Client: Crystal Springs Uplands School (via Franklin Templeton, event sponsor)

Scope: event identity / logo concepts, illustrations, postcards, stationary, auction program, digital display ads

My task was to develop an event identity, logo, and all supporting event collateral for an annual fundraiser including invitations, banner ads, stationary, and auction program.

Drawing inspiration from the traveling shows of a bygone era, I referenced vintage show posters and photography to develop three concepts and several event branding/wordmark explorations. The heyday of the traveling circus encompasses both the highly decorative Victorian era, as well prohibition –associated equally with temperance as clandestine activities– so there is a rich visual history to draw inspiration from. All concepts seek to capture the showmanship, excitement, and frivolity of the circuses of yesteryear.

The final concept chosen involved creating a series of illustrations of quintessential big top characters. After fleshing out a visual design including typography and colorways, I worked closely with the client to iterate the required print and digital assets to production-ready files for hand-off to external printers and their in-house marketing team.

Click to view the Event / Auction Program