May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024

Back to projects

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, D.C.

Category:

Print | Digital

Client:

Katherine Cabrera

Katherine Cabrera

Designer

I wanted the designs to feel like standing under the blossoms, bright, joyful, and full of life.

I wanted to make a campaign that represented the blossoms and honored the joy of spring. My goal was to capture not just their visual beauty, but also the energy they bring to people gathering in celebration. Through vibrant colors, playful illustrations, and a modern design system, I translated that seasonal feeling into a campaign that feels both timeless and fresh.

I wanted to make a campaign that represented the blossoms and honored the joy of spring. My goal was to capture not just their visual beauty, but also the energy they bring to people gathering in celebration. Through vibrant colors, playful illustrations, and a modern design system, I translated that seasonal feeling into a campaign that feels both timeless and fresh.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved spring tradition in Washington D.C., commemorating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan and celebrating the friendship between the two nations. For this rebranding project, I developed a visual system that honors the festival’s cultural heritage while energizing its modern-day presence. A vibrant palette of pinks, greens, and yellows evokes the blossoms in full bloom, paired with dynamic floral illustrations and clean, structured typography to create a sense of movement and joy. The deliverables included a poster series, a detailed festival program booklet, a merchandise line (tote bag, lanyard, badge, and keychain), and digital assets for social media promotions. The campaign was designed to feel approachable and celebratory, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with the festival’s events—from the opening parade to the Pink Tie Party, while reinforcing its identity as a cultural and seasonal highlight of the city.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved spring tradition in Washington D.C., commemorating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan and celebrating the friendship between the two nations. For this rebranding project, I developed a visual system that honors the festival’s cultural heritage while energizing its modern-day presence. A vibrant palette of pinks, greens, and yellows evokes the blossoms in full bloom, paired with dynamic floral illustrations and clean, structured typography to create a sense of movement and joy. The deliverables included a poster series, a detailed festival program booklet, a merchandise line (tote bag, lanyard, badge, and keychain), and digital assets for social media promotions. The campaign was designed to feel approachable and celebratory, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with the festival’s events—from the opening parade to the Pink Tie Party, while reinforcing its identity as a cultural and seasonal highlight of the city.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved spring tradition in Washington D.C., commemorating the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan and celebrating the friendship between the two nations. For this rebranding project, I developed a visual system that honors the festival’s cultural heritage while energizing its modern-day presence. A vibrant palette of pinks, greens, and yellows evokes the blossoms in full bloom, paired with dynamic floral illustrations and clean, structured typography to create a sense of movement and joy. The deliverables included a poster series, a detailed festival program booklet, a merchandise line (tote bag, lanyard, badge, and keychain), and digital assets for social media promotions. The campaign was designed to feel approachable and celebratory, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with the festival’s events—from the opening parade to the Pink Tie Party, while reinforcing its identity as a cultural and seasonal highlight of the city.

Project gallery

Project gallery

Project gallery

Highlights

Vibrant Visual Language

The campaign’s core identity is built around a bold, uplifting palette and layered floral motifs that immediately evoke the arrival of spring. Each element was carefully chosen to capture the joy, movement, and anticipation of the festival. This ensures every piece, from posters to merchandise, radiates the celebratory spirit of the event.

Cultural Connection

A functional yet stylish space designed for effortless cooking and entertaining. The cabinetry, finished in light, neutral shades like white or soft gray, is paired with natural wooden countertops that add warmth to the clean design. Open shelving above the countertops showcases neatly arranged ceramic dishes, glass jars, and small potted herbs, blending beauty with functionality.

Multi-Platform Cohesion

From posters and programs to merchandise and social media, the campaign was built to adapt seamlessly across platforms. Defined type styles, adaptable blossom motifs, and consistent color applications kept the system unified while flexible. This cohesion builds recognition and excitement across every audience touchpoint.

Details

Color Palette

Bright pinks, fresh greens, and warm yellows accented with soft neutrals to balance vibrancy with elegance, reflecting both the blossoms’ seasonal beauty and brand legibility.

Materials and Textures

A modern sans-serif system using weight and scale to create hierarchy and clarity. This keeps messaging accessible while letting illustration and color provide energy.

Illustration & Texture

Hand-drawn blossom motifs layered with clean vector elements to create depth, motion, and tactility. These textures reinforce the floral theme while keeping the brand contemporary.