As a member of the 2024 organizing committee, my role as a graphic designer was to develop a wide range of graphics for use throughout the festival. This included everything from promotional materials to event signage, ensuring a cohesive visual identity that captured the festival’s spirit.
One of my key contributions was designing the official poster for the 2024 Polish Festival Seattle. The theme focused on the 1980s in Poland, featuring the iconic Polish Fiat 126p, also known as the “Maluch,” a beloved symbol of that era. To add cultural authenticity, I incorporated traditional Kashubian patterns, which stakeholders emphasized as an important visual element. Additionally, I included replicas of food ration cards, or “talons,” reminiscent of daily life in 1980s Poland. This blend of historical and cultural imagery not only evoked nostalgia but also connected festival-goers to Poland’s rich heritage in a visually engaging way.
My next task was to design the festival program, ensuring it aligned seamlessly with the other promotional materials. The program provided insights into life in 1980s Poland, offering attendees a glimpse into the era’s unique cultural and historical context.
As part of this project, I also created a detailed map of the festival grounds. Based on feedback from previous attendees who had difficulty navigating the event, I wanted to make it easier for visitors to find activities and attractions they were interested in. The map proved to be a valuable addition, with attendees later expressing how helpful it was in enhancing their overall festival experience.
One of the festival’s attractions was the iconic “Maluch” car. To highlight its cultural significance, the committee decided to include an informational sign that delved into its history and impact. My task was to design this sign, and I chose to present it as the front page of a newspaper. This approach not only evoked the era when the car was popular but also added a nostalgic and authentic touch, engaging visitors with a piece of history in a visually compelling way.
To align with the 1980s theme in Poland, we decided to use food ration cards as a unique way for visitors to order Polish food and drinks at the festival. My role was to design these cards in a way that not only captured the nostalgic essence of the era but also made them functional and visually appealing for festival-goers. The design balanced authenticity with a modern twist, ensuring they were both a memorable keepsake and an integral part of the festival experience.
Designing the materials for the 2024 Polish Festival Seattle was a fantastic experience that allowed me to creatively capture the essence of 1980s Poland. From this project, I learned how to blend cultural elements with functional design to create an engaging and cohesive visual experience for the attendees.