Every summer, the streets of Kent, Ohio come alive with music, food, and a whole lot of soul during the Kent Blues Fest—and I’m proud to play a small part in making that happen through design.
For the past several years, I’ve been lucky enough to handle the full suite of promotional materials for this beloved local event. From bold posters and flyers to event cards and digital ads, I’ve developed a visual identity that people now recognize instantly as “Kent Blues Fest.”
But here’s the fun part: while the overall design stays consistent from year to year, it’s never exactly the same.
Why Slight Changes Matter
We made a conscious decision early on to keep the core look and feel familiar—moody blues, gritty textures, layered backgrounds, and expressive typography that reflect the spirit of blues music. That kind of visual consistency builds brand recognition. People in Kent know when they see a Blues Fest poster—it grabs their attention and makes them smile because they know it’s almost time for a weekend full of live music.
But at the same time, it’s important to refresh the design just enough each year to keep it engaging. Whether it’s adjusting the color palette slightly, swapping out textures, or reworking layout details, these small changes breathe new life into the design while honoring the tradition of the festival.
Designing Across Platforms
Each piece—from a sidewalk poster to a social media ad—needs to feel like part of a cohesive system. The challenge is making sure the design holds up in different formats while still telling the same visual story.
It’s not just about making things look good (though that’s always a goal); it’s about building a design language that amplifies the energy of the event and draws the community in.
Why This Work Matters
Working on projects like the Kent Blues Fest is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I get to contribute to a local tradition that means something to people, and I get to do it through thoughtful, purposeful design.
As a designer, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your work posted in shop windows, handed out in coffee shops, and shared online—knowing it’s helping to build excitement for something bigger than the design itself.
If you're an event organizer or business looking to create branded materials that evolve with your event year after year—without starting from scratch each time—I’d love to talk.
📩 Reach out anytime to chat about building your visual identity with consistency and impact.
