As America honored its 250th birthday, West Virginia hosted its own celebration spanning the weekend of July 4th. A departure from solely graphic design, I was a key event organizer for the planning and execution of this four day festival, with my focus being on the branding and visual experience.
While the U.S Semiquincentennial Commission created a visual identity for the festivities on a national level, I designed materials that leveraged that ubiquitous branding, but put a WV spin on it. With the addition of the state outline and brand typography, I created a West Virginia America250 logo to serve as the face of this event.
To create a grand finale for each night of the festival, we hired the globally-recognized immersive experience firm, Lumen & Forge. I was proud to serve as the creative lead for the development of the Liberty & Lights show, which utilized projection mapping technology on the state capitol building. I provided creative direction as the show was created, pulling in uniquely West Virginian storylines to the America250 celebration.
Video credit to Lumen & Forge
I designed a fold-out map that was distributed to the 30,000+ event attendees. This informative piece pulled in visual elements from the logo, such as the ribbon element, while still allowing the event details to take center stage. Featuring a full four day event schedule, fold out map and promotional callouts, I wanted to ensure that the information was presented in a digestible, yet branded format.
From large scale 40-foot flags hanging from the capitol building to smaller details such as a-frame directional signage, I led the creation of the cohesive visual identity across the Capitol Complex. Meeting the unique challenge of such a large event, I developed visuals that spanned the entirety of the 18 acre campus, including signage that could direct guests to all event festivities.
One aspect of this larger event was a special ceremony on July 4th that was a shift in tone from the rest of the festival. This was a somber celebration cementing West Virginia’s place in the America250 story. I adjusted the materials for this dedication to keep the patriotic spirit, but with a more refined look and feel. I designed save the dates, invitations, customized envelopes, and an event program that were distributed to elected officials and representatives.
In close coordination with state leadership, I worked to create the official America250 commemorative license plate for the state. The final design married one of West Virginia’s greatest assets, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve with the key patriotic elements of America250.
I am currently available for new projects and collaborations, bringing a wealth of experience in crafting innovative, user-centered designs
