Lemont Cruise Nights

Event Identity

While studying at Northern Illinois University, I was assigned to approach a potential real-world client and develop a design proposal. As a regular attendee of Lemont Cruise Nights, a classic car event in Lemont, Illinois, I saw an opportunity to explore a refreshed visual identity for the event. The concept included promotional posters, event graphics, and merchandise, including T-shirt and wristband designs. Although the project did not move forward to implementation, it provided an opportunity to develop a cohesive visual direction for an established community event.

Research and Concept Development

The brief called for a visual identity to communicate the spirit of a classic car cruise: automotive culture, community gathering, and the charm of a small-town summer event. I explored concepts centering on vintage automotive imagery, bold graphic treatment, and an approachable, family-friendly tone.

I designed the visual identity to work across multiple formats: from the large-format storefront poster to small-scale wristband graphics. The challenge was creating a cohesive system that translated from large to small without losing impact.

Design Process

The project progressed through illustration, layout, and print preparation for each deliverable. The storefront poster established the primary visual direction, which I then adapted for printed flyers, a banner sign, a sponsor poster, and the merchandise items.

A detailed process book documented the full design development for the project.

Outcome

I initiated contact with the event organizers, and we exchanged correspondence about the possibility of developing new promotional materials. Although our discussions ultimately did not lead to an implemented project, I developed a coordinated collection of designs, including a poster, flyers, banner, sponsor poster, T-shirt designs, and wristband.