hello-
I'm Dave Barry

I make things look like they mean something.
After 20+ years working with brands like Marvel, WWE, MakerBot, and the NY Cosmos, I've learned that the best design doesn't just catch your eye — it makes you feel something. A poster that stops you mid-stroll or mid-scroll. Packaging that makes you reach for it on the shelf. A book jacket that makes you walk across the store for a closer look. A rebrand that makes a company finally look like what it actually is.I've directed shoots, led teams, launched retail stores, and designed New York Times bestselling book covers. I've won a Hermes Creative Award and helped catalyze an entire industry (those distressed Captain America Shield shirts — that was me).
I'm based in New York City, and I'm always up for a conversation about a great project.Have a look at some of my work below, and if you like what you see,
Let's get together and make something worth looking at.

marvel comics

Fantastic Four Trade Dress
This one really got folks talking; some fans loved it,
some hated it.
In my book, when something causes an uproar that's a win.
Either way, it was definitely a departure from the other comics on the shelf. I'm pretty sure the artists dug it, as it gave them a new, interesting canvas size to explore...

World Wrestling Entertainment

Heartbreak & Triumph Book Cover
Shawn Michaels was known for his Ladder Matches, so I decided to shoot him from a Belts-Eye view against a stark white background.
It was a little TOO stark for the boss, so I went down the hall to the Licensing department, borrowed the best WWE Playset I could find, set it up on the conference room table, approximated the angle, shot a new background,
and here we are.

open minded organics

CBD Packaging
When OMO, a small apothecary with big dreams wanted to take the step up from DIY labels, I was charged with exploring an in-house aesthetic (on the left) as well as possible private labeling for third-party vendors (on the right)

freelance work

1870 Buttons
During the 2023 State Of The Union Address, some members of Congress wore round buttons that read "1870" to stand against police brutality.
Not one of the most intricate designs I've done, but it was bold and had high visibility.Here's a link for a little more info: