Making collateral materials for events is always a fun challenge.  My process starts with a conversation with the client to determine the over all theme for the event.  What is the primary mood and impression the client wants to communicate? What colors, images, typefaces and designs will best support those ideas?  Brainstorming through many quick drafts and ideas we gradually focus on a final “look.” From this look, the final collateral materials are developed.

I designed all of the materials for the Boston Arts Academy Foundation’s annual benefit and gala for two years running.  This is the Foundation’s biggest event of the year and is intended to bring together people who are committed to the arts and to education in the city of Boston to raise money to support programming at the Boston Arts Academy.  The event is staged for many of the most influential people in the city and the materials have to be very high quality and delivered on time so that both past and future supporters can save the dates on their calendars.

The materials I designed for them included a Save the Date postcard, an invitation with a return card and envelope and a 30-page program booklet for the event. The invitations were a particular challenge, as the client wanted them to open in interesting ways, and to be somewhat mysterious.  For continuity, we decided to keep a similar color scheme and typography through the years.  In the end, I was very proud of this work and the events were very successful.

For more images of materials created for the BAA 2003/2004 Benefit and Gala events, click here
 

Rick Tagliaferri, Executive Director of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation:

"No matter what assigment or the intended audience, you've been able to engage people with your compelling message and design.

What I've always appreciated is the time you take in knowing WHO our
audience is and WHAT we want them to do.  And they do it!  

It's said that you don't have a second chance with first impressions. Your creative eye has ALWAYS helped us put our best foot forward.  And that makes all the difference in the world.  Thank you, Bill!"