Case Study

Downtown for the Holidays

A winning proposal — and a brand that now lives all over downtown Portland.

Client

Portland Alliance

Year

2025

Scope

Brand Identity, Icon Illustration, Print & Collateral, Merchandise

Downtown for the Holidays — event photography
Overview

Just sprucing things up a bit

After the success of the Portland Staycation campaign, we were invited to submit a proposal for Portland's yearly Downtown for the Holidays campaign. Our proposal was selected, and we built out the brand direction for the entire campaign. It's appeared in print, online advertisements, on the website, and all over the downtown Portland area.

Identity

The lockup

Downtown for the Holidays — primary logo
Downtown for the Holidays logo — gold version
Downtown for the Holidays logo — blue version
Downtown for the Holidays sweatshirt
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 2
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 8
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 3
Downtown for the Holidays brochure — front
Downtown for the Holidays brochure — back
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 7
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 5
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 6
Approach

Illustration-led

To accompany the sharp script and chiseled headline type duo, we created a set of slightly imperfect, hand-drawn icons that gives the system a more human edge. Snowflakes and multi-colored string lights round out the design kit, adding a playful counterpoint to the deep teals, dark reds, and pastel tints that carry through the campaign.

Icon System

Twelve icons. Three color suites.

Bag — red
BalletSlippers — red
Beer — red
Carolers — red
Gingerbread — red
Mug — red
Snowman — red
StringLights — red
Train — red
Tree — red
Tuba — red
Yeti — red
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 9
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 10
Downtown for the Holidays — photo 12
Results

Portland shows up for the holidays

From print and online advertisements to street-level signage across the district, the campaign became a recognizable presence throughout Portland's holiday season. Cheers to next year!

Next Project

Commonwealth

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