Blog

Video Projects

Video continues to prove one of the most reliable engagement tools in social media. Over the years, I’ve created a number of video projects to enhance ongoing social media marketing campaigns.

 

 

This video was created for Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ online celebration of the 2019/2020 season. Since the majority of the spring semester took place online, I wanted to create a tribute to the learning that took place under some of the most difficult circumstances. After combing through countless hours of Zoom rehearsal footage, the results are a poignant glimpse into the connections that took place online during the first months of the pandemic.

 

This project celebrated Chicago Youth Symphohny Orchestras’ Music Director Allen Tinkham in honor of his 20th anniversary with the organization. Featuring interviews, quotes, and photos contributed by alumni combined with items from CYSO’s archives, the video was part of CYSO’s virtual gala in March 2020.

 

This video was created to promote Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ 2020 audition season. Using gifs created originally to be embedded in an email, I added music to create an engaging video for social media purposes. The branding highlighted CYSO’s youthful energy and diverse student body.

 

“Snack Buttons” was an April Fool’s Day campaign created for Busy Beaver Button Co. in 2014. The video introduced edible “snack buttons” that could be worn—and consumed—by hungry button lovers 😉

 

Other video projects include this interview with drummer Glenn Kotche and Steelpan history video created using narration and images created by young musicians.

Art Nouveau Poster Design

For Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ fall 2017 performance, I focused the poster design on composer Lili Boulanger. The art nouveau-style imagery echoed styles popular during her brief career in the early 20th century.

 

 

Poster on display on south Michigan Avenue

 

Web graphic

“Infinite Tree” Concert Branding

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras spring 2017 concert featured a world premiere and featured performance from Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche. I created imagery for the event poster that spoke to the themes of Kotche’s piece, “Infinite Tree.” The branding was also translated into web graphics and packaging for the concert DVD.

 

 

Impact Report

The Impact Report was created to distribute to Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras donors to update them on programming so far that season. The report needed to be a succinct front and back page while also conveying the exciting and diverse work the organization was engaged in.

Beer-Themed Event Posters

For a Beer Benefit event, I created posters advertising a raffle and “Message in a Bottle” game. These expanded on the existing event logo to include original illustrations and create a fun, inviting atmosphere that enticed guests to participate in games.

West Side Story Gala Branding

For Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ West Side Story-themed Gala, I borrowed from the musical’s classic imagery and color scheme (you can’t improve on Saul Bass!). With the addition of a skyline image, I used these graphics for diverse applications including printed collateral, wrapping paper, step and repeat backdrop, and event centerpieces.

The Save the Date postcard spoke to the event’s theme using just the nod to the musical’s classic imagery.
Wrapping paper created using the familiar fire escape silhouette and dancing figures
The step and repeat included sponsor logos along with the skyline image to make the backdrop special for the occasion
Read more about the event’s skyline-inspired centerpieces

Imperator Furiosa “Mad Max” Finger Puppet

After unexpectedly falling for Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa character in Mad Max: Fury Road, I was thrilled when a customer requested this design to give as a gift. I knew Furiosa’s signature black make-up was a must for the design to really capture her, and was able to replicate it by applying ink directly to the felt with my finger.

Imperator Furiosa Finger PuppetImperator Furiosa Finger Puppet