you’ll look at his work differently than the first glance.
RJ doesn’t just do digital graphics; he is also a painter. One of his best paintings — in my opinion — is “Bodega 2" for DJ Mykael V. RJV is a man of many talents. I hope he someday releases a masterclass.
Kaela Sauce
Known for her controversial hot takes and tweets on Christian Hip Hop (and this playlist that made noise), people forget how dope of a graphic designer Kaela is.
Her art style reflects futuristic retrowave tones through light shines, photo composition, double exposure, and saturated monotone colors. Depending on what Kaela is going to do, sometimes the art appears gritty. She tells beautiful stories of culture and the minds of creatives.
While known for her influential voice and must-follow playlists, people often overlook how foundational Kaela’s design talent is to her impact. As the designer for Proper XL Playlists, she has created a distinct and recognizable brand in the CHH space.
Nate Goyco
A dope singer, designer, and a personal friend of mine, Nate Goyco, has and continues to create great work. I had the privilege of working alongside him when we attended the same church together. I got to see his work in action, and Nate doesn’t disappoint.
His clients aren’t necessarily CHH artists, although he has designed for a few. He has designed for TRBL Records (Maverick City Music) & Kirk Franklin.
Nate’s work is strong in color blending and gradients. His works create an atmospheric setting that matches the mood of the music he designs for. It is almost like Nate listens to the music and then designs the graphics. The colors and overlay complement the overall feel of the music.
Phathom
Producer, rapper [and graphic designer], Phathom has been in the music industry for 20 plus years working with the likes of Chino XL, J. Cole & Chris Rivers. He not only designs his own album covers, he also designs cover art for other artists.
Phathom’s style is cinematic. He uses dark tones and golden hour lighting in most of his graphics. Sometimes, Phathom includes an asset that is likely a trademark; that is, a tape and/or label with his name, or the name of the artist he is designing for. With bold sans-serif fonts and strategic layouts, Phathom creates narratives that are deeper than what is on the surface.
Kevin Hackett
Reach Records’ resident graphic designer and rapper (not signed to Reach as a music artist) has been making waves with his recent cover arts for Reach Records albums. Kevin has also worked on cover art for Kaleb Mitchell, Xavier Omar, indie tribe, to name a few.
Kevin’s style consists of lighting, tonal overlays, bright colors, and photo composition. He tells compelling stories through his graphics that seem simple, but powerful. The way he keeps the consistent compositions in the 116 Summer Playlists covers, choosing colors and composition. It’s no wonder Reach snatched Kevin when they did.
In a scene built on collaboration, the partnership between musician and graphic designer is one of the most crucial. The designers featured here aren’t just service providers; they are fans, friends, and active participants in the culture they help visualize. From gritty illustrations to clean, corporate branding, their diverse styles enrich the entire CHH ecosystem. So let’s celebrate their contributions and continue to champion the visual artists who give a face to our favorite CHH artists.
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