Hawthorn City Business Expo + Job Fair
I partnered again with a local city council member to brand and support the Hawthorne City Business Expo and Job Fair — an event focused on connecting local businesses, job seekers, and community resources. I developed a cohesive visual identity across all event materials, including signage, printed programs, and sponsor integration. Despite the challenges of working within a civic budget and tight production timelines, the final design helped present the city as engaged, professional, and business-friendly.
Client:
Katrina Manning
Year:
2025
Designing for Impact on a Civic Budget
Working with a local government comes with unique constraints: tight budgets, limited staff, and moving parts that change quickly. For this event, the printed program needed to incorporate last-minute business listings and sponsor updates — on a firm print deadline. I managed real-time edits and delivered a polished final product that reflected the energy of the event and served as a clear guide for attendees and vendors alike.
Sponsor Recognition That Works
As with many city-hosted events, sponsorships were crucial — and visibility mattered. I designed signage and a step-and-repeat backdrop that featured sponsor logos in a professional and balanced way. The design was consistent with the rest of the event branding, giving sponsors prominent recognition without overpowering the event’s purpose. It created strong photo ops and reinforced the city’s relationships with local business partners.
