Case Study: Sunfyre NT Porchfest 2025 Concert Poster

Role

Designer & Animator

The Challenge

Creating a visual identity for Sunfyre's performance at NT Porchfest 2025 required capturing the raw energy and intimate atmosphere of this local music festival. The design needed to stand out among other festival promotions while reflecting both the artist’s personality and the community-focused nature of Porchfest events.

Creative Direction

The concept centers around a powerful portrait treatment with dramatic lighting and bold typography, moving away from my signature skull imagery to focus on human connection and the personal nature of live performance. The design approach emphasized:

  • Bold portraiture to create immediate human connection

  • High contrast lighting to convey drama and intensity

  • Strong typography that commands attention

  • Cohesive color palette that feels both edgy and approachable

Design Process

Concept Development

Rather than using symbolic imagery, I chose to focus on the human element of live music - the connection between performer and audience. The dramatic portrait style creates intimacy while the bold treatment ensures visibility and impact.

Color Palette

  • Deep Magenta/Purple Background: Creates rich, moody atmosphere

  • High Contrast Lighting: Pink and red tones add warmth and energy

  • White Typography: Ensures readability and creates visual hierarchy

  • Strategic Color Balance: Maintains cohesion across the composition

Typography Treatment

The "SUNFYRE" lettering uses a bold, condensed typeface that mirrors the intensity of the portrait. Clean, readable supporting text provides all essential event information without competing with the main visual elements.

Technical Execution

Design Phase (Adobe Photoshop)

  • Dramatic portrait manipulation with advanced lighting effects

  • Layered composition optimized for animation workflow

  • Precise color grading to achieve the signature magenta/pink aesthetic

  • Strategic text placement and hierarchy development

Animation Phase (Adobe After Effects)

  • Subtle motion graphics that enhance the static design

  • Dynamic lighting effects that bring additional energy to the portrait

  • Smooth transitions perfect for social media promotion

  • Looping animations optimized for digital platforms

Results & Impact

This poster represents a successful departure from my typical skull-focused work while maintaining the bold, vibrant aesthetic that defines my brand. The design successfully:

  • Captured the personal energy of live performance through portraiture

  • Created strong visual hierarchy with clear event information

  • Demonstrated artistic versatility beyond my signature skull series

  • Enhanced promotional reach through both static and animated versions

  • Reflected the community spirit of Porchfest while maintaining professional impact

Key Takeaways

This project showcases the importance of adapting artistic style to match the specific needs of each client and event. While maintaining my signature bold, vibrant approach, the shift to portraiture created a more personal connection appropriate for a community music festival.

The success of this piece demonstrates how stepping outside established visual patterns can lead to fresh creative solutions while still maintaining brand consistency through color, composition, and overall energy.

The combination of static poster design with animated elements continues to prove essential for modern event promotion, creating multiple touchpoints for audience engagement across different platforms.

Interested in commissioning custom concert posters or animated designs? Contact me to discuss your next project.