Chicago Southland International Film Festival
Shaping a Festival Brand From the Beginning
Since the festival’s inception in 2018, I have served as a creative and marketing partner, helping build the Chicago Southland International Film Festival’s visual identity, digital presence, and audience experience from the ground up.
Over the years, my role has expanded beyond design to include creative direction, brand management, marketing strategy, social media, website management, video production, event planning, and promotional communications. Working across every stage of the festival’s development, I have helped create a cohesive brand system that connects filmmakers, audiences, sponsors, and community partners across both digital and in-person experiences.
This includes the ongoing development and maintenance of the festival website, ensuring a consistent and accessible digital experience, as well as the creation of video content that extends the festival’s identity into motion through promotional films, social media content, and informational storytelling.
As the festival continues to grow, the creative system has evolved alongside it—maintaining consistency while adapting to new programming, partnerships, and opportunities.
My Role
Creative Director
Marketing & Communications Manager
Brand Strategist
Graphic Designer
Website Manager
Video & Motion Content Producer
Social Media Manager
Event Planning & Promotion
Impact
Over the course of multiple festival seasons, this work has helped establish a recognizable and professional brand presence while supporting the festival's continued growth and community impact.
What began as a new cultural initiative has evolved into a recognized regional film festival supported by a cohesive visual identity, strategic marketing, and a consistent audience experience.
This work continues to grow and evolve with the festival, ensuring every season builds upon the foundation established from the very beginning.
Brand Development & Stewardship
Since 2018, I have helped establish and evolve the festival's visual identity, ensuring a consistent and recognizable presence across all audience touchpoints.
This includes:
• Brand development and implementation
• Visual identity management
• Marketing campaign design
• Creative direction across digital and print platforms
Print Design & Festival Collateral
Designing materials that support the attendee experience before, during, and after the festival.
Projects include:
• Festival programs
• Event posters
• Sponsorship materials
• Signage and wayfinding systems
• Promotional collateral
• Special event materials
Print Collateral
Festival Posters
Motion & Video Content
Developing motion-based storytelling to extend the festival’s brand into cinematic, digital, and promotional experiences across multiple platforms. Video content supports audience engagement, event promotion, and clear communication of festival programming.
Focus areas include:
• Promotional video production and creative direction
• Festival identity and brand storytelling videos
• Social media motion content and short-form campaigns
• Informational and educational motion graphics
• Typography-based kinetic design and animation
• Content designed for audience engagement and outreach
Marketing Strategy & Communications
Creating integrated marketing efforts that support attendance, sponsorship development, filmmaker engagement, and community outreach.
Website Management & Digital Experience
Maintaining and evolving the festival's website to ensure a cohesive brand experience across digital platforms. Responsibilities include website updates, content management, event information, promotional content, user experience improvements, and ongoing support throughout the festival season.
Focus areas include:
• Website design updates and maintenance
• Content creation and management
• Event and program updates
• Digital marketing integration
• User experience enhancements
• Brand consistency across web platforms
Social Media & Audience Engagement
Developing content and campaigns that increase awareness, build community engagement, and promote festival programming throughout the year.
Responsibilities include:
• Content strategy
• Social media design
• Campaign development
• Event promotion
• Audience engagement initiatives
Event Experience & Planning
Supporting the planning and execution of festival events through visual communications, promotional strategy, and attendee-facing materials that enhance the overall experience.
