NextNW Creative Week
Art Direction and Event Campaign
Collaborated with one of broadhead PDX’s senior copywriters and the design director in building out this concept to pitch to NextNW.
OVERVIEW
Create branding for Creative Week 2025, NextNW’s new annual tradition. Promote the three facets of the week: Learning, Partying, and Recovering.
PROJECT
A simple ask with small expectations became a testament to the Pacific Northwest’s creativity.
RESULT
Context
NextNW is paving the way for new traditions in a post-Portland Ad Federation world. The previous year they held an awards show involving some of the most important advertising agencies in the area. Including but not limited to: Wieden + Kennedy, VML, Opinionated, and Swift. Although the reception was good, it still had all the awkwardness involved when first trying to figure something out. This year things would be different.
They approached one of their close affiliates, broadhead, for branding the newly created Portland Creative Week. Although the awards were the hook, they also wanted to highlight workshops and networking events happening before and after the ceremonies.
We wanted to emphasize the rebellious and environmentalist mindset of the Portland creative scene. While also avoiding the usual tropes such as bigfoot and evergreen trees. In tandem with all of that we reference the fact that this week is not just multi-faceted by nature. It is also transformative in approach.
Platform
The idea revolves around the evolution of something untamed, and captivating. A metaphorical “new animal” symbolizing change, adaptability, and the power of the unexpected. Shed old conventions and embrace dynamic new possibilities.
Creative Directors:
Walt Burns, Patti Bateman, & Steve Cox
Account Manager:
Jaime Komitor
Copywriters:
Steve Cox & Anand Kailasam
Art Director:
Anand Kailasam
Client:
NextNW
Created By:
broadhead.