"Scott Pemberton Trio" Artist Event Series

• Client: Scott Pemberton Trio (Portland, OR)

• Location: The Goodfoot / Star Theater (Portland, OR)

• Roles: Illustration, Graphic Design

• Scope: Holiday Event Branding, Commemorative Posters, Social Identity

• Mediums: Analog Pen & Ink, Digital Color & Typography

Creative Lead

For the Portland-based Scott Pemberton Trio, I served as the visual architect for their marquee holiday performances and theater appearances. My role was to bridge the gap between the band’s "timber-rock" sonic energy and a distinct, collectable visual brand. I managed the creative evolution of their event identities over multiple seasons, ensuring that high-pressure dates like Halloween and New Year's Eve were anchored by iconic, narrative-driven artwork that drove ticket sales and served as premium merchandise.

Vision

The vision for the Scott Pemberton series was to create a sonic aesthetic. For the Halloween at the Goodfoot and Star Theater shows, I developed a recurring creature narrative—mirroring Scott’s wild, finger-style guitar approach and the rugged Pacific Northwest identity of the band. For the New Year's Eve release, I pivoted the visual tone to feel expansive and celebratory, ensuring each poster felt like a unique chapter in the band's touring history.

Creative Strategy

I engineered a consistent visual vocabulary for the artist. I anticipated the needs of two very different venue scales—the intimate, basement vibe of the Goodfoot and the larger architectural stage of the Star Theater—and adjusted the typographic hierarchy to ensure legibility across all promotional channels. By maintaining a hand-drawn, "artisan" foundation for every piece, I reinforced the band’s reputation as a "musician’s band," creating artifacts that fans value long after the house lights come up.

Human Element

This series highlights my commitment to long-term collaboration. Working with a powerhouse like Scott Pemberton requires an "ear for the visual"—understanding the rhythm of the music and translating it into ink. My "human-centered" approach involves treating every poster as a collaborative performance.