People gathered around a long wooden table at a social event, some wearing hats or casual clothing. The table has scattered rose petals, drinks, and personal items, with a lively background of more groups and decorations, suggesting an indoor or outdoor party atmosphere.

Ad 2 KC * Art Direction

|

Ad 2 KC * Art Direction |

Event poster with a dark red background for 'The Addy's Family Reunion' on October 28th at Pennway Place, presented by Native Digital.

The Addy’s Family Reunion was the theme for Ad Wars 2021, the Ad Club of Kansas City’s advertising trivia night and largest annual fundraiser. Held on Halloween weekend for the first time, the event called for a theme that embraced the holiday while creating a memorable, immersive experience.

Posters for the Addy's Family Reunion event, one purple and one red, with decorative gold borders and text detailing the date and activities, displayed on a wall with gray concrete and black metal patterned surface.
Design template for a tombstone device holder for a family reunion. Includes spaces for logos, front, back, and side views, with instructions for text and graphic elements, and color codes.
A miniature tombstone with the inscription "ADDY'S FAMILY LOVE" on a game board, surrounded by tiny orange leaves.
Four smartphones displaying social media posts and graphics related to a wedding or event on a light gray background.
Purple background with a large white '13' in the center, decorative brown tribal patterns in the corners, and text in the top left corner reading 'Presented by Native Digital.' Bottom right corner has the logo 'The Addy's Family Reunion.'
Purple background with a large white '13' in the center, decorative brown tribal patterns in the corners, and text in the top left corner reading 'Presented by Native Digital.' Bottom right corner has the logo 'The Addy's Family Reunion.'
Save the date digital invitation for October 28, 2021, with a dark purple and red gradient background featuring an intricate black and purple geometric heart design.
Text graphic reading 'The Addy's Family Reunion' on a dark red background.

The goal was to make attendees feel as though they had stepped into a dinner party at the Addams Family mansion. As Creative Director, I led the visual direction and event experience, including:

  • Developing custom event branding that pushed the Ad Club’s visual identity while remaining within brand guidelines

  • Designing a functional, budget-conscious take-home gift in partnership with sponsor 3DHQ

  • Producing all printed and digital graphic elements for the event

  • Collaborating with florists, lighting designers, and decorators to create a cohesive, atmospheric space

  • Sourcing additional décor to complete the immersive experience and deliver a memorable “wow” moment

As the club’s first in-person event in more than a year, Ad Wars exceeded expectations and surpassed its fundraising goal.