Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

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Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

Explore More

Visual Brand Identity

Women+Film Festival 2024

Photo of a night scene in front of a movie theater marquee reading "Women + Film Festival" which is lit up; beside it is a framed poster reading "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
In a dark movie theater, the cinema screen is glowing and on the screen is the artwork for “Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Industry
Entertainment & Media
Year
2024
Client
Women+Film Festival x Denver Film

Transforming a request for something "floral and feminine" into a profound visual brand identity, I anchored my work in symbolic meaning and sacred imagery, drawing from a lineage of creative and sapphic women. This design system honors women's sovereign creative power, awakening and affirming their narratives.

Honoring the Creative Force of Women

By combining deep listening with design expertise, I crafted a visual sanctuary that resonated with authenticity. This approach transformed the festival's core values into a vibrant space, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of women's stories in film.

Celebrating Women's Creative Sovereignty

The festival's branding was a tribute to women's creative sovereignty, infused with rich feminist and sapphic symbolism. The design reflects radical femininity and unapologetic expression, drawing inspiration from cultural pioneers and visionaries.

Symbolic Foundation

  • Feminist & Sapphic Symbolism: Each element embodies radical femininity, from the glowing amber house to indigo Gerbera daisies, highlighting women's strength and creativity.

  • Lineage of Influence: Influences from Virginia Woolf, Julie Dash, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Cauleen Smith informed the design, merging surrealism with feminist themes to create a dreamlike quality.


Visual Conceptualization

  • A Room of One's Own: A glowing amber house symbolizes creative transformation and liberation, inspired by Woolf's call to transcend traditional confines.

  • From the Hearth to the Horizon: Smoke morphing into torn pages and blossoms symbolizes the alchemy of turning pain into beauty through women's cinematic lenses.

  • A Palette of Radiance & Reclamation: Deep hues create a sacred gradient that speaks to resistance and healing.

  • Symbolic Flora: Violas, pansies, bluebells, and indigo Gerbera daisies symbolize queer love, resilience, honesty, and feminine power.


Real Impact

Elevating Women+Film Festival Through Visual Storytelling

My work forged deep emotional connections and authentic representation through compelling visuals, embedding symbolic and culturally resonant elements that honor and amplify women's voices.

Transformational Outcomes

Despite a tight 3-week timeline and limited resources, this high-profile festival saw transformative results with a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 35% surge in social media interactions, proving the visual identity's resonance with audiences.

Fostering Community and Belonging

Attendees reported feeling recognized, celebrated, and connected. The visual elements wove individual stories into a shared mosaic of experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Honoring Women's Creative Power

The festival's platform and visual identity acknowledged women's sovereignty and creative power, becoming a sanctuary of inclusivity and empowerment. This visual journey transformed the Women+Film Festival into a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of women's narratives in shaping cultural dialogues and igniting change.

Moodboard for Women+Film Festival on an orange wall with purple wordmark. Elements include: film strip with a still from the film Dandelion (woman playing guitar in front of a display of guitars) and a still from the film Every Little Thing with a hummingbird flying towards a plant; a film still from Julie Dash’s Praise House (orange color graded image of a woman’s face); a dried indigo colored Gerbera daisy, a handwritten quote by Virginia Woolf on notepaper, color swatches for a rose color and burnt Sienna; a postcard with artwork for ‘La Ruta Más Corta’ with illustration of people sitting and viewing a growth of large purple flowers; a photo of Virginia Woolf; a photo of a purple and orange sunset; an image from Cauleen Smith’s artwork ‘Give It or Leave It’ (a room full of sculptures and projections on the wall, purples, blues, greens), and an image of Leonora Carrington’s piece “The Caged Moon” which is a painting depicting a woman spoon-feeding a caged moon.
Photo of two iPhones displaying Instagram post and story respectively promoting the Women+Film Festival. The post includes the Women+Film Festival wordmark with red violet collage elements, floral illustrations, reads “All-access passes on sale now!”, and dates “April 14-17”, and a photo of a group of four young people in front of a step-and-repeat. The Instagram story has the Women+Film Festival wordmark; with journal page collage elements and floral motifs and reads “tickets on sale and program live in 5 days.”
Photo of two wheat-pasted posters on a concrete wall, to the right of a tree with red leaves: the poster says "Women+Film Festival", rendered in purples and orange watercolor textures, with a glowing orange home on a purple hill, a woman's silhouette in the window, and from the chimney there is "smoke" made up out of journal pages, flowers, and film strips. Art and design by Allison Heistand.
Photo of two all-access badges for the Women+Film Festival on purple lanyards on a dark purple watercolor background; the badges have a red-violet journal page background with yellow serif Women+Film Festival word mark with illustrations of purple flowers on them. Art and design by Allison Heistand.

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