Henry Owings

Art Director ● Graphic Designer ● Publisher ● Writer ● Music Promoter ● Archivist ● Collaborator ● Curator

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

About

I’ve always embraced the philosophy of “be invisible” both in life and in design. My goal is to immerse myself in the work so completely that the self fades into the background. I prioritize respectful collaboration, aiming to provoke, entertain, inform, and confront—all while seamlessly blending with the material. My experience spans from working with emerging bands to established legacy acts. Each project, regardless of its era or artistic vision, has taught me to adapt, to contextualize, and to craft beauty from existing materials through modern solutions. A phone call. A text message. An email. That’s how it usually starts. Then it’s Zoom calls, site visits, thumb drives, scanning, hotel rooms, and rental cars. After that, the real fun starts. Drum scans, interviews, deep dives. After that, it’s a matter of maintaining momentum. Books. Box sets. Reissues. Deluxe gatefolds. I’ve tackled it all. I seek opportunities and challenges, especially those that others have struggled to complete or have abandoned. I’ve heard every excuse for why projects falter, and once I’m involved, they don’t just progress—they get finished. I enjoy collaborating with both old friends and new people, sharing my skills with those who are eager to work with me. Every ambitious journey begins with a first step, and my career is built on tackling the seemingly impossible. As Brother JC famously asks at the beginning of the MC5’s “Kick Out The Jams” album (yes, I worked with them too): “Are you going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?” My career is a true testament to being part of the solution. Pragmatism in the face of defeat, innovative solutions despite tight margins and, most importantly, allowing ephemeral materials to do the heavy lifting. Whether as an art director or a creative collaborator, I handle everything from the minutiae of material preparation to full-scale design and execution with efficiency and precision. And through it all, you’ll never see me in the design. If you’re ready to collaborate with someone who is dedicated to excellence, get in touch. I’m committed to leaving every project in a better state than when I found it.

Experience

  • Chunklet Industries, LLC (37 yrs)
    • Owner, Creative/Author/Editor/Art Director
      Apr 1993 - Present · 33 yrs 4 mos

      NOTABLE CLIENTS: New West Records, Org Music, Propeller Records, Craft Recordings, Rhino MANAGEMENT: Establish and maintain all wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels, including accounting, inventory, shipping, legal affairs, and publicity. LEADERSHIP: Lead team of writers, illustrators, web designers, editors, and photographers for worldwide publication of 20 issues of magazine and 3 books. ART DIRECTION: Direct design team to ensure consistency between brand strategy, merchandising, publishing, and other various assets. DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN: Develop strategy for product launches.

    • Concert Promoter
      Aug 1989 - Present · 37 yrs

      Independent promoter for bands and comedians.

  • President, Creative Director at Chunklet Music Preservation Project, Inc.
    Jun 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

  • Owner at Chunklet Graphic Control
    Jan 1996 - Present · 30 yrs 7 mos

    Graphic designer for print and the internet focusing on advertising and complex packaging, project, box set and book design.

  • Senior Print Designer at The Numero Group
    Jan 2012 - Jun 2022 · 10 yrs 6 mos

    NOTABLE ARTISTS: White Zombie, Hüsker Dü, Blonde Redhead, Laraaji, Unwound LEADERSHIP: Direct typographers, illustrators, and photographers in creative development. ART DIRECTION: Create and develop brand strategy for newly-created product line. DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN: Create print collateral, logos, and packaging solutions.

  • Production Staff at Revolver/Midheaven Distribution
    Jan 2017 - Feb 2020 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    ART DIRECTION: Assist in preparing various releases for print.