Event Design
Count Basie Center
Summer Gala
featuring Blondie
Print, Digital and Decor Design
The Count Basie Center’s annual Summer Gala is a major fundraising initiative for the nonprofit with tickets ranging from $575-$25,000. The 2019 gala was headlined by Blondie and CBGB/Punk Rock themed. Working with the event director, I lead all graphic design initiatives for the Gala making both print and email invitations, creating and maintaining the event webpage, and developing décor, including over 24ft of wall panels, a gala program, digital screens, signage, VIP lanyards, sponsor recognition, etc.
The sponsorship levels were each named after a popular Blondie song and given a sticker logo treatment.
I designed these grungy backdrops which not only designated VIP groups private sections but also brought the punk rock theme into the tented space.
Interactive Step and Repeat
We wanted guests to feel the CBGB theme as soon as they arrived; so we broke from a traditional step and repeat and created an interactive wall panel guests could sticker and sign as they entered the party.
Digital screens were used throughout the venue to add decor, highlight sponsors and display auction items.