Hugh Syme is a Canadian award-winning illustrator, designer and graphic artist who recently unveiled a new online SHOP portal gallery for fans and followers of his work at HughSymeArtShop.com.
Syme is best known for his amazing artwork and cover concepts for world famous musicians and bands including Rush, Dream Theater, Whitesnake, KISS, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, David Coverdale & Jimmy Page, The Allman Brothers Band, Styx, Alice Cooper, Graham Nash, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire, Queensrÿche, Joe Bonamassa, The Band, Tesla, and many more.
He has also been commissioned for work in the corporate world by the likes of Disney, Virgin, Paramount, Universal Studios, Microsoft, Forbes, Sam Adams, Time Warner, Verizon Wireless and many major pharmaceutical companies.
50 years, and counting, creating timeless works of art, Syme has decided to broaden his online presence in recent years with an expanded website, a personalized story-based Instagram account, participation in the music interviews-based Music Buzzz Podcast and now, with increasing demand, the online gallery where fans can shop and purchase signed prints of some of Syme’s ever-evolving artwork.
“Ironically it took a global pandemic for me to get out and start doing art gallery showings and sharing more of my work online,” said Syme. “I have always received inquiries and the like from those interested that it just seemed natural to pause for a minute and create an online portal where followers of my art could shop for prints, all produced on museum grade, acid-free fine art papers, using 13 UV resistant and archival inks.”
The shop also includes prints for order from Syme’s personal portfolio that will continue to be updated and expanded as the shop evolves. “I am always creating, whether it be for a music project, a commissioned portrait, a commercial assignment, or even for my personal collection,” said Syme. “Some of my favorites are pieces never or rarely seen by the public.”
Syme is also a musician who plays piano, keyboards and guitar and can be heard on albums by the Ian Thomas Band (of which he was a member for five albums), Jim McCarty (of The Yardbirds), Alice In Chains (keyboards on their cover of "Tears" for the Rush 2112 40th Anniversary box set) and Tiles (progressive rock band from Detroit). Syme also appears as guest keyboardist on four studio albums by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and longtime friends, Rush, including the legendary synthesizer intro to “2112: Overture”.
