PoP Gala 2016: A Word Imagined

PoP Gala 2016: A Word Imagined

Client: Pencils of Promise

Services: Branding, Event Design, print

Role: in-house Lead Designer

Imagine a world where every child had access to a quality education. The 2016 Pencils of Promise Gala explored that world through music, dance, and experiential elements at Cipriani Wall Street featuring creative direction from visionary and celebrity choreographer, Luam Keflezgy, and artistic direction from world-renowned artist and calligrapher, Aerosyn-Lex.

Objective

We were tasked to create a transformational experience for guests to experience the potential of a world with boundless opportunities for all. Seamlessly combining dance, music, art, and design, we wanted the event to be a powerful sensory experience that left attendees inspired and compelled them to generosity. As the intermediary between to visionaries—Luam Keflezgy, the creative director and Aerosyn-Lex, the art director—I needed to ensure the event was cohesive, impactful, and, most of all, connected back to the greater mission of the organization.

Process

The PoP Gala is an experience that begins with the Save the Date and continues through until the after-party. To create a lush fantasy world, we focused much of the design on color, light, and movement. We selected elements from the iconic Pencils of Promise logo along with the patterns and colors of our partner countries to develop a versatile brand suite that could work from print collateral to stage design.

We decided to use a geometric san-serif and monospace typeface to convey a futuristic atmosphere. Aerosyn-Lex lent his art and vision to the project, inspiring the painterly components. Each piece of design was considered for how it would work individually and as a whole, to craft a comprehensive experience.

Outcome

The night was hugely successful, raising over $1.5 Million for the non-profit, the most substantial event raise for the organization up to that date. Each of the 650+ attendees left feeling inspired by the possibility of education for all and eager to take action. The event garnered praise in the press as well, with mentions in Billboard and Forbes.