A Graphics Package Worthy of Champions

For the 2024 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards, I partnered with the Heartlent Group to lead the development of a full-scale graphics package that brought the event to life across multiple touchpoints.

Ahead of the ceremony, I created promotional materials for social media and news outlets to build anticipation.

For the event itself, I developed a suite of motion graphics, including:

  • Dynamic logo loops for the venue and broadcast

  • Pre and post-award announcement graphics

  • Lower thirds and transition packs for social media recaps

  • A five-minute looping tribute video honoring past Sportsperson of the Year winners—a special feature to mark the award’s 70th anniversary

With full creative freedom (aside from corporate branding guidelines), I initially pitched a range of diverse creative approaches before refining a final direction based on stakeholder feedback. This collaborative process allowed us to lock in the vision quickly, ensuring a high-impact execution within a tight turnaround.

Honorees included Simone Biles (Sportsperson of the Year), Dikembe Mutombo (Muhammad Ali Legacy Award), Travis Hunter (Breakout Star of the Year), Jessica Berman (Innovator of the Year), and Arden Pala (Sports Kid of the Year).

CREATIVE LEAD, MOTION DESIGNER, EVENT GRAPHICS DESIGNER, SOCIAL CONTENT DESIGNER, BRAND STRATEGIST, PROJECT COLLABORATOR

WHERE IT WAS FEATURED:

sportsillustrated.com and social channels, ABC New’s Good Morning America, pagesix.com, people.com

Creative Directions Pitched.

  • Inspiration: The iconic neon lights and glitz of Las Vegas.

    Visual Style:

    • Color Palette: Vibrant neon tones (electric blue, hot pink, gold) against a dark backdrop.

    • Typography: Bold sans-serif fonts with glowing effects, reminiscent of retro Vegas signs.

    • Backgrounds: Dynamic animations of lights turning on and off, marquee-inspired patterns, and stylized Vegas skylines.

    • Motion Graphics:

      • Pulsing neon frames that highlight the award categories.

      • Transitions inspired by casino slot reels spinning or cards flipping.

    • Screen Usage: Works for large-scale screens with oversized glowing text for readability.

    Tagline Option: "Where Sports Meet Stardom Under the Neon Lights."

  • Inspiration: The luxury and sophistication of high-end Las Vegas casinos.

    Visual Style:

    • Color Palette: Black, gold, and deep red, accented by sleek metallic textures.

    • Typography: Elegant serif fonts paired with modern sans-serif for a contemporary look.

    • Backgrounds: Subtle patterns of poker chips, dice, and roulette wheels rendered in gold outlines.

    • Motion Graphics:

      • Animations of golden chips stacking up or cards shuffling into place.

      • Transitions mimicking the spinning motion of a roulette wheel or cascading poker chips.

    • Screen Usage: A sophisticated yet bold package that blends glamour with sport.

    Tagline Option: "The Odds Are in Your Favor Tonight."

  • Inspiration: The bold, theatrical energy of Las Vegas stage shows.

    Visual Style:

    • Color Palette: Red, silver, and spotlight white with hints of shimmer.

    • Typography: Oversized, dynamic letters with dramatic lighting effects.

    • Backgrounds: Stage curtains parting to reveal the awards, spotlight beams cutting through a smoky background.

    • Motion Graphics:

      • Dramatic zoom-ins with spotlights illuminating the award names.

      • Transitions featuring a stage curtain sweep or a "lights up" effect.

    • Screen Usage: Designed for dramatic reveals on stage and large projection areas.

    Tagline Option: "Where the Spotlight Finds Legends."

  • Inspiration: Classic casino motifs with a modern sports twist.
    Visual Style:

    • Color Palette: Bright reds, greens, and whites, paired with gold accents.

    • Typography: Modern blocky fonts with subtle bevels, like playing card lettering.

    • Backgrounds: Stylized chips, dice, and card suits subtly integrated into the design.

    • Motion Graphics:

      • Sports elements (like basketballs or footballs) rolling or bouncing into casino imagery.

      • Transitions with spinning chips or cascading dice that reveal award categories.

    • Screen Usage: High-energy animations that bring the excitement of sports and gambling together.

    Tagline Option: "Bet on Greatness."

The Branding.

Looping Stage
Graphics.

These dynamic videos were designed for two distinct moments in the awards show. The videos on the left were created to play as the winner is announced and while they make their way to the stage. These have a bit more energy, ensuring a celebratory feel without being overwhelming on such a large screen. In contrast, the videos on the right feature only subtle movement of the winner’s name and award title. Since these played throughout the athlete’s speech, the goal was to maintain an elegant presence without distracting from their moment in the spotlight.

SOCIAL MEDIA

✦

SOCIAL MEDIA ✦

From Concept to Stage: My Work at the SI Awards

Next Project ➺