Tempe Empty Bowls was looking for a refresh on their branding and custom social media content leading up to their main event in February. I created a few different logos for them to choose from, updated their website, interviewed ceramicists for Instagram reels, created flyers and provided event coverage.
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The target audience for Tempe Empty Bowls consists of individuals who are passionate about supporting their local community, fighting hunger, and engaging in creative, charitable events. This includes local residents, families, foodies, and art enthusiasts, as well as individuals with a strong interest in social causes and sustainability. Attendees are typically those who value hands-on involvement in philanthropic initiatives, such as purchasing handcrafted bowls from local artists to raise funds for food assistance programs. Additionally, it appeals to community-minded professionals, college students, and donors who want to make a tangible impact on alleviating food insecurity in the Tempe area. The event brings together people who want to enjoy a meaningful, fun experience while contributing to an important cause.
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Marketing Tempe Empty Bowls came with several obstacles, particularly in effectively reaching a broad, diverse audience and highlighting the event’s mission. One significant challenge was standing out amidst the many local charitable events. Additionally, we needed to create a deeper connection between attendees and the artists, while also ensuring the event resonated with the community as both a charitable cause and a creative experience. Another difficulty was communicating the event’s purpose and generating excitement in a visually compelling way, without overwhelming the audience with too much information.
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To address these challenges, I employed a variety of strategies to boost visibility and engagement. For live event coverage, I captured real-time moments, which not only engaged attendees but also attracted those unable to attend. Instagram Reels proved highly effective for showcasing interviews with local ceramicists, which allowed for a personal connection between artists and the community. I designed impactful flyers for distribution in local businesses and community centers, ensuring wide exposure and reach. Furthermore, I overhauled the website and revamped the branding, creating a cohesive and modern look that communicated the event's mission more effectively. This combination of strategies successfully boosted attendance and engagement, while fostering a greater sense of community support for the cause.
Rebrand
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For Tempe Empty Bowls, I chose earth tones for the branding and design to reflect the natural beauty of clay and glaze, elements central to the event’s artistic foundation. Colors like terrocatta red, a bright eccentric green, a warm plum and creamy whites evoke the organic, earthy tones of handcrafted ceramics, connecting the audience with the art of bowl-making. To further enhance this connection, I incorporated a speckled texture, reminiscent of the unique patterns found in pottery after firing. This texture not only added visual interest but also symbolized the diversity of the ceramic pieces created by local artists, reinforcing the event's focus on community, craftsmanship, and the act of giving.
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I felt it was important to redesign the Tempe Empty Bowls logo to improve its clarity and make it more versatile across various platforms and materials. The original logo, while meaningful, had some challenges—particularly when scaled down, as the text became difficult to read. The font also felt a bit outdated and didn’t fully capture the vibrant, artistic spirit of the event. Additionally, the "bowl" element wasn’t as recognizable as it could have been, which is such a key part of the event's identity. By updating the logo, I aimed to create something that would be visually appealing, easy to read, and more aligned with the creative, community-driven nature of Tempe Empty Bowls, while still honoring the event’s roots.
