Initial Brief:
NYE on the Hill, an Australian music festival known for its vibrant, community-driven atmosphere, approached me to design their New Year's Eve festival poster. With a lineup packed with artists, the challenge was to create a design that not only embodied their bright, cosmic aesthetic but also allowed ample space for detailed text without overwhelming the visual impact. In addition to the primary poster format, they required a 1:1 version optimised for social media.
Challenge:
Balancing a visually striking, colorful cosmic theme with the practical necessity of legibility was key. The festival organizers needed a layout that could effectively display a long list of artists while maintaining the artistic integrity of the design. It had to capture attention instantly, standing out both online and in print, while staying true to the spirit of NYE on the Hill.
Creative Process:
To ensure the design aligned with their vision, I initiated a dialogue about color preferences, previous posters they admired (including my own work), and how they intended to use the final artwork across platforms. This collaborative approach helped refine the creative direction early on. I developed two distinct concept options, both embracing the festival’s cosmic theme while prioritizing readability.
Execution:
The festival team loved both concepts, finding it difficult to choose between them, but ultimately selected the first. The final design was a vibrant fusion of celestial elements and dynamic typography, striking a balance between artistic depth and functional clarity. The layout was carefully structured to accommodate the extensive lineup while maintaining a sense of flow and energy. Once the main poster was finalized, I adapted the artwork into a square format for social media, ensuring consistency across all promotional materials.