EMP MUSEUM
FOUNDERS AWARD

EMP Museum (MoPOP) / 2011

Team / Logo, Art Direction + Design: Jeffrey Underwood / Design: Melissa Robinson / Video Production: David Wulzen / Photography: Brady Harvey + Rich Hobby

Deliverables / campaign identity + logo / save-the-date postcard / invitation / event program / print + digital event signage / auction screens / swag

Recognition / 2012 American Advertising Awards Seattle, Arts Campaign, Gold ADDY

The Founders Award is an annual fundraising gala and concert supporting EMP Museum’s youth education and outreach programs. In my first year as a designer at the museum, I was entrusted with the art direction and design of all print, digital, and event collateral for the gala honoring legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy.

Inspired by the iconic polka-dot guitar synonymous with Buddy Guy, I developed a visual identity that extended across every touchpoint of the event, from save-the-date materials and invitations to environmental graphics, auction screens, and event signage. As my first large-scale project at EMP, it gave me the opportunity to shape the creative direction of an entire event experience, using a simple but instantly recognizable visual motif to unify both the campaign and the evening itself. The project helped establish a more immersive and integrated approach to Founders Award communications and event design and earned the first major professional recognition of my career.