LA Philharmonic
Print Design
For the landmark 100th anniversary of the LA Philharmonic Gala, YYES was invited to design a commemorative invitation package that would reflect the event’s historic significance and celebrate the theme of Past, Present, Future. I contributed to the development of a custom logo and a relevant visual identity system, which was applied across print materials using specialty techniques and luxurious finishes. The branding extended beyond the invitation to unify the entire event experience.
Client:
LA Philharmonic
Role:
Concept Illustration, Layout Design, Typography, Print Production
Agency:
Challenge
The LA Philharmonic’s annual Gala is a cornerstone of its donor engagement and one of its most prestigious events. The 100th anniversary presented a rare opportunity to design something truly commemorative of the institution’s history and audience expectations. The challenge was to honor the legacy of the LA Phil while creating a design system that felt forward-looking and fresh. It was executed with a high level of craft within a premium production budget.
Objective
We aimed to create a cohesive and visually compelling invitation package and event collateral that embodied the Gala’s centennial theme: Past, Present, Future. The design needed to reflect the elegance and prestige of the LA Philharmonic while serving as a functional tool to engage donors, increase attendance, and enhance the event’s overall sense of occasion.
Results
We developed a custom centennial logo and a timeless visual identity inspired by the Gala’s theme. The invitation featured luxury paper stock and specialty print treatments, including foil and embossing, to create a tactile and memorable piece. The system was extended to event materials such as programs, menus, and signage, creating a seamless experience for guests. The final design struck a balance between tradition and innovation, helping set the tone for a historic celebration.
The logo was inspired by the angles of the LA Philharmonic logo, and the hands of a clock representing time. From the logo, three patterns were developed to represent past, present, and future.
The custom pattern was implemented on the outside of the invitation package in a spot UV.
The invitation package included a save the date, custom envelope, six-piece invitation, reply card and reply envelope.
The branding was extended to event-day collateral such as a catalogue, event ticket, and dinner menu.