Lab

Visual design experiments and creative explorations

Where ideas take shape before becoming projects

A curated collection of UI concepts, illustration experiments, graphic design studies, and creative explorations by freelance Art Director Christoph Gey. This space showcases ideas, sketches and projects that inform bigger work and reveal design thinking in action.

Ocean - Parfum Label Design and Advertising by the freelance art director UI/UX Designer, graphic designer and illustrator Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany.
Illustration on guitar for SANAS by the freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany

Haptic paintings and contrasting worlds

These paintings experiment with haptic surfaces and contrasting visual languages. By merging familiar imagery with unexpected, contemporary elements, the works create tension rather than explanation — inviting interpretation instead of offering conclusions.

Traveler - a creative post modern cyberpunk storytelling digital painting made by the freelance art director, UI/UX Designer and Illustrator Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany.
Illustration of Vegetation, Mother Spring and Flora by the freelance art director UI/UX Designer, graphic designer and illustrator Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany.
Flux - a futuristic cyberpunk digital painting made by the freelance art director, UI/UX Designer and Illustrator Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany.

Brand character and visual identity studies

A collection of brand experiments exploring how identity, tone, and personality can be expressed through visual language. These concepts test the balance between playfulness and seriousness — translating character, attitude, and cultural references into distinct brand worlds across packaging, digital design, and visual storytelling.

Logo Development | Design for RHINO Street Fashion by the freelance Art Director Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Wine Label Design by the freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Logo Development | Design for Drinking Fox by the freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
wacom artwork by the freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany

Children’s cover design explorations

A series of illustrated children’s book cover experiments exploring how stories can be told through a single image. These concepts focus on imagination, abstraction, and emotional contrast — viewing the world from a child’s perspective and testing what feels charming, mysterious, or slightly surreal. The work intentionally concentrates on cover design only, as an exploration of visual storytelling and print aesthetics.

Childrens Book Illustration by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Childrens Book Illustration by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Childrens Book Illustration by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Artwork and Illustrations by the freelance art director and illustrator Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany

Material and tactile explorations in paper

This triptych of paper art compositions experiments with form, color, and material expression. By combining handcrafted elements with digital techniques, the series investigates how texture, light, and layering can convey realism and emotion, exploring the boundaries between physical and virtual media.

Paper Art of a young women on the sea by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Paper Art of a lighthouse by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany
Paper Art of a young women on the beach by freelance art director and Graphic Designer Christoph Gey from Leipzig, Germany

Digital art direction for brands & culture

A collection of digital design experiments exploring art direction, editorial layouts, and brand identity across music, fashion, and culture. The focus lies on translating attitude, mood, and visual language into cohesive digital experiences.

Illustrations in contrast and attitude

These black and white illustrations focus on attitude rather than realism. Through dense line work, strong contrasts, and graphic compositions, the drawings study with movement, rebellion, and visual intensity — blending cultural references from music, action sports, and exploration.

Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany
Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany
Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany
Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany
Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany
Creative illustration of the freelance Art Director, Creative Director, Screen Designer, Web Designer, User Interface Designer, User Experience Designer Christoph Gey from Cologne, Germany

Create. Don’t destroy.

Prove. Don’t promise.

Give. Don’t take.

Ugly Typeexperiment

Ugly can be beautiful.
If handled with intention.

Designing moods for music

Album cover experiments translating sound, energy, and mood into bold visual identities. Focused on atmosphere, rhythm, and visual storytelling rather than genre. Tune in.

Raw

Over 35 acoustic tracks for a raw listening pleasure. I have this playlist on repeat for months and still love every single song.

Super Sonic Speed Machine

Energetic tracks I used to listen excessively when I was a kid. I keep them on repeat to get a flashback and energy boost.

Equilibrium

Dive into the balanced ocean of classical music. Ideal for focussed work sessions late at night.

Spotify Playlist "Heeling". Curated by Christoph Gey - Artwork by the Freelance Art Director, UI/UX Designer and Illustrator Christoph Gey

HEELING

Quiet sounds that make a loud impression.

Underneath the Skin

Tracks that go underneath my skin and make me believe that we are more than flesh and bones.

Spirit

These tracks will fill you up with energy, make your head bounce, spirit dance and ideas fly – whenever you need it.

The Creative Heart

was a small interview series I created nearly 10 years ago. It captures the aura, thoughts and mindset of inspiring people. What pushes them forward? Who do they believe in? What problems do they face? The answers are just a few mouse clicks away.

Camera and Video Editing by Christoph Gey