Wynwood Pride 2020
Creative Direction, Design, Motion Graphics, and Event Production
Creative Direction, Design, Motion Graphics, and Event Production
Wynwood Pride 2020 was a unique challenge that pushed me to wear multiple hats, from graphic designer and video editor to creative director, motion designer, and social media coordinator. This project was particularly meaningful to me as I donated all my time and work pro-bono, driven by my deep support for the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for equality. Every artist and performer also contributed their time and talent for free, making this event a true collective effort for an important cause.
Originally planned as a large, in-person, 3-day festival, Wynwood Pride had to adapt quickly in the face of the pandemic. In just two weeks, a small team of four—including myself—guerrilla-produced the entire event as a digital experience. Partnering with platforms like Twitch, Zoom, and Instagram, we were able to pivot seamlessly into the virtual space, reaching thousands of viewers and raising nearly $30,000 for PLUS1, supporting both the LGBTQ+ community and Black Lives Matter.
Learning Video Editing & Motion Graphics
One of the biggest challenges of this project was diving into video editing—a skill I hadn’t previously mastered. With little experience, I quickly taught myself everything from the ground up. I immersed myself in tutorials, learning about codecs, frame rates, and video editing workflows. It was a crash course in both technical and creative skills, and I was determined to deliver polished, professional content for our live streams.
As I expanded my knowledge, I also ventured into motion graphics, creating chirons, frames, banners, stingers, and other dynamic overlays for the streams. These visual elements were crucial for adding personality and polish to the event, helping the online audience feel as engaged as they would at an in-person festival. I even learned how to optimize all this content for live streaming, ensuring smooth performance on platforms like Twitch, Zoom, and Instagram. By the end of the project, I had not only gained a new skill set but had also developed a deeper understanding of video production that would continue to serve me in future projects.
Roles & Challenges
My role extended beyond creative direction and design. The short timeline meant many sleepless nights fueled by Cuban coffee, but the passion behind the project kept us moving forward.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of the project was creating the lineup poster. While the overall look and theme had already been determined, the talent confirmations came in at the last minute, which made updating the poster a challenge. I opted for a simple grid layout with justified text, ensuring that the strong rectangular shapes and solid color blocks contrasted well with the chaotic, moving liquid background. The bright color accents worked to subtly evoke the spirit of Pride while aligning with the structured, digital aesthetic of the virtual event.
Creative Concept: "Digital Heat"
The creative concept for Wynwood Pride 2020 was based on the theme of “Digital Heat,” reflecting the transition from a live festival to a fully online experience. Drawing inspiration from this theme, I experimented with gradient maps, liquid metal, and magma-like textures to create dynamic backgrounds that visually conveyed temperature through color and texture. The goal was to evoke the warmth and intensity of a live event, even though it was happening digitally.
To contrast the fluid, molten backgrounds, I used a pixelated, square-based font that had a rigid, digital feel—grounding the design in the virtual space. The neon hues of the rainbow color palette (symbolizing Pride) were used for both the gradients and the typography, allowing the liquid textures and hard, digital elements to work in harmony. This balance between the flowy, organic backgrounds and the sharp, geometric font created a dynamic visual that felt both lively and futuristic.
The interplay of these elements emphasized the contrast between the softness of the natural world and the hard edges of the digital one, yet they complemented each other through shared vibrant neon tones. The result was a visual identity that not only aligned with the digital nature of the event but also maintained the bold, celebratory energy of Wynwood Pride.
An Impressive Lineup for a Great Cause
Wynwood Pride 2020 boasted an incredible lineup of performances and appearances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Artists like Sofi Tukker, Big Freedia, Orville Peck, Caroline Polachek, Kali Uchis, Rebecca Black, and many more came together to support the LGBTQ+ community and the Black Lives Matter movement. It was truly inspiring to see such diverse and influential artists donate their time and talent for this important cause.
The fact that every performer was fully committed to making the event a success—despite the challenges of transitioning to a virtual format—made the experience even more special. Their collective efforts helped us raise nearly $30,000 for PLUS1, supporting marginalized communities during a time when unity and activism were needed most. Watching these talented artists come together for a greater purpose was not only cool but deeply impactful, bringing an incredible energy to the event that resonated with viewers around the world.
Impact
Despite the hurdles, Wynwood Pride 2020 was a resounding success. The event not only highlighted the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community but also brought people together virtually to support vital causes. The strong creative direction, paired with a collective, grassroots production effort, proved that even in challenging times, Pride could continue to thrive and make a difference. The digital event raised both awareness and funds, demonstrating the power of creativity, collaboration, and community.
