Let the good times roll! Mardi Gras is one of the largest celebrations in the South, drawing vibrant crowds to take part in the rich traditions along the Gulf Coast. While festivities span multiple cities, New Orleans, LA stands as the most iconic destination, hosting a month-long series of parades, performances, and cultural events throughout the Carnival season. For this project, the goal was to develop a branding system that captures the energy, rhythm, and heritage of Mardi Gras that is inspired by parade culture.

Discovery

Moodboard

For my moodboard, I was influenced by the New Orleans jazz scene. I drew inspiration from posters that showcased the feel of the city when jazz music can be heard down the streets, hoping to evoke a similar feeling for the parades during Mardi Gras.

Sketches

My sketches can be categorized into two different ideas — the first is looking in on a scene of the streets during Mardi Gras and the second is focused on the jazz scene in the city.

Digital Drafts

I chose to create drafts for designs that depicted a scene of what Mardi Gras looks like in New Orleans, such as what the ground looks like after a parade or a float goes down the street. From here, I was able to simplify the idea to more of a concept rather than a literal depiction for my final design.