The Intermission: Grad Show

Hardcore music is a derivation of Punk Rock that emerged during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The design of this collection complies with the genre and includes two posters, a collector’s ticket (with ticket jacket) and a schedule of the event. United by Hardcore is a3-dayindependent hardcore music festival in Canada. The festival takes place in Toronto, Ontario and includes 35 + bands from different sub-genres within hardcore. The festival brings together a group of kids that would seem like angry, oppressive, clique-like groups to the outside, but no matter the race or gender they are all accepted at United by Hardcore.

Many hardcore shows and festivals (including United by Hardcore) have inconsistent designs that are used to promote the event. These events are about uniting people who have similar interests and passions. This led me to create a consistent brand.

The first step was creating awareness of the event, as well as appealing to the target audience (fans of hardcore music). The goal is to create interest and excitement about the event. This was done by creating two different posters.

The first poster focuses the older bracket in the target audience (20-30years old) by putting emphasis on the three headlining bands. Individuals who have been involved in the hardcore music scene for a longer time tend to care more about headlining musicians, this is because the headliners don’t tour as often as the other bands. Along with the headliners came the idea of using tattoos to grab attention. Tattoos are a big part of the hardcore culture, in fact most of the older individuals are either covered or have a few.

The second poster appeals the overall target audience (16-30years old). This was done by listing all the bands and which days they will be performing. By listing the bands and dates,the audience is provided with an overview of what to expect on each day of the festival and allows the potential attendees to plan what bands they want to see.

The second step was developing a ticket & ticket sleeve that corresponded with the poster design. Once people become interested in the event, they have to commit to the event by purchasing tickets. When the individual sees an appealing ticket, it amplifies the excitement. It unifies the poster and ticket, connecting the person to the event.

Lastly, was designing a programme to give attendees at the event. The pamphlet entails information on the event and bands, set times, key events, and a map of the venue. The idea of designing a small programme came from the issue of carrying around a booklet. The programme is designed to fit into attendees’ pockets or attach to their keychains, this idea was also inspired by the fact that moshing is popular in the hardcore music scene.